470 Phenomenan across the world
Julia's surprise was evident; she hadn't expected them to acquire iPhones so swiftly.
"My goodness, you all got one already?" Julia exclaimed, her voice tinged with astonishment as she set the tray down on a nearby table.
Arnold, slightly annoyed at the interruption of his game, tried to protest as his mom reached for his iPhone. "Mom, I'm in the middle of—"
But Julia, with a playful shush, silenced him. Her curiosity about the iPhone outweighed her son's complaints. As she held the device, turning it over in her hands, she marveled at its sleek design—a stark contrast to her keypad cellphone.
"This is so different," she murmured, her fingers tentatively exploring the touchscreen interface. The fluidity of swiping and tapping was new to her, a far cry from the buttons she was used to pressing.
Arnold, now watching his mom navigate his iPhone, couldn't help but smile at her fascination. "It's called a touchscreen, Mom. You can do everything with just a swipe or a tap," he explained.
Julia's eyes widened in wonder as she discovered the ease of accessing different features, her initial trepidation giving way to excitement. "This is amazing," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "It's like something from the future."
The room filled with laughter as Julia continued to explore the iPhone, asking questions and expressing her amazement at every new discovery.
---
Even days after its release, the iPhone continued to dominate discussions throughout Japan, maintaining its status as the hottest topic in town. Long lines of eager customers still snaked around KiShin stores, a testament to the unrelenting hype surrounding this groundbreaking device.
In private homes, new iPhone owners treated the unboxing experience with a reverence typically reserved for rare treasures. Some even recorded the process, carefully peeling away the packaging to reveal the sleek device inside, aware of the significance of the moment. These videos, shared online, added to the fervor, showcasing the iPhone's elegant design and advanced features, further fueling the desire among those still waiting to purchase one. Although the videos posted were of low quality, they were the only ones suitable for the current internet speeds.
Even renowned Japanese manga authors, such as Eiichiro Oda of "One Piece," Masato of "Naruto," and Kira Toriyama of "Dragon Ball," were spotted in public with iPhones in hand. This alone highlighted the significant impact of the iPhone, showcasing its widespread appeal across different demographics. The sight of such influential cultural figures adopting this new technology underscored the iPhone's status as a revolutionary device, further cementing its influence and desirability in the eyes of the public.
But the phenomenon was not confined to Japan alone. Around the world, people watched with keen interest as the Japanese market was swept up in iPhone mania. International media outlets and newspapers were quick to pick up on the story, highlighting the iPhone's potential to revolutionize the cellphone market. Reports emphasized how, in a landscape dominated by keypad-based phones with simple user interfaces, the iPhone stood out dramatically. Its touch screen, sophisticated UI, and plethora of features marked a significant departure from the norm, suggesting a seismic shift in what consumers would expect from their mobile devices moving forward.
The global anticipation was palpable, especially in the USA and parts of Europe, where consumers were eager to experience this innovation firsthand. The promise of the iPhone had elevated the very concept of what a cellphone could be, setting a new standard that resonated worldwide. People from different corners of the globe found themselves united in their anticipation, counting down the days until the iPhone would be available in their own countries.
---
Customers in Japan who purchased the iPhone were thoroughly impressed by its array of features. Beyond just listening to music, they could enjoy a variety of functions that were previously unheard of in one device. These included browsing the internet at a good speed, managing emails on the go, capturing high-quality photos, navigating through maps, and organizing their daily schedules with enhanced calendar and note-taking apps. The ability to play games and download new titles from the KiShin App Store added a new dimension to their mobile experience, transforming their iPhone into a portable entertainment hub.
Among friends and family, proud new iPhone owners didn't hesitate to showcase the capabilities of their cutting-edge devices. Demonstrations of its sleek touchscreen interface and the multitude of available apps often left their peers in awe. This boasting, while sometimes light-hearted, sparked a sense of envy among those who didn't yet own one. Witnessing the iPhone's revolutionary features and user-friendly design firsthand drove many to decide they, too, needed to own this groundbreaking device, leading to a ripple effect of iPhone purchases fueled by a blend of admiration and envy.
Competing companies, left to speculate due to the lack of public sales data from KiShin, estimated that the tech giant had earned billions of yen from the iPhone launch in just a week or so. This estimation was based on the observable consumer demand, the extensive media coverage, and the long lines of eager customers outside KiShin stores. Despite not having access to the exact sales figures, the visible market response and the buzz surrounding the iPhone led these competitors to conclude that KiShin's foray into the cellphone market had yielded significant financial success.
---
---
---
Author's Note: I know this comes a bit late, but I want to extend a heartfelt rest in peace to Akira Toriyama, one of my favorite manga authors. His life and work have been incredibly meaningful to so many of us. Thank you, Toriyama-san, for gifting the world with Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, Chrono Trigger, and so much more. Your incredible creations live on and continue to inspire. Your legacy is immortal, forever etched in our hearts and memories. You will always be alive in the worlds you've created and in the hearts of your fans. Rest well. 🙏
