"Mobile phones become Internet machines this year," said Masayoshi Son, president and CEO of Softbank Corp. "Today is a historic day."
iPhone 3G, a mobile phone of Apple Inc, hit the store shelves in Japan at 7 am July 11, 2008. Son appeared at the company's Omotesando Store in Tokyo shortly before the release.
The iPhone 3G was officially released at noon July 11. But, at the Omotesando Store, Softbank's flagship shop, they became available for purchase at 7 am. There was a long line in front of the store, and the company finished accepting orders for the day before 7 am.
Before the store opened, Softbank had a commemoration ceremony where general customers in the queue were interviewed. The first person in the line said he came to the store from Nagoya City July 8.
"I am really flattered and honored to be the first person to get (iPhone 3G)," he said.
A few others in the front of the line were also interviewed. They said, "I'm really happy," "I want to try the Internet machine (iPhone 3G) soon." Softbank counted down 30 seconds before the release of the iPhone 3G. At 7 am, smoke was generated in grand style, creating a convivial mood.
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