To answer the last question first, it really was DoCoMo that invented what we today call a smartphone, with the introduction of the mobile internet access scheme that in Japan is known as iMode. IMode was developed internally within DoCoMo.
Samsung’s Galaxy J could be launching in markets outside Japan. Back in early October, Samsung announced the Galaxy J for Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo, as something of a cross between the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 – namely, the device was a Galaxy S4 but with a Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box. NTT DoCoMo, USA: Can it Bring the Wireless Internet to America? Carter EMBA ’02 Richard Katz EMBA ’02 William Pitt EMBA ’02. Traditional cell-phone services, NTT DoCoMo offers a wireless service called i-mode, which is in. Moreover, in contrast with Japan, the U.S. Mobile phone market is bigger and more.
Innovation on that scale is not likely to be duplicated by DoCoMo again. But for many years, mobile phone use in Japan was significantly more advanced than anywhere else in the world thanks to iMode.DoCoMo has had much less success attempting to partner with outside companies.
The failure of Apple and DoCoMo to reach agreement on distributing the iPhone is a prime example: each company feels they should be in charge and the result is a stalemate.DoCoMo is the highest valued mobile phone operator in the world and expects in any relationship that it will be in charge. Unless a potential partner understands that, DoCoMo won't do business with them. But in that case, the supplier probably won't be allowed to do their job, the one they are expert in, without interference. This can really reduce the probability of a successful partnership.
There are three major cell phone companies in Japan: (the only provider of the iPhone), (provider of Samsung’s Android phones), and au (by ). Softbank is generally perceived as the company for non-Japanese, but whether that is because they have better expat (read: English)-oriented service or they're the only sellers of the anywhere-but-Japan. beloved iPhone remains up for debate.All three provide various HTC smartphones. Softbank also offers a prepaid service which, depending on the number of calls you make, comes to ¥2000-3000 a month (unlimited email and texting can be bought for ¥315). Docomo currently has a similar prepaid system, but it will be phased out by March 2012. A typical “feature phone” plan starts at ¥1500 for a two year contract and with no discount on the handset cost.
It’s important to note that talking on the phone in Japan is far less common than in other countries, so talk time is rather expensive compared to data. Both Softbank’s and docomo’s smartphone plans cost approximately ¥6000 for unlimited data. Docomo requires all smartphone users to have this plan, while Softbank does allow for flexible use (with the maximum monthly fee capped at ¥6000).Also note that in Japan, cell phone data is measured in “packets” – 128 bytes (1MB 8000 packets). To register for a cell phone you will need your Japan ID or passport and a landline number (you can use your office phone if you do not have a land phone in your apartment).Regarding the language, at this point all phones can change their language displays between at least English and Japanese, so that isn't a problem.Japanese cell phones come locked, but docomo announced a while back they would begin selling phones unlocked from April this year.
Though, I haven't seen any articles or heard any word on the street confirming that. If you do not get an unlocked phone you will not be able to use another carrier's SIM.The Samsung Galaxy outsells the iPhone in Japan.