Google’s Nexus 7 is pretty big in Japan. According to a survey carried out by BCN, the Nexus managed to outsell Apple’s iPad in December.

The Nexus accounted for 44 percent of all tablet sales by volume electronic retailers in Japan. The survey was carried out in 2,400 stores and concluded that Apple’s market share was 40.1 percent.

Nikkei believes the lower price of the Nexus was a major selling point. The 16GB version of the Nexus 7 sells for 19,800 yen, compared to 42,800 yen for the iPad and 28,800 yen for the iPad mini. Apple sales were also hurt by iPad mini supply issues.

Overall, tablet sales in Japan were up 2.8-fold year-on-year in December. IDC estimates 3.6 million tablets were sold in 2012 and the volume will grow to 4.9 million this year.

More here.