japan

In Japan, iPhone over BlackBerry?

According to a recent survey, the Japanese hate the BlackBerry and love the iPhone. This Nikkei Business Publications chart reveals one possible reason: smartphones aren't generally used for business there.

iShare, which conducted the survey, also asked respondents if they "feel that the number of people carrying two mobile terminals will increase as a result of the expansion of the smartphone market."

Roughly 30 percent of all respondents said "Yes," while more than 10 percent said, "No, it will decrease" as consumers look to use one device for all of their mobile-computing needs. … Read more

Recycled phone cases ready to hit the road

Those who are familiar with Japan's Strapya will undoubtedly remember any number of its bizarre products, which usually come in the form of some misguided cell phone accessory. But there's actually a more serious side to the company, believe it or not, one that involves environmentally friendly products.

Earlier this year, for instance, Strapya came out with a solar charger small enough to fit on a keychain. And now it has released the "Zero," a mobile phone case made from recycled tires.

Inventor Spot speculates that these cases may reflect a new green awareness among younger … Read more

Kohjinsha offers new tablet PCs in Japan

Kohjinsha made a name for itself by offering one of the most affordable convertible tablet PCs in the market. Its most recent lines, the SC and SX series, now come equipped with the latest Atom processors.

The SC range is an upgrade from the older SH series, choosing portability over an integrated optical drive. The 7-inch screen has a 1,024 x 600 resolution, with the main changes being its 1.33GHz Atom chip and the addition of an ExpressCard/34 slot. The Japanese model comes with an integrated 1Seg TV tuner, which will likely be removed when it hits … Read more

Ringtones go to the dogs in Japan

Love dogs. Love the Japanese even more for their highly bizarre gizmos. No other country has consistently amused and amazed the world with its weird and wacked-out inventions. Try topping this latest idea: Ringtones audible only to dogs, from Tokyo-based interactive content provider Dwango (PDF in Japanese).

Lest you think it's an error in translation, Dwango describes the download service very clearly as Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon--which translates to "Ringtones only dogs can hear," according to CrunchGear. But since this is available specifically for DoCoMo's i-mode phones, only Japanese dogs need apply.

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

iPhone 3G gets priced in Japan

After announcing Japan's iPhone 3G in one of the shortest press releases ever, Softbank is following up with a little more information in the way of pricing.

According to a Reuters report, the 8GB iPhone 3G will cost 23,040 yen ($213), while the higher-capacity 16GB model will retail for 34,560 yen ($319). Subscribers will need to sign a two-year contract when the handset, distributed exclusively by Softbank, launches in Japan on July 11. They can also opt for a plan that will allow them to talk for free among Softbank subscribers for most of the day with … Read more

Japan killings suspect allegedly posted warnings online

A man arrested in connection with a rampage Sunday that killed seven people in Japan's popular Akihabara electronics district allegedly posted messages on the Internet warning of such events, according to news reports.

Tomohiro Kato, 25, was arrested on suspicion of driving a two-ton, rented truck into the crowded Akihabara district, then jumping out and stabbing 17 bystanders, according to the Associated Press.

In the hours prior to the rampage, Kato allegedly posted dozens of warnings on the Internet. A Reuters report that cited Japanese newspapers included these alleged messages from Kato:

"I will kill people in Akihabara.&… Read more

DoCoMo failed to nab iPhone in Japan

In a surprising admission, giant Japanese mobile phone carrier NTT DoCoMo stated that they tried to get the iPhone but couldn't make it happen.

Speaking after Softbank announced it would carry the device there later this year - the first confirmed 3G iPhone - spokesperson Shuichiro Ichikoshi said: "The iPhone is attractive and appeals to certain Apple fans, so we have made efforts to introduce it but, as you know, Softbank has announced its deal today.

Having spent a lot of time in Japan I'm not convinced that the iPhone will be that big of a hit. … Read more

The 404 108: Where Caroline McCarthy loves to Tumble

Veteran 404 guest Caroline McCarthy of News.com makes a guest appearance on today's borderline indecent show. We touch on Hello Kitty fetishism, Pork and Beans, Reggie Love, the perils of softcore Youtube porn, and our secret pickup tactics. This episode is rated R, recommended for adults and pubescent adolescents alike. EPISODE 108 Download today's podcast

Red Hat wins the Japanese IT vote...again

Japan loves Red Hat. At this very moment, hordes of Japanese IT folks are angling for the meishi of their favorite Red Hat salesperson, hoping to do business with the number-one rated IT vendor in Japan, two years running, according to Nikkei Market Access' 2008 survey of 3,000 IT workers.

Last year, Nikkei Market Access surveyed 800 Japanese IT workers, and Red Hat came out on top (with Apple Japan and Willcom coming in second and third, respectively). This year, with 2,200 more IT workers surveyed, Red Hat still won with 32.6 percent of the vote. Second … Read more