Just as all the excitement of the iPad launch in Japan begins to abate, it is time for Apple fans to get in line again. Today Japan is amongst a handful of countries getting the new iPhone first and as with all recent Apple launches, it is gaining the media attention Sony, Panasonic and Fujitsu can only recall from memory. 12 months ago, iPhone 3GS was released – helping to cement the Apple brand in Japan.
Since the 2009 3GS launch the iPhone has been no.1 in price-comparison site kakaku.com‘s best-seller list for all but 2 months as Japanese keitais failed to find a winning combination to withstand the growth of Apple. With the new iPhone 4 out – that’s a trend which looks set to continue. GaijinPot contributor Steve Nagata was there to cover the iPhone4 just as he was for iPad and shared these photos.
Crowds stretched back – as expected. Just out of shot in the background is Harajuku station.
Still further back was the end of the line.
Outside the store was where all the action was. This time saw Masayoshi Son, Founder and CEO of Softbank holding a press conferencee (ustream embed below).
Everybody is focused on what he has to say. If you can’t follow the Japanese – Son is heavily praising the hardware and refers to the beauty of the design.
Finally inside! A new iPhone, all clean and shiny before it receives a million grubby fingers all over it.
A nice touch for any child of the 80’s – iPhone running the original Sonic!
What do you think? Interested in the new iPhone or sticking with a keitai?
(Special thanks to another GaijinPot contributor, Joseph Tame for the addition 2 photos)
Comments
Anyone who has the 4G have problems with the reception?
after you signup, you can change your billing to bank transfer. as we all have 10 or so bank accounts, use one that you keep no money in. After they try to withdraw, they will then send you a payment sheet you can pay at the convenience store. seems like so much hassle to get a bill you can pay like any other bill.
Same plan as for the 3gs…. 6,000yen a month for data, 0 yen for the phone provided you go with the 16GB version, +480yen/month if you go for the 32GB. Assuming you have 2 years left to run on your visa and can supply a Japanese credit card for monthly billing…
may I know how much is it?
I WANT ONE!! Anyone knows the price for an upgrade
Quite a few pre-ordered here in GP too~
yeah sonic! .. I am going in my local softbank store in an ahour now to get my iphone4 .. I can t wait!!!! haha..