Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. With their increasing popularity and advancements in technology, mobile phones have gone through various changes in design, functionality, and features over the years, and Japan has been at the forefront of this evolution. Japan has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, and the same goes for mobile phones. In this article, we will explore the evolution of mobile phones in Japan and take a journey through the years.
The Beginning
The first mobile phone was introduced in Japan in 1979 by NTT. Weighing a whopping 10 kg, it was called the MTA (Mobile Telephone System A). The MTA was not a handheld device, but rather, it was a car phone. The first handheld mobile phone was introduced in Japan in 1987 by NTT, called the “Mobira Cityman”. It weighed around 800g and cost almost $5000, which was an exorbitant amount at the time.
The Boom of Flip Phones
The 1990s saw the emergence of the flip phone. These phones had a clamshell design which allowed them to fit easily in a pocket. They were sleek, stylish, and quickly became popular. With Motorola’s StarTAC and the NEC Pegasus leading the market, it wasn’t long before other companies joined in. Flip phones were an essential accessory for fashion-conscious Japanese youth, and their widespread use began in the mid-1990s.
The Era of WAP and the “Smartphone”
In 1999, Japan saw the birth of WAP (Wireless Access Protocol). WAP was an early mobile internet service that allowed you to access the internet on your mobile phone. While it was slow and clunky, it marked the beginning of internet usage on mobile devices. The first “smartphone” in Japan was introduced in 2001 by DoCoMo. The device was called “DoCoMo SH-10B”, and it was the first phone to have a touch screen.
The Rise of the iPhone
The launch of the iPhone in 2007 changed the landscape of mobile phones. The iPhone was not only a phone; it was a fully functional computer that fit in your pocket. Otaku and tech enthusiasts were early adopters of the device, and soon it became a status symbol. The iPhone proved that people were willing to pay a premium for a high-end mobile device. Japan has always been an Apple-loving country, and the iPhone’s success was no surprise.
The Shifting Landscape
The Japanese mobile phone market has seen a shift in recent years. The rise of cheaper smartphones from Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi has resulted in a decline in the sales of high-end devices. This shift has been felt by major Japanese manufacturers such as Sony and Sharp, who have struggled to compete with Chinese giants. However, Japan’s love for new technology has not died down, and the country continues to be one of the leaders in mobile phone innovation.
Conclusion
The evolution of mobile phones in Japan has been nothing short of remarkable. Japan has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the mobile phone industry for decades and continues to lead the way. From the hefty MTA to the touch screen smartphones of today, mobile phones have come a long way. Japan has always been a country that embraces new technology, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for mobile phones in Japan.
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