Sony Corp. said Wednesday it has no plans to release "The Interview" in Japan, a controversial comedy about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

A spokesman declined to explain the decision in detail, saying only that markets are chosen after weighing up a range of factors, including whether the theme is suited for the region.

He said the company had decided not to screen the film in Japan before hackers attacked its computer network.

The movie's website says Australia and New Zealand are the only countries in the Asian region where it will be shown.

The movie is distributed by Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., which is part of the Sony group.