Masayoshi Son
Taken this Thursday at the official Softbank iPhone 3GS launch event just past midnight.
On the left of the photo is Masayoshi Son - CEO of Softbank. On the right is tech journalist and consultant Nobi Hayashi. The chap in the middle is some git who realized that he should not be standing in the middle ^^;
A few bits n pieces about Masayoshi plucked from Wikipedia below.
Masayoshi Son (Japanese: 孫正義, Korean: 손정의; born August 111957 in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan) is a Korean-Japanese businessman - whose grandfather came from Korea to Japan - and the founder and current chief executive officer of Softbank Capital, and the chief executive officer of SoftBank Mobile (the renamed, effective October 1, 2006, Vodafone K. K. ). According to the Forbes magazine, his net worth is 7 billion dollars and he is the richest man in Japan, despite being the single person who has lost the most money in history (approximately 70 billion dollars in the dot com crash of 2000).Read the rest of his story so far at Wikipedia.
A third-generation son of a Korean family in Japan, Son was not considered a Japanese citizen until his family adopted the Japanese surname Yasumoto. Son pursued his interests in business by securing a meeting with Japan McDonald's president Den Fujita. Taking his advice, Son began studying English and computer science.
At age 16, Son moved to California and finished high school while staying with friends and family in South San Francisco. He then enrolled at University of California, Berkeley in which he majored in economics and took some computer science courses. Enamored by a microchip featured in a magazine, Son at age 19 became confident that computer technology would ignite the next commercial revolution.
Convinced that anything related to microchips could yield a fortune, Son decided to produce at least one entrepreneurial idea a day. He patented a translating device that he eventually sold to Sharp Electronics for $1 million. Applications of the patent include the Wizard series of Sharp PDAs.
Flush with cash, Son imported Space Invaders video arcade systems and dispersed them about the UC Berkeley campus. Soon after graduating from Berkeley with a BA in economics in 1980, Son started Unison in Oakland, California, which has since been bought by Kyocera.
During the day on the 26th, folks were lining up at the Softbank store in Harajuku but unlike last year, this year they gave out pre-order tickets so that folks didn't have to sleep in the streets.
This lady here is waiting for her turn to pre-order and giving out free pokening's and hugs at the same time.
Before we continue, I must mention that these photos are mixed with photos from myself and the following sources who covered the event:-
http://getnews.jp/archives/20146
http://mitaimon.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/06/iphone-3gs-pree.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenagata/sets/72157620409450091/
http://www.kenleewrites.com/2009/06/iphone-3gs-pre-launch.html
http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/431/431214/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/masakiishitani/sets/72157620413718725/
http://tamegoeswild.com/words/2009/06/stormtrooper-meets-softbank-ceo-masayoshi-son/
http://ameblo.jp/hfo/theme-10011408558.html
http://nobi.cocolog-nifty.com/nobilog2/
http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2009/06/25/from-tokyo-iphone-3gs-queue-and-japans-official-pre-launch-event/
http://www.appbank.net/2009/06/25/iphone-news/33897.php
http://ipodtouchlab.com/2009/06/iphone-3gs.html
http://www.good-design-review.com/archives/864298.html
http://mitaimon.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/06/iphone-3gs-pree.html
http://journal.mycom.co.jp/news/2009/06/26/024/index.html
http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0906/26/news052.html
Its about 19:30 and there are a few folks at the front of the Softbank store mingling with each other. We stop by to mingle too before moving a long.
Then its off to the iPhone 3GS Japan private launch event at Appliya Night. I invited you to come along and was great that some of you could make it!
Comrades from Circus came along too dressed up - here we have Asakura Otome cosplay - from the Dacapo series.
And what is this she has with her?! For me? ^^;;;
Guests from all over the world attend and we had out first Dollfie come to enjoy the festivities.
Photographer, consultant, producer and gravure idol Amano Ai-chan - love this outfit of hers!
Folks from Gizmodo Japan with their iPhone hat trademark.
After Appliya Night, we head to Quest Hall just around the corner where the big event was being held. Initially wasnt sure about how many from the Appliya Night party could get in but we managed to bring in everyone!
The staff at Softbank where great. And for those who dont know - Softbank is one of the major mobile carriers in Japan who currently exclusively own the iPhone. We switched from AU to Softbank just for the iPhone. We get to call other Softbank users for free (for most of the day) and also get to use Yahoo BB wifi spots all over Japan for free too. What sort of deals do you get with your iPhone? I heard that Canadians are stuck with 3 year contracts?
A bottle of Te Pika Gell - its a disinfecting gel which you rub into your hands and dries up immediately.
Been planning on painting some marks in orange on the armor - a bit like the paint you see on the Clone Troopers.
Its about 22:15 and the festivities are about to begin. I head to the front to check out the hall. The place is filled with media folks and those who want to get their iPhone at 7am - Softbank arranged for this hall to let folks stay in until the morning.
Begin!
Nobi Hayashi is the MC and organizer of the event.
The hall is packed but slowly empties out as the last trains start to depart at midnight.
Nobi talks about the iPhone Japan launch event a year ago which leads to my introduction - I get up on stage to talk about what I do.
The girls from Circus are my supporting officers and they get up on stage to help he out. Here I'm about to talk about the first dannychoo.com iPhone/iPod Touch app that has already been submitted to Apple for approval. You can see the first part of my bit below - but I still has the bad habit of saying "etooooo" which the equivalent of "errmmm" or "ummmm" in English.
And you can see the app in action below in the second part of my bit - both of these vids taken by Steven Nagata.
Unfortunately the iPhone does not work well with gloves on which was a concern I had for the last iPhone as I cant make calls while trooping. The new iPhone 3GS however comes with voice recognition so I can dial and accept calls just by speaking at the iPhone. See the video below on how this works.
For the presentation, I had to remove the glove which troopers should only do in front of others in emergency situations only.
The first app is Mirai Clock which will be available for download soon from the App store for 1.99 USD or 230 yen. Ken is the developer and Appliya is the publisher.
The description of the app that we submitted to Apple is as follows:-
Features:
- 48 pictures of Mirai and Haruka (portrait and landscape)
- Clock can be moved and positioned anywhere (just touch the clock and move with finger)
- Orientation of clock can be horizontal or vertical (double tap clock)
- Time shown can be 24hr or am/pm (double tap anywhere on screen except clock and info button)
- App remembers "last position/orientation/time mode" so users will always come back to what they set earlier
- Orientation of iPhone can be horizontal or vertical (just turn the phone)
- Orientation of picture gallery can be horizontal or vertical (shake phone to go to gallery)
- Flick left/right to show next pictures (works anywhere on screen except clock)
- Info screen can be rotated as well and shows buttons with links
- Battery indicator on bottom left of screen. if power is plugged in, nothing shows. If operating on battery, green for more than 60%, yellow for between 30-60% and red for below 30%.
My fave backdrops are the Sukumizu and the Dakimakura pose - as as you saw from the video above, looks like the audience liked them too ^^;
I've only just discovered the possibilities of the iPhone and we already have a few other apps in the pipeline.
The girls at Circus have stuff to give out!
And there is no better way to give out goodies than the traditional Junken (Paper, Scissors, Stone).
Kotobukiya are with us in the audience too and they throw these at me to give out ^^;
A snap on my Lumix from stage.
A few minutes before midnight, Masayoshi comes through surrounded by folks in the hall who get up and crowd around to take photos.
Here you see him telling us that we all get a Softbank mascot dog which talks when you squeeze or bite its tail.
Just before Masayoshi walks off stage, I nab him and suggest that we have "Kinen Shashin" - or "Memorial Photo" and is an excellent word to use when you want to take photos of just about anything!
Masayoshi takes some video footage. You can see what happened from the moment he got on stage in the video below taken by fellow Brit Joseph. My bit is at 4:47. Was happy to see the empire make it to most of the tabloids and a few TV sots in the morning ^^;
Caption that photo.
For the iPhone developers who decided to come to Appliya Night, we managed to get most of them up on stage to show off and demo their apps.
I left at about half past midnight but the rest of the folks had some Katsu sandwich bento handed out by the Softbank staff.
Masayoshi gave not only gave out the softbank mascot dog but also some monies in the form of iTunes vouchers.
Some of the presentations covered the features and speed of the previous iPhone and the 3GS. The improvement is vast and now close to loading speeds that you experience on your PC or Mac browser. Been using my 3GS for a few days now and love it - just incredible!
You can go over to the development version of figure.fm and click on "Danny Choo iPhone" to see pics that I'm posting from the 3GS. Will enable me to bring you more of Japan in real time and include videos too. The formatting of that page will change. Thanks to all who have been helping out to test the syetem and welcome more testers - just use your DC credentials to login.
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
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流浪人
Looked like a fun night... ^_^
Freelance
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Urashima
Seems like it was a fun event! I would love to get an iPhone, but I've heard quite a number of complaints here about AT&T's service...or lack thereof. (Dropped calls, Dead Zones, etc.)
Perhaps it's just around my area. :P
MFT
http://dollpron.com
Its not just your area.
BioResearch Assistant
Same.
I get dropped calls and dead zones in most areas where my friends who use Verizon or T-Mobile have service.
One of my calls was dropped when I walked underneath a line of trees (>Oo)> Didn't think it was possible but I had zero bars.
University's Slave
Yeah, Consumer Reports rated them the worst out of all the major carriers, so it's definitely not just you. Essentially, AT&T's only good thing, at least cell service-wise, is the iPhone. Don't know about their landline service though.
Heh, just noticed that Safari thinks iPhone is a misspelled word. I guess Apple forgot to put their own products in the acceptable word list.
Student, *Temporary Lead* *Permanent Rhythm atm* guitarist for band Psychotic Mind System
hahahahaa thats so true ;.; But nah not really they have bad service. I still question whether if they got better or not during the cingular and at n at merge. I guess not ._. though i dont think theres been i time where i didnt have signal with verizon. Truly amazing
MFT
http://dollpron.com
I'd love to get an iPhone but unfortunately AT&T is horrible in my area.
browsing the nets
http://otakuposts.blogspot.com/
wonder why people like to line up the very first day to get something new. like it wont be available in the coming months? how kiddish.
dont own an iphone and dont plan too.
also noticed some that one of the videos didnt come embedded. tag problem...i think
"#y#kL55mdbHeBA#Y#"
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
I think it's the second #Y# tag. It's in capitals. :P
Ambassador
http://througheyesfromafar.blogspot.com/
Same reason as why some people line up for the opening day of a new mall, or why people post "first!" comments. It's survival instinct dating back to the time when we were hunters and the first gets the meat or at least a larger portion of it. Human technology may have come a long way, but our base instincts remain the same.
BioResearch Assistant
Awesome coverage (>^^)>
I thought about getting an iPhone when my first iPod broke. If I was going to drop the money I may as well get a multi-functional Apple i and the iPhone was just breaking out. I passed up on the opportunity though as the memory wasn't large enough to hold all my songs. All of the apps and utilities it possessed though made it quite appealing. I may consider purchasing one when we renew our plan.
Are you going to do a review on Nendoroid Otome and the D.C. game it came with? I pre-ordered her and hopefully my proxy will get word soon of when they can ship.
IT Manager
http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/
dont have iPhone now but thinking of getting one. ^^
Custom Arcadestick builder
http://twitter.com/dryrice
same here but if you think about it with mobile phone companies they always come up with a new revision of the phone within a few months. i bet by next year a new iphone revision will be out.
super duper cool high school student
If current trends continue yea, there'll be a new one next year. But with that attitude you'll never have any phone now will you?
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
I see 2 familiar faces. 看到两个熟悉的脸孔。 ('~')
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Two?
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
yes 2. a mother and her daughter. ('~')
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Naruhodo ^^; ....
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
haha
i'd get the iPhone just to dl the dc.com apps ^^
very cool night indeed
student
Seems like a fun times were to be had there ^^ I've got an iPod touch which is great, but don't think I can afford an iPhone right now T_T
By the way Danny, I think one of your video links messed up... It's just the #y# thing with the vid tag, but no video.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Yes sorry about that - fixed.
Student
I need a new phone, might look into an iPhone if its more affordable in the future.
Oriental Blogger
http://www.orienthq.com
Reminds me I should be getting my hands on a iphone by now... nice simple clock app!
Nendo Exhibitionist
http://www.kodomut.com
Boy do those sandwiches look yummy!
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
Don't know about a 'pokening', but I'll take a poke and a hug.
Yes, Canadians get stuck with a 3 year contract with iPhone & expensive limited bandwidth data plans.
Those guests look familiar. Hmm...
Caption: Look! The 'Hottest Girls' App.
http://www.marvinryan.com
lol! unfortunately I believe that app has been taken off the itunes store. ^^;
三年せいとオタク
Looks like a lot of fun ^^ Any chance the clock will be released within the next week? Would love to have it as my clock before I leave for Mexico. ^^;
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Probably not. Will announce when its out.
Graphic Designer
I dont have one yet, but i sure will
They dont do event like this over here... that is just sad....
Student, part-time slave
http://yakuri.wordpress.com/
It's always amazing to hear these stories of people who made it big.
Me would buy an ipod touch, but it's too expensive -for now-. for an mp3 player I have a regular small one (not apple) and for games, well my DS ^^U
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Argh, yes. Canadians have a remarkably backward wireless phone market. Three year plans, limited bandwidth, high prices, the works.
I'm still planning to get a smartphone - teeter-tottering between the iPhone 3GS and potential Blackberry offerings, though the iPhone 3GS might win if it actually is as fast as you say. But the thing is, no matter what, I'll be avoiding the data plans. It's just not worth it here - might as well just hitch WiFi connections here and there instead.
大学生
Oooo. Yummy Katsu sandwich.
I'm curious, how do you configure the layout for Mac to be like the one used during the presentation?
http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1722/Masayoshi+Son.html#image27128
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
I forgot the name of that app - will ask.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Found it
http://www.cooliris.com/
大学生
ありがとうね！＾ー＾
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Wow fun midnight event! Not just a release of the phone, but many other things, eh? Hmm... familiar guests indeed. I wonder how you knew about the 3 year contract for the iPhone thing :P
I didn't think I ever had any visions of an iPhone in my future. I got a new phone recently, so that chance will be missed for another 3 years when my new contract runs out. $99 for an iPhone for 3 years, but data plan must be included and it's damn expensive!
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Had guests over from Canada ^^;
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Haha yes, I can tell from the photos ^_^
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
What? who?
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
you? lol
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
The katsu sandwiches.
Programming Student, Asian Girls Lover, Otaku
http://jappydolls.net/
Don't have the iPhone but I have a touch 2G, It has helped me a lot!!, with all the available tools to learn japanese, kana and kanjis flashcards, etc. And also at collegue once I broke my graphing calculator and didn't have the money at that time to buy a new one, so I took my ipod with me and I installed a calculator with all the stuff I needed and It helped me with my exam! It's a cool and useful gadget!!!
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
Oh seems like fun. ^_^
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
I have an iPod Touch 2nd Gen. I have no need for the iPhone or the $30 a month extra that comes with the data plan. I can upgrade my phone for the 2-year discount pricing at anytime though because I am in the military ^^
Just got a Sony Ericsson w760a and am enjoying it. Voice dialing, full mp3 ringtones is all I need in a phone ^^;
Looked like a good time there too! I wish you could get the DaCapo II Nendo by itself ;;
???Confused???
What an awesome event...as soon as I can get my hands on an iphone I'm getting the Mirai app...
大学生
The iPhone hat is really cool. Looks like a fun event :)
Otaku-in-training
http://www.flickr.com/people/terrorhunt/
Caption:
Guy on left: See that? It's a babe magnet.
Danny: I've seen better.
Full-time geek/Part-time student/Part-time musician
http://randomgeekness.livejournal.com/
i think the iphone is a great phone and all but still i'm one of those ppl who doesnt like it XD too many stuff for a phone but i think it's probably because here in venezuela u can't have anything too fancy or cool coz u'll get robbed or killed for it =.= i think this has made me stop liking this kind of gadgets coz i think ``if i work hard to get one it'll get robbed from me anyways`` and i think ppl who live in countries with a high lvl of delinquence will understand me .... anyways congratulations to every1 who got the new iphone and keep going danny! work in those mirai apps XD
Student
http://otakuinvancouver.wordpress.com/
The irony is that I still prefer keitais over the iphone >.>" Dunno, the apps are great but many people still want a feature/media phone rather than a smartphone, at least an affordable one. Over here even with the iphone out, you still see a ton of the cheaper walkman phones being used.
My iphone is impatiently waiting for the complete DC.com app collection arms installation!!! Wooooooooo!
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
chalk up another great night Danny.. I wonder if you had a quick chat with Masayoshi to invest in mirai??? anyway.. great photos and videos from the people that helped out that night..
Student
Caption: My wife just bought a mirai outfit... check it out.
Web Developer, Designer, ALT
http://8bitplus.blogspot.com/
One of the main reasons I don't have an iPhone is lack of Flash support. Also, a lot of phones coming from Korea and Japan still outdo the iPhone. However in the American market, it's probably one of the best phones I think. Does the iPhone in Japan have video calling?
http://www.ricekiller.com
Cant get an iPhone... Only one provider here offers it. Looking at the Palm Pre and some Android phones though. IF the Pre comes to my provider.
Nekophilia
Me haz no iPhone.. Its too luxurious for a student like me ^^;
I spent most of my days indoors, near the PC, so I don't pay much attention to the phone. No need to get an iPhone and let it catch dust. ^^;
Lurker
http://anime-quotes.info
*FIXED* image ID#27112
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7351/3666224605e98b97f83bofi.png
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Nice one!
Student & Artist
http://kanochu.wordpress.com
LOL!
Graphic Designer
I reaaaallly want an iPhone but in my country costs 1200$ or something like that, very xpensive.
Student & Artist
http://kanochu.wordpress.com
Nice presentation, I want an iPhone now, just to get the Mirai app! And that Softbank mascot dog IS SO CUTE I want one!
Professional Sniper/Sprayer, part time high school student/aspiring artist
Wow, wat an interesting event.
As for me, I don have an Iphone and I don plan on getting one soon. Not much of a mac person and my phone list on my current cell phone is nearly empty.
University's Slave
iPhones are so snazzy. It just sucks that they're tethered exclusively to AT&T here. Took us long enough to find a provider that had decent service out in the mountains where my parents and I live, and the iPhone isn't enough to make any of us give that service up. I wonder how long Apple's contract to AT&T lasts? Maybe when it expires the rest of us can get iPhone goodness.
IT Business Analyst + Test Analyst + Undergrad Uni Student
http://www.crepuscular.asia
hahahah, actually, I think Japanese teachers are encouraging people to use etoooo more often, especially to give a bit of time to think about what they are going to say, instead of stay silent to think about it...
Game Designer
http://Satellite-Stage.net
i really should have been there...being an app dev, also i cater to the otaku market...with my app
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
Hey now I wish that I could PM people directly but no I can't.
I also have an anime esque app planned but I am an interaction designer not a developer. Maybe we should talk? I have investors in HK and long term plans of opening an Iphone game n app studio in Shenzhen or HK.
I am currently working on a game for Iphone, which will be my first production.
If you are interested in talking then email or msn me on rune_ecklon@hotmail.com
http://darkdam.deviantart.com/
to expensive and too laxy to try and hack it for my current service company
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
Poor americans and your crappy telecoms he he. No seriously I feel for you.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
???
大废柴 / ダメ人間 / NEET
Just been jealous I guess.
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
Sorry if that sounded more offensive than it should. It is just old news that the mobile net in USA is still in the stone age in many ways. I constantly hear people complain about dead zones etc. and its frankly beyond me how the infrastructure can still be so backward.
About the jealousy I don't know why I would be, that's just silly if you look at the mobile phone net in Denmark it is quite top advanced. I am not Chinese so no reason for you to make an indirect excuse on my behalf. However I do live in Shenzhen and have lived in Hong Kong for many years. Hong kong has some of the best and most affordable mobile services I have ever used btw.
I am sorry if I sounded offensive. i just think AT and T should start taking their subscribers more seriously.
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
I still sound a bit like an arrogant prick here. What is up with me today. And those typos just hurt my eyes.
Is it too late to say that my dog typed that?
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
Sorry Danny, I spread negativity in your post. Please punish me, just don't ban me.
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
I sound like a jerk here, sorry DC'ers.
Student
http://otakuinvancouver.wordpress.com/
You're right tho >.>" The carriers are virtual monopolies and the service blows. Our carrier frequencies are totally out of sync with the rest of the world and we get phones a year later than the rest of the world. Everything is locked like hell and we get scalped up the arse in charges as well. It's even worse up here in Canada where our data plans will cost thousands by the end of the contract, and where common features such as roll-over and caller ID require extra fees.
Otari Vader, Sith Lord for Hire, will fillet Makoto Itou for free
http://coffeebugg.blogspot.com/
image ID#27118 - Kawaii Suge...
image ID#27135 - is that a school days figure I see?
image ID#27140 - Masayoshi: Do you have other dakimakura?
Enticing as the Iphone is, I don't think I'd be able to make full use of it's features. I already have an SE X1 and the provider I'm subscribed to isn't really allowing me to make full use of it's features. Maybe once we get to at least a quarter or better yet a third of the services provided by NTT or Softbank then I'd consider.
Student
http://foxkey.blog126.fc2.com/
Brilliant event, the iPhone sure is the rage these days from what I hear about them. The old one I heard used to be terrible but the new 3GS looks like it had been fixed. Could be a potential buyer here.
Very nice demo of the Danny Choo clock application many settings and seems like will be able to fiddle around with options for a while, was wondering if there are any plans on a character image packs so there could be additional Suenaga sister images that aren't included?
The video was hilarious, where the mic was stuffed into the helmet, the use of eto every few words and the cheersquad that came up.
College Student, Computer Science Major
http://www.projectsaber.com
"...despite being the single person who has lost the most money in history (approximately 70 billion dollars in the dot com crash of 2000)." @_@
Anyways, iPhone looks interesting but AT&T is fail.
http://www.suzu-chan.de
looks like you had a lot of fun! ^^
I love apple products but I think I don't want to buy an iphone. I just don't like touch-displays. You just have to much fingerprints and daubers on it. well I prefer my blackberry! ^^'
nice to see your brought your daughter with you! ^^
http://brutalturtle.blogspot.com
I was waiting for you to blog about the iPhone launch in japan... Well done love the pictures. Yup canadians signing new contracts have 3 year terms. You can buy the phone outright for.. 599.99cad which works out to be the same as if you sign the contract. I got my 3gs too! there were no line ups or pre orders necessary in Canada every store had enough on opening day. I went to three of them to check how many they had.. all sold out in white.
student
http://sikibuton.blogspot.com/
かなり盛り上がってますね。
東京に住んでれば。。。
iPhoneほしいけどWMかAndroidか迷い中。
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
断然iPhone ^^;
trainee at German Telekom
http://grew.themania.org/
I have a iPhone 3G 16GB White.
And now there is 32 GB Version. -_-
But I hate one thing about the iPhone:
It's called iTunes.
~Undine~
http://bluebluewave.wordpress.com
Due to coupled sales being against the law here, the carrier that sells the iPhone is obliged to sell it unlocked, so you can use it with your own carrier and whatever subscription you choose. That's a nice plus, alas it makes the price of the iPhone rather exorbitantly high, 575 Euro for the 3GS 16GB model... >_<
One man company, visual UI / icon designer.
http://blog.cocoia.com
It's not exorbitantly high - normally that prize is subsidized with a plan, but now you can pay it in one go :)
Interior Designer/Broker
http://www.urbaanbangkok.com
I phone looks nice but I've got all my staff using Blackberry. I don't know if I'm ready to make the switch, I just got a BOLD 3 months ago. Does anybody know if the Iphone has push mail?
Otaku ^^
Have. Only for Yahoo! Mail account at the moment. For Hotmail and GMail, fetch mail only.
d@@b
大废柴 / ダメ人間 / NEET
Pic #12 - Love the hat with "男" , would be better with "漢" XD
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
Danny. You missed out my post about that event. ^^;;
I didn't stayed long there as I got some other plans going on that day.
Tomorrow will go and collect my first Iphone 3GS. Can't wait for it.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Sorry!
Post it here.
writer/blogger/gamer/otaku
http://popgoespj.blogspot.com
image 27123 - handsome~ I approve of the painting the armor bit. what pattern did you have in mind? hope it goes well with ze armband :)
image 27129 - sorry, the image of you taking off your gloves made me giggle~
image 27140 - CAPTION:
Son-san: It says here I broke the Internet. Is that a good thing?
Trooper-san & Hayashi-san: ... We're Doomed.
image 27142 - I have got to learn how to make those! the idea of making katsu sandwiches sounds scrumptious!
looks like you had a great time!
University Student
http://sunshine-report.com
Inspiring story on Masayoshi Son. Cool name too. If I were him, I'd name my kid Goku XD
writer/blogger/gamer/otaku
http://popgoespj.blogspot.com
image 27123 - handsome~ I approve of the painting the armor bit. what pattern did you have in mind? hope it goes well with ze armband :)
image 27129 - sorry, the image of you taking off your gloves made me giggle~
image 27140 - CAPTION:
Son-san: It says here I broke the Internet. Is that a good thing?
Trooper-san & Hayashi-san: ... We're Doomed.
image 27142 - I have got to learn how to make those! the idea of making katsu sandwiches sounds scrumptious!
looks like you had a great time!
One man company, visual UI / icon designer.
http://blog.cocoia.com
Danny, if you can spare a promo code or set me up with a provisioning profile and a beta of the iPhone app, I'll take a scrupulous look at the UI ;-)
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Lets talk soon! I dont have the code - Ken looks after dev.
Student
Looked like a lot of fun I have a ipod touch if that counts was gonna get an iphone but i already have a pretty good one.
failing student
http://ukyuki.blogspot.com/
i want to get the free hug ^-^
High School Student
http://scorchnroses.wordpress.com
Must be a great event for you :D I don't have an iPhone, but my dad has one >.> Anyway, I guess it's too luxurious for me since all I need is just a simple phone with mp3 :3
NEET
http://austrianotaku.com/
Nice presentation, I want such an iPhone hat ^_^
~waiting for approval of Mirai Clock~
I'm stuck with a 2 year contract for my 3G, lasting until January 2011. $5€/month, 3GB traffic included, all calls, SMS and such free.
Does your iPhone 3G S stay cool Danny? There are some reports out there that it overheats to the point of discoloration:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/167495/apple_iphone_3gs_overheating_reports.html
College Student
Everyone seems to have iPhones these days!
What is a pokening?
http://www.marvinryan.com
what's a pokening? is that when someone poke you a lot of times?
btw seems like your international guest came a very long way.
http://www.marvinryan.com
oh wait, I remember you mention poken on one of your earlier post. ^^;
Image image ID#27117 is so lovely!
With the new iPhone GS there's also the possibility for eye-candy 3D apps as the inner life got a thorough(sp?) upgrade.
Also worth mentioning AnandTechs iPhone GS review: http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3587
Computer science student
Nice story and the Kotobukiya part was interessting but I STILL don't get (and don't want to get) why all people think so high and mighty about apple products. Hey it's just another company for consumer electronics and computers.
Everything with an i at the front of it's name is not better than others just because of that.
So do I have one?? - Hell no!
Do I want one?? - Yes... because they can bring me much money when selling -_^ !!
Student
well technically theres an understatement about apple is that "If its apple everyone would buy it" im not sure about the exact details on how that became a life meme perhaps because of service?
and as for 3GS im just waiting for a unlock for me to use it since its useless here in the philippines (useless when it comes to the features not being applied) yeah.... and Globe is not my option and im still using the iPhone 2G/1G 8GB and with the capabilities of FW3.0 has to give i decide on whether to buy the upgrade immediately or not hahaha ahh great times... never knew my iPhone was already this old
Technical Account Manager
http://howdoyoufigure.wordpress.com
It's very true with Apple products. Put that little white logo on anything and it'll be guaranteed to sell. Granted, their products are of very high quality, but that doesn't explain the need for people to rush out and upgrade their phones less than a year after buying the previous version.
Apple could release a new phone next month and a good chunk of the people who upgraded their 3G phones to the 3GS will run out and buy the new one.
Mechanic
http://drcow.wordpress.com/
Im glad im already at the provider of my mobile that is selling the Iphone exclusive in my country... Just have to wait 2 months so I can renew my phone contract and get a new mobile and geuss wich ;)
Alchemist in training
Must buy Iphone must buy Iphone
Custom Arcadestick builder
http://twitter.com/dryrice
one i want the iphone 3gs and 2 i want a macbook pro.
this makes me want an iphone.
student
http://zephi-san.deviantart.com/
omg ! Shaberu otousan! I so want that plushie...
That's such a great looking event..
Oppai disciple
http://terateratera.blogspot.com
How much for the Mirai App in Euro??
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Equivalent of 1.99 USD.
Programmer
http://whatsacoder.blogspot.com
it's still overpriced for me 30k here in our countr
disappointed in the hardware improve compare to the previous version.
For me the battery life before recharge is most imported for a smart phone.
Overman
http://myplasticmoustache.blogspot.com/
Hmm, will there be Mirai applications developed for other "smartphones"?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Only iPhone at the moment.
Network Technician
http://www.myyaruki.com
I'm really wanting to get my hands on the iphone but I've gotta wait another 4 months or so for my current contract to run out.
Looks like you had a great time and I'll be sure to try the new app out ^^
Really nice event. ><; soo much fun you have there! The gift for you Danny from comrades from Circus is soo nice, indeed. Realy like the Otome Asakura Nendoroid from D.C. II with a game (aaa the girl Asakura Otome cosplay like to). ^^
Me have no iPhone... it is expensive for me (in Poland). Now iPhone 3GS (32GB) is much more expensive!!! T_T but I really no need to get it... ><
Engineer
http://www.donnytan.com
I think Danny should appear in some Japanese comedy series or movie. Should be a hit :P
Technical Account Manager
http://howdoyoufigure.wordpress.com
Nice event! Looks like everyone had a good time...
Caption for photo: With this DroidFinder app, you can easily take photos and upload for analysis! It doesn't block Jedi mind tricks though...
Lazy Gamer at home
http://www.espadakiller.wordpress.com
What a interesting event indeed...would love to get a iPhone 3GS! But will have to wait for my contract to be over first... lol
And what are the people laughing at this youtube video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL55mdbHeBA&eurl=
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
At my "jokes" ^^;
http://www.stefkov.com/
The app looks pretty cool. Also more apps being made sounds awesome.
I'd love to get an iphone but I've no need for a contract as I hardly text or phone people. I'd use it for the features mainly, but it costs about £450...
Drugs Handler
Wish I could have been there! And wish I could afford an iPhone in the first place :(
High School Student
Haha I don't even have a phone, let alone and iPhone.
But that Katsu sandwich looks amazing. @.@
Service desk support
http://lookingglass.kokidokom.net
hmm, 2bucks, which roughly equates to £1.20 or so for the app on the UK appstore...
I dunno, I tend to be pretty stingy on my apps *tries to hide his Three-tan 4-koma purchase for the same price*
Oh, yeah. I own an Iphone. The older 3G version. Got it on the day of release.
The UK has several priceplans. I have an 18 month contract (so still 6 months to go) paying £35 a month for 600 minutes and 500 texts and unlimited internet via any connection. Not too bad.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Please dont buy it.
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
Fun event lol Mirai is glad she was part of it! Tanoshii so! ^^;;;;;
pervert
the voice recognition makes me want to get it
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Cool event~!
When I saw the iphone 3G in action for the first time, I felt like chucking my LG phone against a wall.. Oh how i wish to have an iphone instead right now.. ;_;
Caption:
Masayoshi: How do you get Mirai to lie down again?
Danny: You have much to learn, young jedi.
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
As tempting as it is...i still don't have the need to change to an iphone yet...not even as a gift...but still...the event looks really interesting...
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
*staresss arghhh i want an iphone! why am i so broke.....
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
I always have wondered, Iphone apps works with Ipod touch apps?? Im aware maybe some of them dont (the ones that requiere the phone capabilities), but what about the other apps??
University Student/Anime Society President
http://www.imagesofeden.co.uk
I would love an iPhone simply so that I wouldn't have to carry around 2 separate devices (iPod Touch & Sony cellphone) but because I hardly ever use my cellphone (<£10 a month) the hefty iPhone contracts are far too expensive. I already use my iPod Touch in place of my phone wherever there's wifi as you can use Skype to call landlines/cellphones at cheaper rates than my normal cellphone prices. Most of my friends check their email more regularily than their cellphones, so I email them instead of sending them an SMS! I suppose I'm lucky that all of the places I go during my normal daily schedule have wifi (flat, university buildings, Union, most pubs, etc.). These days even the intercity buses & one of the train operators have wifi here as well.
Student
I'm not interested in the iphone but it looks like a fun night!
Designer
great!
I want a 3Gs and a free Hug as well ^^
Looking for work again
http://flickr.com/photos/darktek13/
Photo caption
Masayoshi: So Danny-san what are Mirai's measurements in this one?
Danny: Classified Information!
Graphic designer
Such a cute app! when getting the new iPhone I'm getting the Mirai app too~
Also... why is there a dog with sunglasses underneath your armor in the 4th photo!
こうこうせい
http://stickymochi.blogspot.com
hahaa I can't wait for your app :)
that iphone hat is funnyy
hw sw engineer
http://darkfader.blogspot.com/
I don't have an iPhone yet... but will arrive soon :)
I still got 1500 yen of credits too. But perhaps I have some other cool idea as clock to make.
Hoomin
It must get hot on stage in the trooper suit, especially wearing the helmet.
pixels & photography
http://www.studiosushi.com
I need your app o//
Stoodent
Caption: "I don't think I have any more room in my utility belt."
Student / Free Thinker / Otaku
http://www.google.com/profiles/SeanSigloch
That seem like it would have been a fun night. Hopefully this is the first of many apps to come from Mirai. =]
broadcasting slave
Danny, you should have a picture of Mirai lying on her side specially designed for that app. That shot from the dakimakura pose makes it seems like her breasts are defying gravity...
System Design Engineering (UWaterloo)
http://robostrike.wordpress.com
The plan with the iPhone is ridiculously expensive T_T It's the only thing scaring me away from it.
Student
http://situsaleatorius.blogspot.com
Here Iphone 3GS cost 1500 dollars Y_Y
Student, part-time worker
I want an iphone, but I don't. Because the phone itself isn't too expensive, but I would have to sign up for a new contract and I like the company I'm with right now. :|
I love the pictures where you can see all the people looking at you (Danny) and smiling while taking pictures right back. They're cute. ^^
Linguist
iphone が欲しいだよ
Student
http://lordofgundams.blogspot.com/
Looks a lot of fun. I have an iPhone 3G and am proud to say that I will get the Mirai clock app when Apple approves of it and it hits the App Store.
College Freshmen
I thought that picture offering hugs was offering free pokemon hugs. I didn't even see the "&" sign until the end.
Student (Programing, Streaming, Gaming)
I bet you had a great time!
And nahhhh, I don't like iPhones.
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
You put the mic inside your helmet, that's brilliant!!! I wonder my helmet can fit it or not as it can't even fit my glasses.......
Awesome speech, lots of cheer & laughter from the audiences.
That's a very bond move to ask for a photo with Masayoshi-san & Nobi-san ^o^
I bet you already gotten their business card~~~~
IT Support
I first read about Masayoshi Son in Reader's Digest many moons ago. One story, if I recall correctly, was that he couldn't get a Japanese passport because the family name "Son" was not a common name (he was the only one). He ended up getting it when his wife changed her family name to Son (two is common enough in japan, go figure).
@image ID#27113: Is it just me or is Pokening girl utter Kawaii!
@image ID#27142: I wonder what the cost ratio is between the Bento box and the Katsu Sandwiches. Very fancy!
I've looked at the iPhone plans in Australia and I can't justify the cost of maintaining one. I'll probably end up get a Touch to keep up with the iPhoney technology.
Among the evergrowing ranks of unemployed
Would love to get the new iPhone. However the spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. lol. A great caption for the picture could be like this. Masayoshi san: The new iPhone 3GS now has an app that detects the "force". Stormtrooper: Great! Wait'll I tell the guys on the Deathst.......... Nevermind(lowers head).
Otaku ^^
Once I upgraded my iPhone 3G with the new OS 3.0, I tried playing on iPod mode thru my Sony DR-BT50 wireless headphones to test the Bluetooth A2DP and it was awesome. Too bad it doesn't comes with AVRCP and listening thru Bluetooth really suck up its juice. I tested with a full charge, and listen for only 5 hours, the battery already at 20% (Battery icon turn red).
d@@b
Office Mover
The event looked like loads of fun, to bad I couldn't go :S
I'd get an iPhone if it wasn't only bogged down to AT&T, but since I already have a iPod and a touch along with separate phone I don't see the need for one... Unless I want my own iCollection of iPods.
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
Seem like a fun event to me. I have never own an iPhone before because they are just out of my range to buy one. Do hope that one day one will down down from the sky.. LOL!
Can anyone subtitle those videos? I can't understand them.
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
cool presentation~
now, i need to get myself an iphone but its too dang expensive T_T
Software Developer
I have a new 3GS and I'm planning on visiting Japan for a week in July or August. Does anyone know how well my iPhone will work in Japan and what kind of costs I'm looking at?
I especially want to use the phone for maps and navigation, so I might need a data connection to get to Google Maps. I've heard that wifi hotspots are scarce in Tokyo, so I'll need to use the cellular network to get data. Is this realistic, or will the costs be too high?
Thanks for any answers.
anime + games collector
those vids my me howl they wers funny. and ur right about ai-chan in that outfit kawaii.
U.S. Navy
http://twitter.com/palm9x
When can we expect the Mirai Clock for Web OS. Hardware wise it is nearly the same platform as a 3gs. Please Danny?!
Graphic Designer
aaaah! I want that Softbank doggie keychain so much!!! I saw one similar to it last year during my run about in Akihabara but wasn't able to get it... me thinks it was a freebie when you signed up for a phone or something.
Pack tech
Personally I prefer the route of an Ipod touch with the skype app, thus combining great storage with phone abilities (I prefer a separate camera), unfortunately I live in the only area in the UK with an independent phone/internet provider so there's no wifi "cloud" to use the above route regularly.
Anyway aside from that, interesting article, I never knew if there was the same Apple adoration out of UK and USA, looking at it it seems a much more pleasant affair than launches in said countries (not that I've actually been to any mind you).
Finally, I'll just add my compliments to the site Danny, big fan of the wide spectrum of topics you manage to cover as such I've been a long time reader but only recently signed up and this is my first actual post.
Law student
Caption for photo: (from left to right)
Son: I didn't think watching ecchi can be so mobile!
Danny: Yes, this was the purpose of our program.
MC: Hah! And just when I thought you can only dance..!
Guitar Teacher, Musician
http://www.youtube.com/user/roskotroff
Wow, the iPhone 3GS looks amazing, I want one!!.
Danny, your Empire is expanding fast, you are getting higher and higher, congrats!!!
none.
http://anime.ge
oh my god!!! I want that Iphone ;(
University slacker
http://chocopan.wordpress.com
Love the iPhone hat! I want one for the apps. Ai-chan is sooooo cute! ;A;
Applications Specialist for medical imaging
Great pictures, might need to grab the clock for my iPod touch :)
You said that you're in the habit of saying 'etooooo' in place of 'ummm' and 'ahhh', I find it interesting that this should be the case since Japanese isn't your first language. The ummm and ahhh I would have expected to remain constant, regardless of language used but hopefully I can reach a point too where even vocal habits are in Japanese...
Pirate
http://www.ryobase.com
great presentation, my man. But I'm not really into the iphone. The plan price is kinda ridiculous to me.
Software Development Engineer in Test
http://anime.greywings.net
Congrats on the app debut! I'm seriously making the jump to iPhone, and a nice Mirai clock app would be one of the first things to get ^^.
Student
only problem i have about iphone is that i cant get enough of it the apps are tooo fun ^^
Otaku Social Media/Blogger/Event Coverage
It's great that your mission was a success! Very entertaining read today. :D
A friend of mine recently got the new 3Gs. It seems very nice, I was able to direct him here since this is a pretty fun article to see for anyone interested in the 3Gs.
ZOMBIE SLAYER/PWNAGE MASTER/WTF DETERMINER/WORLD DOMINATOR
http://www.youtube.com/user/Narutofreak996
(>^-^)> Aw man if only i could have gone!
I would totally have been dressed in a Jango Fett outfit <(^-^<)
Photographer
http://darrenwashere.com
im a big fan of the iphone. 4.5 pages of apps!
Your resident evil
I really love your Japan blogs. Looks like everyone enjoyed themselves.
Software Consultant
http://kamlau.com
When the iPhone 3G first came to Canada, half of my company got iPhones. After using them for a while, the heavy mobile email users hate the non-tactile virtual keys of the iPhones and switch back to Blackberry. The rest are keeping the iPhones because it is such a slick device for everything else other than work :P
otaku, gamer, and car nut/gearhead.
palm treo pro for me. i'm not a huge fan of the iphone's. too much for too little to me.
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
http://sukidesho.blogspot.com/
Loks like a long, fun event. It never ceases to amaze me how casually one can can walk around with figurines and the link in Japan while it can't really here. Guess it'smore about the weird looks we get here, lolols XD The cosplay is really cute~
student
nice coverage choo-sama
Myself-finder
wow circus really asks their people to cosplay a lot huh? Otome from Da Capo and Kai from Valkyrie Complex
neet/single parasite
free pokening's and hugs wow heaven! how bout free kisses XD