Softbank to launch iPhone in Japan July 11

Wednesday 11th June, 05:11 AM JST

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

11 Comments

romulus3 at 10:33 PM JST - 10th June

blah blah blah. romulus needs no such thing what with the old wireless, telegraph and phonogram back at his house. ahh yes, well with that said, now a bit of phrenology study and off to bed before its too late.
noborito at 07:01 AM JST - 11th June

start out by showing it's neg. points. so Japanese.
Fair dinkum! at 11:03 AM JST - 11th June

Is it a phone? Is it an MP3 player? Is it a computer? I want one so I can hold it high on the train and watch all the other people glare in awe of my 'whatever it is'.
Agnosto at 02:40 PM JST - 11th June

funny comments. It will be interesting to see how many Japanese people buy these though even when J-phones are so much better....
DXXJP at 02:52 PM JST - 11th June

No for once there is a phone built out of japan that can compete, Well as long as the app store works or savvy people can install 3rd party apps. I was always impressed with what the Japanese made and always felt cheated when I looked for something as good out of the country, but finally there is something that's just as shinny and and aand a hell they just think your packin a ipod touch anyways.

Look for the price being 2 to 3 times higher and the Gestapo running it. oh and forget about getting a seat at starbucks, as long as they have free wifi well you know the rest
terebiko at 03:19 PM JST - 11th June

I know a lot of Japanese people with more than one phone, and I'm sure all of the talents and idols will be running to get one, just so they can say they have one. I have never owned a mobile phone or an iPod, so I am thinking that maybe it's time to buy.... But before I invest my hard earned yen, I want to see what kind of two-year contract I have to sign-up for. I may end up just getting a 32g iPod touch instead.
p10 at 06:45 AM JST - 12th June

What a joke... it feels heavy? The new one is 133g, which is slightly heavier than the average Docomo phone but not the heaviest.

I won't dispute that Japanese phones have more features... but they're typically designed by engineers who think that cramming more stuff into it makes it a better phone. The iPhone is centered around the user being able to use all of what it offers easily. (look at mobile Safari, which is able to provide a web browsing experience almost as good as a computer)

There are some really cool Japanese phones out there, but after using an iPhone for a while, I find anything else really frustrating to do anything other than make calls with...
VoXman at 05:16 AM JST - 13th June

Yeah so what? Japan has been way ahead of the US in this cellphone game. Ever been in a Verizon wireless store in the US. Shameful. And embarassing to be an American.....My JN wife called it 1990's tech cliche
Twenty4Play at 01:55 PM JST - 16th June

I'm a huge fan of Apple.. but I have to admit, the iPhone can't compete with the run of the mill J-phone. Style-wise, it trumps most J-phones, but in terms of features, it's sorely lacking.

GPS, Email, and internet... that's all it's got! Where's the Felica, TV tuner, QR reader and high megapixel camera? So what you have 8gb of memory for music? I'll just pop in new 2gb micro SD and im on my way.
JeromeInJapan at 03:07 PM JST - 16th June

I have a sidekick and it does the job. I also have an ipod and it does the job. I see no need to buy an all in one cell phone... I mean if it needs to be repaired then im without music! Im over the trends and rages of fashion, society and keeping up with the Jones's (or Sato's). Personally im not 100% satisfied with Apple from my previous purchases and will not trust a the I phone... yet.
ShibuyaGomi at 03:59 PM JST - 16th June

While I agree with most that yes, J-phones are the most advanced in the world, I have to admit, the iphone will make them pale in comparison. I currently run a top of the line sharp model, tv tuner the works. But honestly, how many of you actually use the calendars, QR code readers or mobile manga features on your phones? The iPhone, especially with the smartphone features, MS outlook push, quality GPS instead of the crappy Navitime, wifi and 3g internet access on a beautifully huge screen that still doesnt make it look like a brick Willcomm phone. Im sorry, I love Japan, but the iPhone is where its at.