According to the Nikkei, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecomms announced the mobile contents and services market results in 2008 increased by 17% YoY to reach 1.35 Trillion JPY (approx. $14 Billion usd), mobile advertising not included. The mobile commerce market, including mail orders and stock transactions recorded $9B, up 19% while airline and hotel reservations, in the same segment, increased by 25%. The mobile contents category, lead by music, games and e-books, gained 13% to about $5B. Do the math on a mobile population of 106M contracts!

Despite the drumbeat of bad financial news the mobile market continued to grow at an impressive pace. No doubt driven at least in part by the increased adoption, and therefore exploration usage, of flat-rate data plans it would seem there is still plenty of gas in the tank for 2009

Related posts:

1. Japan ’03 Mobile Content Market Up 31%
2. Japan Mobile Content Market Nears 1 Tln Yen
3. Tectonic Change in Japan’s Mobile Handset Market
4. Sharp Holds Top Handset Market Share
5. Japan Mobile Market Myths from Past and Present

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!