Society

NTT Docomo to launch cheap plans with low data volume

Oct 08 (Japan Times) - Major mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo Inc. said Thursday that it will start offering cheap smartphone plans with low data volume in cooperation with two low-cost smartphone carriers.

Some of the plans are available for ¥1,000 or less per month.

NTT Docomo currently offers the ahamo low-cost smartphone plan with a 20-gigabyte data package, which costs ¥2,970 a month.

The latest move is aimed at meeting users’ needs for cheaper services with lower data volume.

Other major carriers KDDI Corp. and SoftBank Corp. have already introduced 3GB plans costing less than ¥1,000 per month.

The introduction of new low-cost plans by NTT Docomo is expected to intensify competition for customers among the three major carriers.

NTT Docomo customers will be able to sign contacts for the use of low-cost smartphone plans offered by NTT Communications Corp., a group company of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., and FreeBit Co., at NTT Docomo outlets across Japan. NTT Communications’ services include a 3GB plan costing Y990 per month.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

USJ to Open 'Donkey Kong Country' in December

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

Japan Plans to Raise Teacher Pay

Japan's Finance Ministry presented a plan on November 11th during the Fiscal System Council to gradually increase the 'teacher adjustment allowance' --currently awarded as a substitute for overtime pay -- from its current 4% of monthly salary to 10% over a span of five years.

Satellite Malfunction Leaves Japan Weather Images Unavailable

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is currently experiencing issues displaying images from the Himawari weather satellite on its official website. Efforts are underway to identify the cause and restore normal service, but the timeline for recovery remains unclear.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

20-Year-Old Woman Arrested After 7-Hour ‘Free’ Karaoke

A young woman was arrested after spending seven hours in a karaoke room alone, even extending her stay, without any intention of paying.

Town Revitalization Effort Brings 'Yokai' Wedding to Life

A unique wedding ceremony recently took place in Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture, where efforts are underway to revitalize the town through the allure of 'yokai' (supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore).

Female Rickshaw Pullers Face Heat: 'Like Slaves' Say Some Foreigners

Tokyo's Asakusa district, bustling with foreign tourists, is famous for its rickshaws, a unique attraction that combines sightseeing with memory-making for visitors.

Father and Son Arrested After Heated Dispute with Frying Pan

An 88-year-old father and his 60-year-old son were arrested in Kushiro, Hokkaido, after a violent dispute where the father allegedly threatened the son with a knife, and the son retaliated by hitting his father with a frying pan, causing minor injuries.