Japanese Cell Phones: Flip & Smartphone Trends

Do you know about cell phones in Japan? Do you know the preferred models of the Japanese? Are you aware of some curiosities related to phones in Japan? In this article, we will talk about everything related to Japanese phones.

In the Japanese language, cell phones are called “keitai denwa” [携帯電話] which literally means “portable phones”. The Japanese often abbreviate it by simply calling it “keitai” or “sumaho” [スマホ] which is an abbreviation of smartphone.

Even though Japan is the center of technology, many Japanese have not evolved and still use phones with keys or the famous flip-phones (those phones that open and close). A market that is growing more than the smartphone market itself.

Another phone that dominates the TOP sales in Japan is the famous iPhone, which is very accessible to the Japanese due to the numerous postpaid plans from operators and the high Japanese salary.

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Why haven’t flip-phones died yet?

You can notice in animes and doramas, many characters still use flip-phones or an iPhone. When you stop to think, the benefits of flip-phones are many; they are lighter, more resistant to drops, and considerably cheaper.

They also use much less data from the operators’ networks, which allows for cheaper plans for customers who buy these phones. The Japanese are slow when it comes to technological evolution.

This is not to mention that the flip-phones in Japan are advanced. Some are touchscreen and have the Android operating system with 4G. Companies want to satisfy the tastes of the population while simultaneously advancing in technology.

Also read: Is Japan Really Technological and Futuristic?

Curiosities about cell phones in Japan:

Use of infrared and Bluetooth – It is very common to see people exchanging their numbers through infrared or by email. You can notice in various animes and doramas, rarely does someone say their phone number.

I don’t even need to mention the numerous models, colors… It is also very common for girls to decorate their phones with thousands of stickers and keychains.

Talking on the phone in public transport is prohibited, there are various signs advising to keep the phone on silent. In many places, it is forbidden to take photos with phones and cameras, so those who think about photographing everything should be careful. There are some restaurants and stores that prohibit the use of phones.

The operators in Japan are NTT DoCoMo, SoftBank, au/KDDI, and Y!Mobile. Line is the most used messaging app in Japan, not WhatsApp or Telegram.

Also read: Why do the Japanese use LINE instead of WhatsApp?

Osaifu-Keitai – A system that turns your phone into a credit card that can even be used in hanbaiki (vending machines). There are alarms that call another person or guardian if it is someone who is a heavy sleeper.

No matter the phone, it is common to see people watching TV and movies on the subway, since the internet there does not fluctuate. Novels for phones are quite popular in Japan, both books and games.

Customized models are quite common. Phones with limited editions, and even with Disney characters. There are also some rare models of phones that charge with solar power.

Japan has already made phones with breathalyzers, 3D cameras, radiation detectors, with transparent displays, in the shape of cookies and chocolate, phones that turn into robots, and many others.

In Japan, it is common to pay bills via mobile phone using NFC. Nowadays, many Japanese use their phones instead of train passes like Suica or Pasmo. It is also possible to make purchases via codes on Line or shop at automatic machines.

Also read: Hanbaiki – Automatic Vending Machines

Buying a cell phone in Japan

Unfortunately, many cell phones are sold locked by the operators, requiring you to have an address in Japan and use a carrier from there. This makes it difficult to purchase iPhones and other models.

Still, it is easy to find models with unlocked SIMs, called SIM FREE. Unfortunately, these phones tend to be more expensive. Another alternative is to use a chip that unlocks these phones locked by the operators.

If you live in Japan, buying a phone is easy. The operators offer various plans that seem advantageous, but nothing as unscrupulous as the postpaid plans in Brazil.

Phones from Japan

Rental of Cell Phones and Chips – If you are a tourist, you can rent a phone. It usually requires a photo ID and a credit card. Many companies have kiosks at airports, while others will send a phone to your hotel or home. You can return the phones at the airport or via mail, depending on the company.