Microsoft Corp.'s first-ever tablet computer will hit the Japanese market in two weeks, the company said Friday, hoping to break the iPad's domination.

Five months after its debut in several other countries, Microsoft's Surface RT tablet will reach store shelves here March 15, Microsoft Japan President Yasuyuki Higuchi announced during a media event in Tokyo.

"Finally, the Surface RT will debut in Japan . . . many customers and our partners have asked me when the Surface RT will come in Japan," Higuchi said.