Here is a list of 16 things that would actually stop hardcore Sony fans to not import the PS Vita on release in Japan :

1. Warranty would be invalid to non-Japanese Vita owners.
2. You will need a Japanese PSN account to download games, DLC and Demos. Which is not possible to non-Japanese region gamers. This would make all those in Western Countries who own a Japanese PSN account angry as their accounts would become invalid.
3. All the Vita games will be in Japanese language only and will not be patched to translate and/or localize Japanese region games.
4. You will be unable to find parts for the Vita, making Ebay your port of call, which could result in expensive bills as Sony more than likely won't repair imported PS Vita's.
5. The AC adapter will not be useable outside Japan.
6. All instruction manuals will be in Japanese, with English manuals only coming with Western models of the Vita.
7. Compatible Flash sticks sold in Western Countries may not work with a Japanese PS Vita.
8. There is only enough stock to cover the region of Japan.
9. There will probably be drastic hardware tweaks made to the Vita during it's Japanese run. Before it heads to the rest of the world
10. There currently are no English mainstream titles.
11. Import fees can really add up.
12. Shipping can take awhile. Depending on the method and location of where you are.
13. The control scheme is different. This would only matter, if you are unable to change it via the Vita's system settings.
14. Retailers and online stores in Japan could refuse to ship the PS Vita to locations outside of the country.
15. The cost of the Vita in Japan currently puts the price of the handheld at ¥29,980 ( US $390 ) for the 3G version and ¥24,980 ( US $325 ) for the Wi-FI only model. This puts the price of the Vita at nearly US $100 more than when it will be when it hits Western Countries in “Ealy 2012″.
16. Add a firmware update into the PS Vita on day one that will re-engage the system's Region lock and stop people from playing Western games on a Japanese Vita.