Apple in talks to launch iPhone in Japan

According to a new report, Apple is in talks (Subscription req.) with Japan’s NTT DoCoMo and Softbank concerning the launch of the iPhone in the country. The Wall Street Journal reports that people familiar with the situation say Apple CEO Steve Jobs recently met with NTT DoCoMo’s president, Masao Nakamura, to discuss a deal to offer the iPhone in Japan. NTT DoCoMo is Japan’s largest cellular provider, and it has been suggested that it is likely to be Apple’s first choice as partner, as the company has shown a strong preference for signing agreements with top mobile operators. The same sources also said that Apple has also been in discussions with No. 3 operator Softbank Corp., and that executives from both companies have made multiple trips to its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters. None of the three companies has yet commented on the report.