Anybody got real numbers on iPhone sales in Japan?

Uncertainty held forth even before Apple and SoftBank Mobile launched the 3G in Japan on July 11, 2008. An initial survey by iShare reported in June that only 9% of respondents wanted to buy an iPhone – though painting a 9% purchase rate for a single model of phone as disappointing is arguably odd. Yet the survey has to be discounted either way, as it targeted a small sample size and took place before Apple had even announced the 3G. 

• "Study suggests most of Japan not bonkers over iPhone"

A subsequent larger survey by popular pricing site Kakaku.com showed different results: as many as half of respondents eager to consider an iPhone, with huge numbers willing to jump ship from their current carrier to SoftBank just for some of that touch screen goodness. 

• Japanese iPhone survey indicates massive demand - Part I
• Japanese iPhone survey indicates massive demand - Part II

That survey pointed to a warm reception for Apple's new baby. Yet actual sales are all that matter. How's that going for the 3G? read more »

Name: Softbank Mobile 830SH s
Category: mobile phone
Price: Open
Release date in Japan: October 25, 2008

The 3G 830SH s from Sharp and Softbank is another entry in the category of "easy to use" mobile phones aimed at "adult users" - industry terminology for seniors. The third in the GENT series, the phone has "Arc Ridge Keys" with large symbols and easy-to-push curved shape, plus a 2.4-inch, 260,000-color QVGA (240x320) LCD screen with Sharp's ASV technology. That's Advanced Super View, which Sharp says creates a wider viewing angle from all directions, as well as greater contrast and brightness. That plus anti-glare "Reflect Barrier Coating" make for easy visibility even in bright sunlight.

Included is a trial version of Professor Kawashima's "brain training" software, one of the puzzle and memory drill programs especially popular among the older set. Softbank is also playing up a dedicated button for the built-in Japanese and EJ dictionaries. Even the main font used in screens is designed for easier reading, says Softbank.

The phone has a 2-million megapixel camera and comes in Natural Brown, Warm Pink, Deep Green, and Matte Silver.

According to a government study at the end of 2007, 60% of Japanese in their late 60s use a mobile phone; over 30% of those in their 70s do so. (By comparison, in late 2003 only 22% of Docomo customers were over 50.) As the mobile-equipped senior market grows, phone manufacturers are striving to mix senior-friendly features with colorful "young" designs.

More info (Japanese): http://tinyurl.com/67zdfq

NTT Docomo will bring the BlackBerry Bold to Japan some time during the first quarter of 2009. The highest-end model from Canada's Research In Motion (RIM), the Bold boasts full browsing ability, audio and video playback, along with the line's well-known tiny physical keyboard. In Japan, the device will use Docomo's 3.6Mbps "FOMA High Speed" HSDPA service, in addition to its 80.11a/b/g WiFi and GPS connectivity. Service pricing plans remain undecided. Like the BlackBerry 8707h before it, Docomo plans to make the model available to individual buyers as well as enterprises. Specifically, Docomo aims for 70% enterprise buyers and 30% individual with the Bold, the company's president told press. (More fun to come in 2009: Docomo also expects to launch 10 handsets running Google's new Android OS.)
Press release (Japanese):
http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/info/news_release/page/080929_00.html
BlackBerry Bold (English):
http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrybold/

Take the "intelligent" car key, a wireless fob which allows unlocking your car and starting the engine by simple proximity to the vehicle. Build that functionality into a mobile phone. That's the innovative gadget convergence which Nissan, NTT Docomo and Sharp, stumped for a catchy name, have dubbed "Mobile Phone with Intelligent Key". As long as you've got your phone with you, the open road belongs to you and your Nissan. Simple as that. The companies are rushing to put the concept into production.
More info (Japanese):
http://tiny.cc/6x1SU

Product recalls and other goofs:

Who: Fuji Film
What: Battery chargers (BC-50) with lot numbers WCAA and WCAB, for the FinePix F100fd and F50fd cameras
Why: Breakage
What to do: Call 0120-611-277 in Japan
More info (Japanese):
http://fujifilm.jp/important/20080919/

Who: Apple Computer
What: USB power adapter for iPhone 3G, in North America, Japan, and several Latin American countries
Why: Prongs can break off in power outlet
What to do: Follow online instructions
More info (English):
http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/?sr=hotnews

Amazon Japan's ready to get in on that iPhone action. Just head to http://www.amazon.co.jp/ on your iPhone, and you'll find a new site layout custom-made for your handheld. It's not all products and "buy" links; while not all full-sized Amazon features are there, bestseller lists, reviews, recommendations, photo close-ups, and more will keep you busy inside the World's Largest Bookstore while you ride the Chuo Line. Works with iPod touch over WiFi too, of course.

Twice in one month? SoftBank Mobile has again lowered the minimum price of its all-you-can-eat "Packet Flat-rate Full" data plan for the iPhone 3G. The minimum fee for low packet usage, lowered earlier this month from a flat JPY5985 to JPY1695, now drops to JPY1029 per month. If you're a light data sipper, you might pay as little as JPY2324 per month for your combined White Plan, S! Basic Pack, and Packet Flat-rate Full data plan (though once you start playing with web sites and the App Store and other iPhone goodies, you're not likely to stick to that data diet).

The move is SoftBank's response to competitor DoCoMo recently dropping its minimum packet plan fee to JPY1029. Keep duking it out on price, boys; I've got lots of stuff to download!

Press release: http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/ja/news/press/2008/20080826_01/ (Japanese)
Previous price drop: http://www.tekronomicon.com/stuff/2008/08/iphone_3g_data_plan_just_got_c... (English)