Just an update and an observation. I still love my iphone, and they even implemented A2DP (bluetooth stereo) support through a software update. It turns out the sound quality isn't all it was cracked up to be and I'm back to being leashed to my phone. I've brought it with me on this trip, and it's been very useful so far even though I haven't been using it as a phone yet. The observation is that a majority of my friends now have iphones, many of them Japanese. I guess Edy and TV aren't deal breakers anymore? And the iphone is pretty cheap here so that probably helps too.
As you point out, iPhone has been penetrating Japanese market much more than before.
Amazing ! .... But I still use Osaifu-Keitai as I need to use mobile phone for train/metro.
I really want to have an iphone, but I would use the Internet too much on it with such a large screen, so it would be too expensive for me.
So an Iphone4 would cost me at least:
standard price plan: 2900¥
white plan: 980 ¥
s! basic pack: 315¥
unlimited Mail/internet use: 5985¥
=
10,180 a month....
On top of this will probably come some additional cost.
http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/iphone_en/
So please support me, by going to www.buydutchbakaaniphone.com and donate some money. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in my life. Thank you for being so generous and thoughtful!