This afternoon, Softbank announced on its website that it has signed a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Japan. Although there were few details, the press release said that it will be released later this year.

Given that Softbank only sells 3G models, it looks like Apple is going to be releasing a 3G iPhone for Japan (could this be a globally timed release?)

We will be watching for the huge marketing storm that is bound to accompany the release of the iPhone in Japan. Dentsu, of course, will come out as a winner. Then again, they run the advertising accounts for all three of Japan’s major mobile carriers, so that was never in doubt.

Could there be any connection between iPhone marketing and Mariah Carey’s recent visit to Japan?

[HT to Japan Economy News]