Feature Phone

Garakei (short for "Galapagos keitai") is the Japanese nickname for pre-smartphone flip phones that evolved uniquely in Japan, like the endemic species of the Galapagos Islands. They feature a foldable design with physical number keys.

In their 2000s heyday, they offered advanced features like mobile payments, TV viewing, and infrared contact exchange - features later adopted by smartphones.

Some users still prefer feature phones for their simplicity, week-long battery life, low monthly costs, and physical buttons. However, 3G network shutdowns are making older models unusable. Users must switch to 4G feature phones ("garaho") or smartphones.

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A small IC card that stores mobile phone subscriber information. Linked to a phone number.

Telecommunications Carrier

A major telecommunications provider that owns its own network infrastructure. Four carriers operate in Japan.

PHS (Personal Handy-phone System)

A lightweight mobile phone system originating in Japan. It used 070 numbers and all services ended in 2023.

A telephone connected to a line installed at a fixed location. The area code identifies the geographic region.

A mobile phone combining a feature phone's physical button design with Android OS, offering smartphone capabilities in a traditional form factor.

3rd Generation Mobile

The 3rd generation mobile standard that supported i-mode and feature phone culture, now being shut down by carriers.

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