Japan’s domestic shipments of cell phones posted year-on-year growth for the second straight month in December, an industry body said on Thursday, as new-model camera phones breathed life into a saturating market.

EXTRACT:Handset shipments gained 27.1 percent from the same month a year earlier to 3.96 million units, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) said. CONTINUE

COMMENTARY: Demand is predicted to remain strong, especially for upgrades and conversion of existing subscribers as 2003 sees new handsets come to market featuring million-pixel cameras and other advanced features. Japan’s three leading carriers launched a total of 8 new models in November and December of 2002. Note that handset shipments had fallen year-on-year for 17 consecutive months until October 2002.

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5. Japan 3G Cell Phone Shipments Surge

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!