NTT DOCOMO, INC. has set up a Mobile Society Research Institute in Japan to study the impact of mobile phones on Society and how it is transforming the next generation in Japan. Reading the white papers there, one gets the sense that the mobile phone is impacting society on a much larger level than anticipated.

For example, things like MNP (mobile number portability) now enables users to keep their mobile number across phones, and One-seg broadcasting, which now enables all cel phones to receive terrestrial digital TV broadcasts. This propelled a swift increase in compatible handsets available.

But an even more interesting development is the introduction of mobile phones aimed at children and the elderly, increasing the overall market saturation.

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Many of their studies are showing trends that mobile phones are increasingly becoming a natural part of lifestyle and habits. Most users state that it gives a user the ability to contact others regardless of time and place, and a significant number now say that it is a single device for various purposes.

Signs of attachment and addiction are also showing, with many users feeling lost or insecure if they’ve forgotten their mobile phone when they go out.

This is a facinating site that is a must read. Website is in both Japanese and English.

Website: http://www.moba-ken.jp/