That's right. Let me put it this way. In Japan when you say you like MHR and haven't heard about either Stratovarius, Fair Warning, Harem Scarem, or Dream Theater you might feel like an outcast. I still feel that way not having heard of the artists I mentioned except Fair Warning.

Yngswei Malmsteen is treated as superstar in Japan and one of BURRN magazine (Japanese Heavy Metal magazine) readers favorite.

At Vance is welcomed by wide variety of rock fans as heir of Symphonic Rock Superstars such as Yngswei and Stratovarius.

In Japan Heavy Metal sells a lot so the popularity in hard rock community counts a lot to album sales.

I hope this helps

Regards

Susumu