History and Future of Mobile Phones
The Origin and Spread of Mobile Phones
A shoulder phone (NTT DoCoMo)
What people think of nowadays when they hear the words mobile phone appeared in the 1990s. Portable phone services that could be used by individuals, however, actually began more than 10 years earlier. The car phone appeared in 1979, and in 1985 NTT released the "shoulder phone," which could be carried freely by a user.
The shoulder phone, however, weighed 3 kilograms (7 pounds) and was quite large. In addition, it could only be used in limited areas. Mobile phones really began to take off in 1991, when NTT released very light models that weighed only 220 grams (about a half pound). This is what is now known as the first generation of mobile phones.
A second-generation mobile phone (NTT DoCoMo)
In 1993, what were called second-generation mobile phones hit the market. In comparison with first-generation phones, these new models offered much clearer sound quality, and the problem of having the signal cut off when many users congregated in one area was overcome. The mainstream mobile phones of today, which have been referred to as generation 2.5, provide a variety of useful functions, such as allowing users to send and receive e-mail and access the Internet.
The number of mobile phones in use in Japan passed 1 million in 1991, and this figure has grown very rapidly since then. The number reached 10 million in 1995, 50 million in 1999, and stood at 80 million as of the end of 2003. Mobile phones have become common in all corners of the country.
Mobile phones work by sending and receiving wireless radio signals. The handsets that people carry with them communicate with each other via base stations that are interconnected by way of switching centers. Base stations are located every few kilometers throughout the country, and mobile phones can be used just about anywhere that has a sizable population.
There are four brands of mobile-phone service in Japan at present: i-mode (operated by NTT DoCoMo), au (by KDDI), Vodafone, and TU-KA. Behind the spread of mobile phones in Japan lies the competition between these different service providers, which have worked to set up networks of base stations, bring down costs to the user, and make their phones easy to use.
Lithium-ion batteries (NTT DoCoMo)
In the early 1990s, Sony Corp. developed lithium-ion batteries that were light, thin, and capable of storing a large amount of power, and other major makers rushed to keep pace. As these new powerful batteries became commonly used, mobile phones became small and light enough that a user could comfortably fit one in his or her pocket. The spread of mobile phones has been spurred by technology developed in Japan.
Popular Functions
Some vending machines let users purchase drinks with their mobile phone. (NTT DoCoMo)
While mobile phones are rapidly becoming more common around the world, the ones in Japan have developed some unique functions. Japanese industry is renowned for being able to fit a wide variety of functions into a very compact product, and this ability was key to making mobile phones widespread.
In 1999 mobile phones first became capable of accessing the Internet and sending and receiving e-mail with the appearance of NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service. Other companies followed suit and created original Internet content for mobile-phone users. These sites oriented toward mobile phones have been referred to as a "second Internet." Users of these services at present can use their mobile phones to purchase concert and airline tickets and do their banking. Some cell phones also function in place of a wallet.
A phone with a built-in digital camera; the lens is on the back. (NTT DoCoMo)
Mobile phones with digital cameras attached to them appeared in 2000, and these have proven to be an enormous hit among people in their teens and twenties, even changing the way people communicate. Many people now take commemorative photos whenever they meet their friends and exchange the photos by sending them as e-mail attachments. People can now not only tell their friends where they are and what they are doing, they can show them as well. Sending e-mail, often with pictures and video, is now a more popular means of communication than just talking on the phone. Even in Europe, where many people had once been of the opinion that a digital camera was an unnecessary feature for a mobile phone, this feature is becoming more common as it gains popularity among the younger generations.
Other functions that many users enjoy include simple games and downloadable ring tones, including popular music. Instead of a simple ringer that signals a call, users can select a song or some other sound of their choice to indicate when someone is calling them. This idea has taken the world by storm.
One very unusual feature that has appeared recently is a type of cellular phone that relies on the bones of the user. Instead of putting the speaker against the ear, users can place it against their jaw or skull, and they will hear the person on the other end through the vibrations in their head. This type of phone was originally designed for elderly people with hearing disabilities, but it has been reborn as its usefulness in areas with heavy traffic and loud noise have become apparent.
The Future of Mobile Phones
A mobile phone not much bigger than a credit card (NEC Corp.)
The year 2003 saw the full-fledged appearance of what have been called third-generation mobile phones. The rate of data transfer is more than 100 times faster than that of second-generation units, making it possible, for example, to send and receive TV-quality images. There are now even some mobile phones that can receive actual TV broadcasts. And because a high-speed Internet connection is possible, the fusion of mobile phones with personal computers is moving ahead. Base stations need to be upgraded, however, to facilitate the use of third-generation phones, and it is expected that third-generation units will not become dominant until 2005 or 2006 at the earliest.
So what kinds of mobile phones will appear in Japan in the future? Many people expect that phones will continue to become smaller and predict the arrival of models that can be worn as a wristwatch or pendant. Japanese makers only account for a little over 10% of the global market for mobile phones, which is around 500 million units annually. Japanese companies are looking to increase this share, and in order to do so they are working hard to make models more compact - a Japanese strength - and to develop new technology for batteries.
These days, more and more home appliances are becoming digitized. It may soon become possible for people to program their VCRs while away from home and to set their air conditioners to switch on shortly before they return. Many people believe that mobile phones will eventually become a sort of all-purpose remote control.
A shoulder phone (NTT DoCoMo)
What people think of nowadays when they hear the words mobile phone appeared in the 1990s. Portable phone services that could be used by individuals, however, actually began more than 10 years earlier. The car phone appeared in 1979, and in 1985 NTT released the "shoulder phone," which could be carried freely by a user.
The shoulder phone, however, weighed 3 kilograms (7 pounds) and was quite large. In addition, it could only be used in limited areas. Mobile phones really began to take off in 1991, when NTT released very light models that weighed only 220 grams (about a half pound). This is what is now known as the first generation of mobile phones.
A second-generation mobile phone (NTT DoCoMo)
In 1993, what were called second-generation mobile phones hit the market. In comparison with first-generation phones, these new models offered much clearer sound quality, and the problem of having the signal cut off when many users congregated in one area was overcome. The mainstream mobile phones of today, which have been referred to as generation 2.5, provide a variety of useful functions, such as allowing users to send and receive e-mail and access the Internet.
The number of mobile phones in use in Japan passed 1 million in 1991, and this figure has grown very rapidly since then. The number reached 10 million in 1995, 50 million in 1999, and stood at 80 million as of the end of 2003. Mobile phones have become common in all corners of the country.
Mobile phones work by sending and receiving wireless radio signals. The handsets that people carry with them communicate with each other via base stations that are interconnected by way of switching centers. Base stations are located every few kilometers throughout the country, and mobile phones can be used just about anywhere that has a sizable population.
There are four brands of mobile-phone service in Japan at present: i-mode (operated by NTT DoCoMo), au (by KDDI), Vodafone, and TU-KA. Behind the spread of mobile phones in Japan lies the competition between these different service providers, which have worked to set up networks of base stations, bring down costs to the user, and make their phones easy to use.
Lithium-ion batteries (NTT DoCoMo)
In the early 1990s, Sony Corp. developed lithium-ion batteries that were light, thin, and capable of storing a large amount of power, and other major makers rushed to keep pace. As these new powerful batteries became commonly used, mobile phones became small and light enough that a user could comfortably fit one in his or her pocket. The spread of mobile phones has been spurred by technology developed in Japan.
Popular Functions
Some vending machines let users purchase drinks with their mobile phone. (NTT DoCoMo)
While mobile phones are rapidly becoming more common around the world, the ones in Japan have developed some unique functions. Japanese industry is renowned for being able to fit a wide variety of functions into a very compact product, and this ability was key to making mobile phones widespread.
In 1999 mobile phones first became capable of accessing the Internet and sending and receiving e-mail with the appearance of NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service. Other companies followed suit and created original Internet content for mobile-phone users. These sites oriented toward mobile phones have been referred to as a "second Internet." Users of these services at present can use their mobile phones to purchase concert and airline tickets and do their banking. Some cell phones also function in place of a wallet.
A phone with a built-in digital camera; the lens is on the back. (NTT DoCoMo)
Mobile phones with digital cameras attached to them appeared in 2000, and these have proven to be an enormous hit among people in their teens and twenties, even changing the way people communicate. Many people now take commemorative photos whenever they meet their friends and exchange the photos by sending them as e-mail attachments. People can now not only tell their friends where they are and what they are doing, they can show them as well. Sending e-mail, often with pictures and video, is now a more popular means of communication than just talking on the phone. Even in Europe, where many people had once been of the opinion that a digital camera was an unnecessary feature for a mobile phone, this feature is becoming more common as it gains popularity among the younger generations.
Other functions that many users enjoy include simple games and downloadable ring tones, including popular music. Instead of a simple ringer that signals a call, users can select a song or some other sound of their choice to indicate when someone is calling them. This idea has taken the world by storm.
One very unusual feature that has appeared recently is a type of cellular phone that relies on the bones of the user. Instead of putting the speaker against the ear, users can place it against their jaw or skull, and they will hear the person on the other end through the vibrations in their head. This type of phone was originally designed for elderly people with hearing disabilities, but it has been reborn as its usefulness in areas with heavy traffic and loud noise have become apparent.
The Future of Mobile Phones
A mobile phone not much bigger than a credit card (NEC Corp.)
The year 2003 saw the full-fledged appearance of what have been called third-generation mobile phones. The rate of data transfer is more than 100 times faster than that of second-generation units, making it possible, for example, to send and receive TV-quality images. There are now even some mobile phones that can receive actual TV broadcasts. And because a high-speed Internet connection is possible, the fusion of mobile phones with personal computers is moving ahead. Base stations need to be upgraded, however, to facilitate the use of third-generation phones, and it is expected that third-generation units will not become dominant until 2005 or 2006 at the earliest.
So what kinds of mobile phones will appear in Japan in the future? Many people expect that phones will continue to become smaller and predict the arrival of models that can be worn as a wristwatch or pendant. Japanese makers only account for a little over 10% of the global market for mobile phones, which is around 500 million units annually. Japanese companies are looking to increase this share, and in order to do so they are working hard to make models more compact - a Japanese strength - and to develop new technology for batteries.
These days, more and more home appliances are becoming digitized. It may soon become possible for people to program their VCRs while away from home and to set their air conditioners to switch on shortly before they return. Many people believe that mobile phones will eventually become a sort of all-purpose remote control.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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---------FAQ's--------
Which cellular technology is used in Japan?
It depends on operators and services.
operators
2G
3G
PHS
NTT DoCoMo
PDC 800MHz/1.5GHz"mova"
W-CDMA 2GHz"FOMA"
PHS 1.9GHz"@FreeD"
KDDI "au"
cdmaOne 800MHz
CDMA2000 1x 800MHz
SoftBank Mobile(formerly Vodafone)
PDC 1.5GHz
W-CDMA 2GHz"SoftBank 3G"
TU-KA
PDC 1.5GHz
Willcom
PHS 1.9GHz"AIR-EDGE"
Some important notes
PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) is a TDMA-based 2G technology and deployed only in Japan.
GSM is not deployed in Japan.
N900iG, M1000 (based on Motorola A1000), NM850iG (based on Nokia 6630), N600i and L600i are the only FOMA phones that supports GSM as well. Other FOMA phones are FOMA(W-CDMA) only.
Although SoftBank 3G is a W-CDMA service, almost all SoftBank 3G phones (except 802N, 703N and 905SH) are W-CDMA/GSM dual-mode for international roaming in GSM countries.
FOMA network and phones are based on an older version of W-CDMA technology (3GPP Release 99) while SoftBank 3G and foreign W-CDMA are based on the official version (3GPP Release 2000). They are not fully compatible.
Do Japanese phones use a SIM card? Are they locked? Can I unlock them?
It depends. All PDC, cdmaOne and PHS phones and most CDMA2000 phones:
They do not adopt a SIM card and cannot be unlocked.
Most "FOMA" phones, SIM card-based CDMA2000 phones and some "SoftBank 3G" phones (e.g. 702NK/II):
They cannot be unlocked so far.
Some "SoftBank 3G" phones (e.g. 802SE etc.):
They can be unlocked.
Recent SoftBank 3G phones since Dec. 2004
SoftBank model namemanufacturerforeign model namemode/band
902SHSharp902W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802SHSharp802W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802SESony EricssonV800W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802NNECN/A (Japan only)W-CDMA only
702NKNokia6630W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
702MOMotorolaV980W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
702sMOMotorolaC980W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
902TToshibaTS921W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
NOTE: FOMA phones and SoftBank 3G V801SA/V801SH/802N/703N are not simply SIM-locked.
"SIM lock" means locking a phone that was originally made for all worldwide operators to a specific operator.
FOMA and Vodafone 3G phones, however, are not; they are originally made for a specific domestic operator.
Therefore no unlocking codes, no unlocking clips and no SIM-free firmware are available for them so far.
Even if FOMA or Vodafone 3G phones were "unlocked,"
FOMA phones wouldn't work overseas because they are W-CDMA only phones (i.e. no GSM; except N900iG, a FOMA/GSM dual-mode phone)
and based on an older version of W-CDMA technology which is incompatible with foreign W-CDMA networks.
you would not be able to use operator dependent features
(such as "i-mode", "Vodafone Live!" or instant e-mail delivery) with your local operator's SIM card.
Can I buy a Japanese phone from my country?
Unlike GSM phones, Japanese phones are tightly bundled with subscription and usually not sold alone. The only way is to buy a secondhand ("white ROM") phone.
Can I buy a Japanese phone when I visit Japan?
Japanese phones are not sold alone. Buying a phone means making a postpaid monthly contract (except prepaid phones).
As of April 2006, it is necessary to have some form of Japanese official document (Japanese passport, Japanese Alien Registration Card, etc.) to get prepay or new contract cell phone service. This is a result of a new law aimed at stopping illegal cell phone use; but unfortunately excludes foreign visitors who only want a phone for legal purposes.
It was once possible for anyone to get prepay service, and even foreigners could get contract service using a credit card. Prepay service users who do not have Japanese official document have already lost their prepay service. Currently, foreigners with existing contract service paid by credit card are still allowed to keep it, but it is no longer possible to make a new contract without showing official Japanese documents.
It may be possible to have a Japanese friend apply for service with an account in his name (meaning that he will be responsible for your usage).
Customers of Verizon Wireless in the USA can buy a Japanese PDC phone with monthly service, although the price is quite high ($249 for the phone, $10/month service with a minimum of 12 months, $2.49/minute outgoing call, $1/SMS). Some other foreign wireless carriers (e.g., Vodafone) have similar offers.
It is also possible for foreigners to rent a phone at the airport.
NTT DoCoMo new subscription procedure
KDDI new subscription procedure
SoftBank Mobile new subscription procedure
See another section about prepaid phones.
Can I use a Japanese phone in my country?
DoCoMo/SoftBank PDC phones:
They do not work in foreign countries. PDC is deployed only in Japan.
KDDI cdmaOne/CDMA2000 phones:
A few CDMA2000 phones ("Global Passport"-ready phones) work in several Pacific Rim countries. But you will not be able to use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not adopt SIM cards. Other CDMA phones will not work because KDDI's CDMA frequency differs slightly from other countries'.
Most DoCoMo "FOMA" phones (except roaming-ready models) and SoftBank Mobile 802N, 703N and 905SH:
They are W-CDMA only phones, so you can't use with your local GSM networks. Also note that you cannot use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not accept other operators' SIM cards.
SoftBank 3G phones (except 802N, 703N and 905SH) and DoCoMo "FOMA" roaming-ready phones:
They work with your local GSM networks. But you cannot use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not accept other operators' SIM cards.
NOTE: The fact that a Japanese person can use his/her Japanese phone in your country does not mean that you can also use one. Japanese phones are designed for their respective operators (except some SoftBank 3G phones) and will not work with your local operator's subscription. In other words, whether or not Japanese phones work technically in your country is one thing; whether or not you can practically use them with your operator is another.
Can I use my phone in Japan?
Depends on the technology.
GSM phones:
No. GSM is not deployed in Japan. If you just would like to use your GSM SIM card (i.e. make/receive calls with your usual number) in Japan, buy or rent a W-CDMA (UMTS) phone, put your SIM card in it and it can roam in Japan. See below about W-CDMA roaming.
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 phones:
Some CDMA phones can roam in Japan. Ask your operator.
W-CDMA (UMTS) phones:
Yes. They can roam in Japan. Your operator must be an inbound roaming partner of DoCoMo or SoftBank Mobile. Be careful that DoCoMo's reception may be very poor because most of FOMA network is still based on an older version of W-CDMA technology and foreign W-CDMA phones may be incompatible with it. Some foreign W-CDMA phones (such as Motorola A835) are known to be compatible with FOMA network.
PHS (PCT) phones:
Taiwan FITEL PHS phones can roam in Japan. Ask FITEL.
Can I buy a prepaid phone or SIM card in Japan?
Prepaid phones are available but prepaid SIM cards are not.
Note that IDs are required to purchase a prepaid phone to prevent criminal use. In case of foreigners, Japan's Alien Registration Card is required. In some shops you may be able to buy one only with a credit card.
Note: as of April 2005, customer registration is required to activate a new prepaid phone.
Can I buy a GSM phone in Japan? Is it cheap?
You can at some shops, but not cheap.
As mentioned above, GSM is not deployed in Japan. Demand for GSM phones is limited to tourists to go abroad. You will be disappointed if you are expecting that GSM phones may be also cheap in Japan like other electric items.
You can buy a GSM phone in Japan at following shops:
Duty free shops (LaOX etc.)
Nokia Store
Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Sakuraya (GSM phones are not listed online)
GSM specialty stores
Mail-order shops
Some specialty stores and mail order shops offer very competitive prices due to import from Hong Kong etc.
Why on earth are Japanese phones so exclusive?
Blame the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications. :-)
What is PHS?
PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is a low-powered wireless phone technology developed in Japan and rather different from other cellular phone technologies.
Designed as dual-mode phone between public wireless network and home (or corporate) phone line.
Data communication in 32k/64kbps circuit switching or 32k/128k/256kbps packet exchange.
Can be used even in subway stations or underground arcades because cell stations are relatively small and can be installed easily.
PHS has been deployed in Japan since mid-1990's; now also in China, Taiwan, Thailand (where called PCT) etc. Today PHS is considered as low-cost data communication service rather than voice phone in Japan. Unlimited data communication plans are available.
It depends on operators and services.
operators
2G
3G
PHS
NTT DoCoMo
PDC 800MHz/1.5GHz"mova"
W-CDMA 2GHz"FOMA"
PHS 1.9GHz"@FreeD"
KDDI "au"
cdmaOne 800MHz
CDMA2000 1x 800MHz
SoftBank Mobile(formerly Vodafone)
PDC 1.5GHz
W-CDMA 2GHz"SoftBank 3G"
TU-KA
PDC 1.5GHz
Willcom
PHS 1.9GHz"AIR-EDGE"
Some important notes
PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) is a TDMA-based 2G technology and deployed only in Japan.
GSM is not deployed in Japan.
N900iG, M1000 (based on Motorola A1000), NM850iG (based on Nokia 6630), N600i and L600i are the only FOMA phones that supports GSM as well. Other FOMA phones are FOMA(W-CDMA) only.
Although SoftBank 3G is a W-CDMA service, almost all SoftBank 3G phones (except 802N, 703N and 905SH) are W-CDMA/GSM dual-mode for international roaming in GSM countries.
FOMA network and phones are based on an older version of W-CDMA technology (3GPP Release 99) while SoftBank 3G and foreign W-CDMA are based on the official version (3GPP Release 2000). They are not fully compatible.
Do Japanese phones use a SIM card? Are they locked? Can I unlock them?
It depends. All PDC, cdmaOne and PHS phones and most CDMA2000 phones:
They do not adopt a SIM card and cannot be unlocked.
Most "FOMA" phones, SIM card-based CDMA2000 phones and some "SoftBank 3G" phones (e.g. 702NK/II):
They cannot be unlocked so far.
Some "SoftBank 3G" phones (e.g. 802SE etc.):
They can be unlocked.
Recent SoftBank 3G phones since Dec. 2004
SoftBank model namemanufacturerforeign model namemode/band
902SHSharp902W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802SHSharp802W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802SESony EricssonV800W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
802NNECN/A (Japan only)W-CDMA only
702NKNokia6630W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
702MOMotorolaV980W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
702sMOMotorolaC980W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
902TToshibaTS921W-CDMA, GSM900/1800/1900
NOTE: FOMA phones and SoftBank 3G V801SA/V801SH/802N/703N are not simply SIM-locked.
"SIM lock" means locking a phone that was originally made for all worldwide operators to a specific operator.
FOMA and Vodafone 3G phones, however, are not; they are originally made for a specific domestic operator.
Therefore no unlocking codes, no unlocking clips and no SIM-free firmware are available for them so far.
Even if FOMA or Vodafone 3G phones were "unlocked,"
FOMA phones wouldn't work overseas because they are W-CDMA only phones (i.e. no GSM; except N900iG, a FOMA/GSM dual-mode phone)
and based on an older version of W-CDMA technology which is incompatible with foreign W-CDMA networks.
you would not be able to use operator dependent features
(such as "i-mode", "Vodafone Live!" or instant e-mail delivery) with your local operator's SIM card.
Can I buy a Japanese phone from my country?
Unlike GSM phones, Japanese phones are tightly bundled with subscription and usually not sold alone. The only way is to buy a secondhand ("white ROM") phone.
Can I buy a Japanese phone when I visit Japan?
Japanese phones are not sold alone. Buying a phone means making a postpaid monthly contract (except prepaid phones).
As of April 2006, it is necessary to have some form of Japanese official document (Japanese passport, Japanese Alien Registration Card, etc.) to get prepay or new contract cell phone service. This is a result of a new law aimed at stopping illegal cell phone use; but unfortunately excludes foreign visitors who only want a phone for legal purposes.
It was once possible for anyone to get prepay service, and even foreigners could get contract service using a credit card. Prepay service users who do not have Japanese official document have already lost their prepay service. Currently, foreigners with existing contract service paid by credit card are still allowed to keep it, but it is no longer possible to make a new contract without showing official Japanese documents.
It may be possible to have a Japanese friend apply for service with an account in his name (meaning that he will be responsible for your usage).
Customers of Verizon Wireless in the USA can buy a Japanese PDC phone with monthly service, although the price is quite high ($249 for the phone, $10/month service with a minimum of 12 months, $2.49/minute outgoing call, $1/SMS). Some other foreign wireless carriers (e.g., Vodafone) have similar offers.
It is also possible for foreigners to rent a phone at the airport.
NTT DoCoMo new subscription procedure
KDDI new subscription procedure
SoftBank Mobile new subscription procedure
See another section about prepaid phones.
Can I use a Japanese phone in my country?
DoCoMo/SoftBank PDC phones:
They do not work in foreign countries. PDC is deployed only in Japan.
KDDI cdmaOne/CDMA2000 phones:
A few CDMA2000 phones ("Global Passport"-ready phones) work in several Pacific Rim countries. But you will not be able to use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not adopt SIM cards. Other CDMA phones will not work because KDDI's CDMA frequency differs slightly from other countries'.
Most DoCoMo "FOMA" phones (except roaming-ready models) and SoftBank Mobile 802N, 703N and 905SH:
They are W-CDMA only phones, so you can't use with your local GSM networks. Also note that you cannot use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not accept other operators' SIM cards.
SoftBank 3G phones (except 802N, 703N and 905SH) and DoCoMo "FOMA" roaming-ready phones:
They work with your local GSM networks. But you cannot use them with your local operator's subscription because they do not accept other operators' SIM cards.
NOTE: The fact that a Japanese person can use his/her Japanese phone in your country does not mean that you can also use one. Japanese phones are designed for their respective operators (except some SoftBank 3G phones) and will not work with your local operator's subscription. In other words, whether or not Japanese phones work technically in your country is one thing; whether or not you can practically use them with your operator is another.
Can I use my phone in Japan?
Depends on the technology.
GSM phones:
No. GSM is not deployed in Japan. If you just would like to use your GSM SIM card (i.e. make/receive calls with your usual number) in Japan, buy or rent a W-CDMA (UMTS) phone, put your SIM card in it and it can roam in Japan. See below about W-CDMA roaming.
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 phones:
Some CDMA phones can roam in Japan. Ask your operator.
W-CDMA (UMTS) phones:
Yes. They can roam in Japan. Your operator must be an inbound roaming partner of DoCoMo or SoftBank Mobile. Be careful that DoCoMo's reception may be very poor because most of FOMA network is still based on an older version of W-CDMA technology and foreign W-CDMA phones may be incompatible with it. Some foreign W-CDMA phones (such as Motorola A835) are known to be compatible with FOMA network.
PHS (PCT) phones:
Taiwan FITEL PHS phones can roam in Japan. Ask FITEL.
Can I buy a prepaid phone or SIM card in Japan?
Prepaid phones are available but prepaid SIM cards are not.
Note that IDs are required to purchase a prepaid phone to prevent criminal use. In case of foreigners, Japan's Alien Registration Card is required. In some shops you may be able to buy one only with a credit card.
Note: as of April 2005, customer registration is required to activate a new prepaid phone.
Can I buy a GSM phone in Japan? Is it cheap?
You can at some shops, but not cheap.
As mentioned above, GSM is not deployed in Japan. Demand for GSM phones is limited to tourists to go abroad. You will be disappointed if you are expecting that GSM phones may be also cheap in Japan like other electric items.
You can buy a GSM phone in Japan at following shops:
Duty free shops (LaOX etc.)
Nokia Store
Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Sakuraya (GSM phones are not listed online)
GSM specialty stores
Mail-order shops
Some specialty stores and mail order shops offer very competitive prices due to import from Hong Kong etc.
Why on earth are Japanese phones so exclusive?
Blame the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications. :-)
What is PHS?
PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is a low-powered wireless phone technology developed in Japan and rather different from other cellular phone technologies.
Designed as dual-mode phone between public wireless network and home (or corporate) phone line.
Data communication in 32k/64kbps circuit switching or 32k/128k/256kbps packet exchange.
Can be used even in subway stations or underground arcades because cell stations are relatively small and can be installed easily.
PHS has been deployed in Japan since mid-1990's; now also in China, Taiwan, Thailand (where called PCT) etc. Today PHS is considered as low-cost data communication service rather than voice phone in Japan. Unlimited data communication plans are available.
