The Japanese Internet service company and the U.S. computer company are expected to launch handsets with the iPod functions as early as this year in Japan. Softbank Corp. and Apple Computer Inc. are planning to jointly develop mobile phones that have built-in iPod digital music players and can download songs directly from Apple’s iTunes Music Store, news reports said Saturday. Kyodo News agency had a similar report. 

The Japanese Internet service company and the U.S. computer company are expected to launch handsets with the iPod functions as early as this year in Japan, Japanese business daily Nihon Keizai reported, citing unnamed sources. The two companies also plan to develop a phone that can download songs using Softbank’s wireless communication network next year, the paper said.

**Web update 16 May: SoftBank has come out to deny the rumor, very unusual in that the Nikkei is ‘almost’ never wrong. Time will tell. The official statement from SoftBank is Here (in Japanese)

Related posts:

1. Apple to Launch iTunes in Japan
2. Apple Plans Music Downloads in Japan (Good Luck!)
3. Apple Opens iTunes Japan
4. Clarion Steers iPod into Car Navigation System
5. SoftBank Announces – Almost – iPhone

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!