In Q4 2023, mobile phone shipments in Japan totaled 8.3 million units, marking a 3.5 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.
Smartphone shipments in Japan followed a similar trend, with 8.28 million units shipped, reflecting a 2.4 percent decline, IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker said. Signs of recovery emerged, particularly in the smartphone segment, fueled by Apple’s strong performance and Google’s strategic partnerships.
Notably, 2023Q4 was the sole quarter in the year to surpass the 8 million unit mark, signaling a gradual improvement in demand, partly attributed to the weakening yen and adjustments in carrier inventory.
Apple maintained its dominance in the smartphone market, driven by robust demand for its iPhone 15 series.
Sharp secured its position as the second-largest smartphone vendor, leveraging steady support from the elderly demographic for its affordable smartphone offerings.
Google witnessed significant growth, continuing its upward trajectory since 2023Q2.
Google’s accelerated market share growth in 2023 was propelled by its partnership with Docomo earlier in the year. Furthermore, industry dynamics saw FCNT filing for civil rehabilitation and subsequently being acquired by Lenovo, while Kyocera announced strategic plans to selectively withdraw from the consumer segment.
“In segments like foldable and AI smartphones, local players are facing challenges in maintaining competitiveness against global counterparts. In 2024, we anticipate further strengthening of global vendors such as Lenovo, Xiaomi, and the continued expansion of Google’s presence in Japan,” Masafumi Inbe, Market Analyst at IDC Japan, said.
