---

Apple Help In Japan "0120-APPLE-1" = 0120-27753-1 in English and Japanese I love my new 27" iMac!!

Mac In Japan 2010
by RL Seltman

SoftBank, Apple's distributor of iPhone services in Japan and major retailer Softmap have been placing more energy in promoting the Apple iPhone with discounted promotions, and so market share has improved considerably. For other hardware purchases In a few of the larger Japanese cities there are the Apple Centers now found in most world capital cities. For the majority of Apple fans, outside these key urban centers, on-line Apple purchases are necessary, but... fortunately, exceptionally reliable. The Apple Store and English Support help-line has a poorly designed call reception system, particularly for those of us limited to English-only on the phone, or sensitive to screeching loud and abrasive call-waiting music... yet, once connected, service staff are very helpful, polite, and effective. There will never be the proliferation of Apple product providers we once had in many of the medium size cities here in Japan. In Kyoto, for example, I could not find the newest nine pin firewire adaptors now needed for the latest models. One has either a long commute to an urban center or to use Apple online shopping.

In Shiga, a geographically expansive prefecture surrounding Lake Biwa, there is only one store, Kitcut, in a relatively small shopping mall. Fortunately Kitcut has an interior design suitable for Apple patrons. An aesthetic imperative for discerning Japanese design professionals. The few remaining Apple Centers in Japan inspire purchase, despite the infamous 'beauty of design' surcharge. There is no better market than Japan where design matters more. After all, we are the land where perfection of form is essential, a land long suited to Apple products.

As the iPad is rolled out in Japan, at least for the native English speaking community, the question remains whether there will be enough media available to make a purchase practical. There is still limited movie selections in English on iTunes Japan and US websites providing English language media remain blocked. Who actually the iPad market will be in Asia remains to be seen.