This is where I would put a big thing about how long it takes to translate the game's text and then stuff it onto a blu-ray, but I just remembered that Blu-rays are region-free, and it's PD's job to send out the information to translators so that each country's language is represented, so that, when they put it in their PS3, the correct language comes up.
However, the game STILL has to be shipped to the different regional Headquarters, and then out to the retailers. And usually, when a game goes "Gold" it means it's finished and shipped to retailers and it's 30-days away from it's initial launch. However, sometimes countries don't get their disks in time, or not enough or whatever. Really, it's up to the regional HQ that decides when the game's going to be released in a particular country.
On another note: If Sony's already getting the translations done, then pretty much, what they'd be doing know is putting the finishing touches on the game. It would mean, all the cars, tracks, features and what not are pretty much finished. (There maybe 1 or 2 cars that don't quiet make the launch, but they're text would probably already be on the list, anyway.) So, it would seem that they're working on the last few cars maybe...maybe a track...maybe fine tuning a feature, probably doing some graphical work...kinda like putting the finishing touches on a setup before a big party: Chips: check, Dip: Check, Beer: Umm....gotta pick some up...
. I hope EU gets free DLC as compensation as some Japanese developers do when some countries are delayed.
for their "delay?" 
