It appears that mobile phone shipments to Japan have seen a drastic decline of 58 percent in October making it the lowest monthly total on record according to Forbes. Now, this may cause some concern within the mobile phone arena as Japan is usually used as a judgemental thumb for the rest of the mobile world.

The reason is quite evident, the economic downturn touches everywhere and is probably the main cause, but it is also important to note the introduction of new business models where operators charge for the mobile handset for lowering calling charges.

But whatever the cause, if sales are dropping off, especially in the technologically minded Japan it is sure to have an overall effect on the mobile arena.

Source — Forbes