iPhone Japan
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123)
Fri 2008/07/11 16:20
The iPhone 3G went on sale today at the Softbank flagship store in Omotesando/Harajuku.
Many of my comrades have been out there waiting since 4PM and I just had to go along to egg them on.
Many of my comrades have been out there waiting since 4PM and I just had to go along to egg them on.
Saw the queues from the train extending from the store towards Shibuya!
Decided to go and see how far the queue stretched.
Decided to go and see how far the queue stretched.
Folks who live in Tokyo may recognize this as the road that leads to Shibuya.
More pics of queue (including some funny ones) at Kirainet.
More pics of queue (including some funny ones) at Kirainet.
The queue goes on forever. I didn't go for the opening but Akihabara News did and you can see their coverage here.
And ever. That's Roy in shorts - another Japan blogger who is currently on hiatus.
Some of the queue was for today - and some of it for tomorrow.
Is the iPhone 3 G out in your region today? Will you be lining up for one?
Is the iPhone 3 G out in your region today? Will you be lining up for one?
These folks barely made it for today's batch of phones.
View from the bridge at Harajuku.
At Omotesando where the queue continues.
A load of media folks still in the area.
Meeting up with some (pedo?) bear comrades.
These folks will get their phones probably within the next hour.
Inside the Softbank store - full O media folks.
Met a load of IT folks. Gadget events are great for networking ^^;
Could not imagine lining up over night for an iPhone. The longest I ever lined up for something in Japan was for one of the Harry Potter movies many years ago - three hours.
While booking theater tickets online was normal outside of Japan, folks over here had to go to the cinema and just line up. Whats the longest you have ever waited in line and what for?
While booking theater tickets online was normal outside of Japan, folks over here had to go to the cinema and just line up. Whats the longest you have ever waited in line and what for?
Being interviewed by Kyung Lah of CNN.
Met up with a comrade from Next House Properties.
Taking a break from trooping outside the Softbank store.
This is the begginning of the queue - the sign says "today's processing is FINISHED."
White iPhone get?!
Going over a live broadcast to be made in a few mins.
Kyung Lah goes on first and then I go on after.
All of a sudden, a swarm of school girls appear.
Captions for this photo being collected in this news item.
When the iPhone launch was announced in Japan, the media started to bash the iPhone immediately saying that it wouldn't sell at all. Many English language Japan bloggers posted "surveys" on how most Japanese don't want an iPhone.
The queues today prove that the Japanese do indeed want iPhones. And its not just the queues here but all over Tokyo.
The makers believe that they know what Japanese consumers want - which is everything. This is the reason why Japanese phones are thick and stuffed with TV's, 7 mega pixel cameras, games, electric money etc etc. They all look the same and have mingy keyboards.
The Japanese want something simple and easy to use.
Would you rather have a Japanese phone stuffed with "everything" or an iPhone?
Some Japanese Phones for you to look at.
The queues today prove that the Japanese do indeed want iPhones. And its not just the queues here but all over Tokyo.
The makers believe that they know what Japanese consumers want - which is everything. This is the reason why Japanese phones are thick and stuffed with TV's, 7 mega pixel cameras, games, electric money etc etc. They all look the same and have mingy keyboards.
The Japanese want something simple and easy to use.
Would you rather have a Japanese phone stuffed with "everything" or an iPhone?
Some Japanese Phones for you to look at.
Another cosplayer on the scene - dressed as a guard.
I still owe you the guitar/rock trooper video but decided to shoot another one - this time to "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn & John.
Met up with some comrades at Gizmodo Japan.
This is Ichiru who waited since 6PM yesterday - he got his iPhone at about 10AM. His post up at Gizmodo.
A lady plays around with her new toy.
More "Yong Folks" in front of the store.
Very warm today! I has headache from the heat at the moment ^^;
Grabbing some liquids before going to my next appointment.
"Are you that dancing Stormtrooper in Tokyo?"
UPDATE: Video footage of the queues below.
UPDATE: Video footage of the queues below.
Folks who subscribe to CNN can see me "dancing" on CNN Asia or at their website here.
UPDATE: Thanks to Koshiko for extracting the file! Low res YouTube version below.
UPDATE: Thanks to Koshiko for extracting the file! Low res YouTube version below.
With your feedback, I grabbed the nearest electric guitar I could find, threw on the arm...(more)
Tue 06/17 19:32 comments (187)
A survey carried out by Dai Ichi Life revealed that 39% of Japanese primary school girls...(more)
Fri 06/13 15:39 comments (128)
The iPhone looks just like a Trooper accessory...
(ID #235339) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:28
Great coverage Danny since you did not get the Iphone what kind of phone do you have? Also are you considering getting an Iphone?
(ID #235346) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:37
The iPhone is slick but having Suica built into your phone is a nice feature. As long as your phone doesn't get stolen it's really convenient.
(ID #235350) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:44
Nice coverage....very long line indeed. The iPhone 3G come out...[in pacific time...] tomorrow! [July 11]
(ID #235351) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:44
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
Congratulations on the iPhone, and a even bigger congratulations on landing on a CNN report Danny!
(ID #235352) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:45
I wanted a iphone, but the Sony Ericsson W980 caught my eye. Still thinking what to get. So, how long you queued?
(ID #235354) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:48
Director/代表取締役
I didnt ^^;
(ID #235365) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:04
Ah, the benefits of being an Imperial Stormtrooper... Nobody wants to give you any crap about falling in line.
(ID #235608) Posted on 2008/07/12 00:44
Programmer, Web Developer / Web Designer
Wow, that was awesome Danny, I could not get there today as I got meeting in the morning. So guess I will be in the crazy queue tonight... (x__x)
(ID #235357) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:55
*sigh* I need a new phone, want Iphone!
(ID #235358) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:56
Full-time student へへ
you misspelt believe "The makers beleive that they know what Japanese consumers want - which is everything" got a ticket for my at yodobashi this morning. going to pick it up ... soonish! with troopers were assigned with white iphones and pilots black, what's left for lord vader?^^
(ID #235359) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:57
Director/代表取締役
Thanks - thought the spelling looked fishy.
(ID #235364) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:03
! before i vote, whats the diference behind a Jap Phone and an iPhone? short answers allowed =)
(ID #235361) Posted on 2008/07/11 16:59
The article states that Jap phone has everything in it (all the gadgets you can think of as big as it gets) and look all the same while iPhone settles for less (well still has lot more than normal cell), for example only 2 megapixel camera but then again iPhone looks cool and stylish :) So basically ugly all-in-one solution versus cool cell phone. I most likely will get iPhone at some point, Im just too much of a Apple fan by now, already have 2 macs... just dont know if I will get one right away because of the high prize and in Finland the data plans you can get for the phone suck a bit, so might wait till other companies start to sell iPhones as well and competition gets prizes down and give better data plans.
(ID #235443) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:52
Warehouse Employee
The iPhone will be released today (July 11) here. I actually want one, but it's quite expensive. 8 GB version costs about 525 Euro ($ 827) and the 16 GB version 615 Euro ($ 970)... That's a lot of figurines for that amount of money... =_=
(ID #235367) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:05
Will Sony be releasing this http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/x1?cc=us&lc=en in Japan? It's kinda pricey though compared to the iphone, but at least we don't have to get locked into AT&T service here in the US.
(ID #235368) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:05
Photographer/Night Auditor
How about neither, I really like a simple easy to use PHONE not a million and one toy gadgets. I do use the camera phone because it's handy and I don't need to drag the real cameras around with me but that's all I use the phone and the camera. The money thing would be alright though. Other than that for me it's all pointless.
(ID #235370) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:14
I'm getting an Iphone, eventually. Probably in a few months or so, at the moment they're pretty expensive and hard to get. So I'd rather wait till school starts, and then get one. Should be cheaper, and you don't have to overnight on the sidewalk ^^;
(ID #235376) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:19
Designer & Animator
Recemtly Got a Sony G900 for cheap after trade in at Singapore but still I want an iPhone so I can develope some games on it. Apple knows product design very well that it can appeal to a wide variety of audiences, unlike Microsoft. I believe they will succeed in Japan and Asia on their terms. Will it take over current competitors this year i don't think so but who know in the future.
(ID #235377) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:21
I have to say WOW!!!!!! That is one hell of a line!!!!!! The longest line I had ever seen!!!!!! The Dancing Trooper had appeared, quick take a picture and film. That's what I think people thought when he saw you Danny!!!!! I must say, getting an Iphone is cool in all, sadly I already have the first gen one. Yes, I own an Iphone since November. It's pointless for me to get another...or is it... I wonder how are you enjoying your Iphone over there in Japan!!!
(ID #235379) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:22
Great coverage Danny, and awesome how you got interviewed by CNN! But wonder if I am the only one who doesn't like the iPhone....I prefer the Japanese Phones, which I just got a few months back =D, after getting disappointed time after time by bad non-japanese phone designs and functions.
(ID #235381) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:23
The white iPhone is sexy. lol @ poll exactly tied at 50%/50%
(ID #235385) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:27
Still waiting for Iphone to be out here in SG! Great Coverage Danny~
(ID #235387) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:29
おたくと大学生。
I don't even have a cellphone. I get weird looks when I tell ppl that o.O
(ID #235391) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:35
Part human, part student, 100% loser
I am not alone! Woots! People call me a loser for not owning a handphone...
(ID #235763) Posted on 2008/07/12 12:20
Student; wants a job T_T
That's one heck of a long line. The longest I've ever waited was for AX in 2006(2.5 hrs). Hmm.. I think I'd prefer a phone with everything stuffed in it. It helps for those long waits at the doctor's office.
(ID #235401) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:47
TV Watcher
Interesting coverage. How does this line compare with your typical Dragon Quest line? I'm looking forward to getting my iPhone tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to walk-in without the long wait. For more iPhone info, check out what this guy is doing: http://www.stickam.com/leolaporte/
(ID #235402) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:47
such a spectacle ^^;; to everyone all over the world waiting in line... gambatte... ^^;;; personally i'm hoping to avoid the crowds in a couple weeks...
(ID #235405) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:53
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Phew my goodness don't kill yourself by getting a heatstroke danny! this camera man is kinda cute: http://www.dannychoo.com/slide/eng/japan/20535/photo/iPhone+Japan/
(ID #235407) Posted on 2008/07/11 17:54
u has a husband!! >_< LOL
(ID #235421) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:17
Receptionist/ Accountant/ Junior Designer/ Illustrator
Lol!
(ID #235432) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:30
security/3d graphic artist
She's not touching! he he
(ID #235502) Posted on 2008/07/11 20:34
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
my husband is cuterer :P
(ID #235674) Posted on 2008/07/12 05:55
There were big queues for the iPhone in Australia today too with some waiting 11hours or more. I don't think I'll be getting one myself until they're less than $150, and i actually find a use for one.
(ID #235414) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:08
Never own any Apple's products. If you asked me why, I don't know. None of their products interested me. Sigh...
(ID #235417) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:13
Student/Part-timer
Heh Ive avoided pretty much anything to do with apple up to this point. Don't think Ill give into steve jobs yet haha. If given the choice, I'll go with the Japanese phone I suppose. Actually a Swedish/Japanese phone to be exact lol. Sony Ericssons are my choice of cells, no alternative...for now.
(ID #235418) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:14
will hold out till Iphone comes with a 5megapixel camera...
(ID #235420) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:16
thats one heck of a line...cant imagine what it be like in the stormtrooper outfit in that weather...
(ID #235424) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:19
I heard china is selling iPhones for like...US$250? No plan nothing.. Remember: HEARD~~
(ID #235427) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:20
i needs the iphone... sigh. when is Singapore going to get it officially? hehe im a fanboy ah yes.. the white one sure looks like the trooper accessory haha. i smell a 'war' coming up between enterprise support. blackberry vs iphone!
(ID #235429) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:26
Service desk support
Just got back from purchasing my own one! Pretty cool! I was against getting the 1st gen as I thought it wasn't up to scratch but this one should solve my worries. I needed a new phone anyway!
(ID #235430) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:27
Receptionist/ Accountant/ Junior Designer/ Illustrator
I'm not too keen on the iPhone but, rather other Japanese phones which have a good balance of features for someone like myself. I don't use my phone much but, feature-wise I do! Thanks for the coverage, Danny. It is great appreciated ^-^ Also, opting to wear the stormtrooper uniform once again (^o^)/
(ID #235435) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:34
Looks like you had a good time out there dude. Even though you probably sweated away half your body weight. iPhone goes on sale in Canada on Friday morning too, but it is met with controversy as the data plans are deemed a rip off. Me no get. Besides your comrades, do you talk to people while trooping or just gesture? The lady with the new white iPhone seems oddly familiar...
(ID #235437) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:37
Student/Part-timer
rogers did introduce a "promo" pricing from now till the end of august in response to the backalash. But the plan is still rather expensive. Its now $30 a month for the data fee for about 300mb i believe.
(ID #235448) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:57
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
I think that is how they plan to get money out of us here in the US and Canada, jack up the price on the data plan. AT&T is increasing the data plan charge with the release of the iPhone 3G here in the states. That lady does look familiar doesn't she... ^o^
(ID #235676) Posted on 2008/07/12 07:19
Director/代表取締役
I end up talking if something needs to be communicated regarding photos and stuff but usually keep schtunt.
(ID #236796) Posted on 2008/07/13 21:29
I guess I would prefer a Japanese phone. But with all this talk about iphones. I do kinda want an iphone now, o_o
(ID #235438) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:37
Danny, you are in the news everywhere! http://eranews.eracom.com.tw/
(ID #235445) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:54
this is more detailed... http://eranews.eracom.com.tw/n270/n6114.xml
(ID #235446) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:55
argh chinese! gotta brush up on it...
(ID #235469) Posted on 2008/07/11 19:31
TK-8316 / 宅男 Otaku / 工程师 Engineer
it says "apple fan gets iphone, dance merrily on the streets". ^^;
(ID #235535) Posted on 2008/07/11 22:18
Director/代表取締役
mamamia!
(ID #235477) Posted on 2008/07/11 19:52
i'd like one of the new iPhones, but I still have my old one, and I want to see how it works with the new 2.0 upgrade coming tomorrow. i certainly wouldn't wait in line for such a thing.
(ID #235447) Posted on 2008/07/11 18:56
at first glance iphone is great! and danny is fanny!
(ID #235449) Posted on 2008/07/11 19:00
Director/代表取締役
In Britain, "Fanny" means a womans V-zone...
(ID #235479) Posted on 2008/07/11 19:53