In 2001 the red shopping bags shown above were distributed in cities across Japan and became a common sight. Each bag held an ADSL modem, which made it possible for consumers to connect to high-speed Internet using their existing home tele…

As previously documented by SoftBank News, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), first launched its 3G services in Japan on December 20, 2002, through its predecessor J-PHONE Co., Ltd. After approximately 22 years of service, SoftBank’s 3G service…

With many companies using or associated with the “SoftBank” name, it can be difficult to understand how SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) fits into the picture. Here’s a quick primer to clarify SoftBank Corp.’s position. SoftBank Corp.’s parent…

J-PHONE’s initial 3G lineup (from left): the V-N701 by NEC, the V-NM701 (Nokia 6650) and the V-SA701 by SANYO Electric 20 years ago on December 20, 2002, J-PHONE Co., Ltd. —an antecedent of SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) mobile communicati…

Different forces at play behind major corporate transformations: changes in population and human resources, intensified global competition, ESG demands, among other factors. The pace of change is not expected to abate anytime soon. To set …

Ten years ago today, on February 24, 2012, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) launched “SoftBank 4G” services in Japan. After the first generation of mobile phones was introduced the 1980s, a new mobile communication standard has been introduced…

Launched in 1996, “Yahoo! JAPAN” was Japan’s first commercial Internet search engine 26 years ago, on January 31, Yahoo Japan Corporation was established. Formed as a 60:40 joint venture between the current SoftBank Group Corp.—the parent …

On December 19, 2018, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) debuted on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. At a press conference following the listing ceremony, Ken Miyauchi, President & CEO at the time and now Chairman, spoke enthusiast…

35 years ago today, Railway Telecommunication CO., Ltd. was established. Why is this fixed-line telecommunication provider significant to SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434)? Railway Telecommunication merged with JAPAN TELECOM CO., LTD. in 1989, …

21 years ago today, one mobile phone changed the course of history.On November 1, 2000, the Japan-based J-PHONE Group—an antecedent of SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) mobile business—launched the J-SH04, a mobile phone with the world’s firs…