"..Japan's Trade Ministry has simplified export procedures for Sony Corp's flagship PlayStation2 video game after earlier imposing controls amid concerns that parts could be used for military purposes.

Sony played down Monday the risk to its business from the export controls, and said it could not compromise its technology just to escape a government control when it needed to stay ahead in a highly competitive market.

Analysts said the restriction had been unlikely to affect Sony's planned exports of the hugely popular game console to Europe and the United States, given the strong demand.

The company had already received permission from the trade ministry to export to the United States and Europe, officials said. Company officials said the restrictions amounted to little more than some additional paperwork.."