According to Social Computing Magazine, Excite Japan announced the UK release of its ad-funded mobile social networking service, mobikade. Mobikade provides personal mobile space allowing users to post updates and download a wide variety of mainly puzzle games such as Sudoku, all for free. Currently, mobikade provides 20 games and plans to add 3 to 5 games monthly.

Ad-funded mobile social networking services have been hugely successful in Japan. Atul Sasane, head of new business at Global Network Solutions Europe Ltd (GNS Europe), the European business base for Japanese Sogo Shosha ITOCHU Corporation, says “My aim is to successfully introduce Japanese mobile strategies to the UK and Europe. mobikade is so cool it will change the lives of mobile users in the UK.”

Yuki Wada, VP, international business at Excite Japan says “mobikade has changed my life to the point where I’m actually going to live in London. This project is important for Excite Japan to build inroads into the European mobile market. We are also planning to release this service in Italy and Germany”.

Note: Our local research partner Infinita Inc. has produced detailed research reports on two of Japan’s largest SNS offerings, Mixi and Mobagetown, which we are pleased to offer under an exclusive co-distribution agreement. Full details Here.

Related posts:

1. Excite Japan Signs Mobile Content Deal
2. Japan Mobile SNS Reports
3. Japan Mobile SNS Traffic Doubles
4. Megabytes for Mobile Via PC: New JV Strategy
5. SNS Hits Official Menu on Yahoo! Mobile

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!