iPhone to be sold through Softbank Mobile in Japan June 4, 2008
Posted by fukumimi in Internet, IT, Japan, Mobile, technology.trackback
Softbank Mobile’s press release here.
No specifics on timing of launch, price, exclusivity, etc.
The phone hasn’t been through the JATE approval process yet, so it’ll be at least a couple of months before we see it in the shops, based on the usual timelag between JATE approval and products hitting the shelves.
from the inside, looking in 
Thanks for breaking that news.
Seems it will be released on July 11th
http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/ja/news/press/2008/20080610_01/index.html
Copy of a private correspondance with a friend on this matter:
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Regarding the release date, if you keep an eye out on http://www.jate.or.jp/index.html, they publish the list of certified devices once a fortnight (with at least a fortnight’s delay) , typically manufacturers get approval a couple of months before the product hits the shop shelves.
The latest list: http://www.jate.or.jp/jp/tanmatsu/20080501_20080515.shtml shows the Panasonic 824P approved 15th May, which is another SB phone which was officially announced by SB on 3rd June as going on sale early August.
Manufacturers can delay the certification process and build up inventory before submitting for approval, but clearly that could backfire if they need to make modifications……
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All eyes on the JATE website which will be updated next on the 16th of the month.