Hi, Cam. I am MHR fans from Japan. Lots of disucussion have been made regarding bonus tracks(that's what we call them) in other threads.

Main reason is that Japanese CD prices in general is expensive. Japanese CD cost about US $24 to $26 while imported disk cost $16 to $19. To sell Japanese disks record companies have to add extra. Another reason may be to lure the attention of Japanese music fans by adding extra music. Because many MHR releases would be more expensive in imported disk than domestic version because many of them are from indie lables. So to get recognized in Japan.
It might be wise decision to add extra for Japanese rock fans who do appreciate excellent rock talents.

Amazon com have already gotten attention to that extra track version and market has been growing even in the U.S.

Regards

Susumu