Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 3 hrs ago
Japan’s traditional flip phones fade as smartphone use rises
Japan’s traditional gara-kei flip phones are becoming less common as people switch to smartphones.
These feature phones had physical keyboards and could offer services such as mobile payments, TV broadcasts and contact sharing.
They remained popular in Japan long after flip phones faded elsewhere, partly because they suited local needs and worked with basic mobile services.
A survey by Docomo found that smartphones accounted for 98 percent of mobile phone owners in Japan by 2025, up from 90 percent in 2021.
Feature phone shipments fell by more than 25 percent to fewer than 400,000 in the first half of fiscal year 2025.
The shift is expected to speed up after Docomo ended its remaining 3G data service in March, following earlier shutdowns by au and SoftBank.
Docomo is offering in-store smartphone classes to help people learn to use the devices.
Smartphones accounted for 98 percent of mobile phone owners in Japan by 2025, up from 90 percent in 2021, a Docomo survey found.
Japan’s traditional gara-kei feature phones are declining as consumers shift to smartphones.
Feature phone shipments fell by more than 25 percent to under 400,000 units in the first half of fiscal year 2025, according to MM Research Institute.
The decline is expected to accelerate after NTT Docomo ended its remaining 3G data service in March.
- Who
- Users of traditional gara-kei phones in Japan are shifting toward smartphones.
- What
- Japan’s traditional flip phones are fading as smartphone use rises.
- When
- The shift is underway; smartphone ownership reached 98 percent of mobile phone owners by 2025.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- Changing consumer habits and the end of 3G services are contributing to the decline.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
A Docomo survey found smartphones accounted for 90 percent of mobile phone owners in Japan.
au ended its 3G service.
SoftBank ended its 3G service.
Feature phone shipments fell by over 25 percent to under 400,000 units.
A Docomo survey found smartphones accounted for 98 percent of mobile phone owners in Japan.
NTT Docomo ended the country’s remaining 3G data service.
- Smartphone share, 2021
- 90 percent of mobile phone owners
- Smartphone share, 2025
- 98 percent of mobile phone owners
- Feature phone shipments
- Under 400,000 units in the first half of fiscal year 2025
- Shipment decline
- Over 25 percent in the first half of fiscal year 2025
- 3G service
- NTT Docomo ended its remaining service in March
Sources
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