Mobile tour investigates Japan's mobile Internet story

July 15, 2004

The Wireless Watch Japan Media Project and Mobile Economy GmbH will co-produce the second Mobile Intelligence Tour (MIT) to Tokyo, 3-8 October 2004, offering wireless industry professionals worldwide a unique opportunity to study Japan's stunning mobile Internet success story.

New, 3G wireless Internet services are rocking Japan's extremely sophisticated market, with bar-code readers, e-wallet-based m-commerce, mobile TV, and CD-quality music download technology all enjoying fast consumer uptake. Japan's mobile industry is learning how to make 3G work (major carriers are finding that average revenue per user on their 3G systems is actually higher than on older 2G systems) and is amassing valuable and exportable market intelligence.

Building on the first successful Mobile Intelligence Tour in April, 2004, the new MIT will give participants in-depth know-how and actionable intelligence direct from the heart of mobile Japan. The MIT will comprise six days of intensive company visits, executive presentations, application demonstrations, user sessions, and networking events, guided and analyzed by four leading mobile Japan experts providing daily Q&A and wrap-up.

MIT members will learn about operator strategies for 3G, data portals, new services, and mobile marketing; success factors behind i-mode, EZweb, and Vodafone live!; what's coming from handset makers and application developers; which applications can be exported and who has entered the Japan market; and state-of-the-art management lessons after 5 years of "Mobile Kaizen" in the world's No. 1 mobile data market.

Participants will also meet and network with Tokyo's brightest mobile insiders, entrepreneurs, and developers, as well as real users showing what they love, and hate, about Japan's much talked-about mobile Internet.

MIT program keywords include market overview, business data, carrier strategy, downloadable applications (Java/BREW), mobile music (ring tones/real tones), GPS-based location-based services, 3G, terminal technology, video telephony, and cross-border opportunity.

The October MIT has been significantly enhanced from the April tour, and expects to include:

-- Enhanced live user and mobile application demonstrations
-- Expanded networking opportunities with industry, academics, and analysts/media
-- Guided visit and custom briefings at CEATEC, Asia's largest consumer electronics & mobile devices show
-- Full-day MIT Conference open to all industry professionals
-- Optional MIT Extension Week (11-15 October), a customized series of meetings and workshops targeted at individual companies wishing to enter the Japan mobile market

The MIT fee is Euro 4,500.00 per person, and includes full participation, 3G phone rental, CEATEC entrance, most meals, on-tour transfers, networking events, open MIT Conference, pre- and post-MIT documentation, and a 6-month subscription to Wireless Watch Japan. Fee does not include airfare, airport transfers, hotel, some meals, or incidentals.

MIT participation is limited to 30, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for submitting a participation order form is Friday, 10 September 2004.

Additional information, brochures, and registration, can be found on the MIT website at: http://www.mobileeconomy.de/mit