466 Nearing launch

As the launch date for the iPhone 1 approached, KiShin was a hive of activity. This was a pivotal moment for the company, which had been known for its dominance in gaming and entertainment, as it prepared to make a bold leap into the territory of the cellphone market—a market yet to experience a device like the one they were poised to release.

In the lead-up to the release, KiShin's engineering teams were in a constant flurry of activity. Day and night, they carried out extensive testing and quality assurance checks. Every detail of the iPhone 1 was scrutinized: its sleek design, intuitive user interface, groundbreaking features, and software stability were all put under the microscope to ensure they met KiShin's exacting standards.

Parallel to these technical efforts, the marketing department was buzzing with creativity. Under the guidance of Shin, who brought with him a wealth of knowledge from his previous life, including successful strategies employed by Apple, the team crafted compelling advertising campaigns. They aimed to ignite the public's curiosity and build anticipation with teaser ads and promotional materials, all carefully timed to maximize impact. Shin's insights were instrumental, shaping campaigns that resonated with potential customers and set the stage for a successful launch.

On another front, logistics and retail planning were in full swing. The logistics team collaborated closely with distributors and retail partners, smoothing out every detail to ensure a seamless introduction of the iPhone 1 to the market. Plans were meticulously laid out for inventory management, shipping, and visual merchandising in stores, ensuring that upon release, the iPhone 1 would be within easy reach of eager customers. Meanwhile, retail employees were thoroughly briefed and trained, armed with all the information they needed to inform and excite shoppers about this groundbreaking new product.

As launch day neared, anticipation within KiShin—and among the awaiting public—reached a fever pitch. The culmination of months of hard work was about to be unveiled, and the sense of expectation was palpable.

In Japan, a nation known for its economic strength and tech-savvy citizens, the allure of KiShin's iPhone ads and teasers was undeniable. People from all walks of life, young and old, found themselves captivated by the promise of this new device. The country's strong buying power meant that even high prices weren't an automatic deterrent for the eager consumers.

On forums like Yahoo! and KiShin's own website, discussions about the iPhone were buzzing with excitement. Users exchanged comments in real-time, with one exclaiming, "Have you seen how responsive the iPhone's touchscreen is? It's incredible!"

"I can't believe we're getting something so innovative!" another user added, echoing the collective amazement.

However, when KiShin unveiled the iPhone's pricing – 60,000 yen for the 4GB model and 72,000 yen for the 8GB version – the community's reaction was mixed.

In a university classroom, a lively discussion unfolded. A female student raised a concern, "60 to 72 thousand yen? Isn't that too steep?"

A male classmate chuckled in response, "I think it's reasonable. Look around; all other phones just have keypads. The iPhone is a game-changer with its smooth touchscreen, internet connectivity, and multimedia capabilities – it's like nothing else out there!"

She nodded, albeit still uncertain, "I know, but 72 thousand yen for 8GB? I could buy a decent laptop for that."

Another peer chimed in, "But can your laptop fit in your pocket? Does it have a touchscreen that lets you navigate with just a tap?"

The room buzzed with nods and murmurs of agreement. "Exactly," another student added, "While a laptop has its perks, it can't compete with the convenience of an iPhone. It fits right in our pockets, offering so many features in such a small package."

The conversation reflected a broader sentiment felt across Japan and beyond. The iPhone's compact design, combined with its cutting-edge features, made it a subject of fascination and desire. People were not just discussing a phone; they were talking about a revolution in technology, a leap into a future where a device in their pocket could do almost everything a computer could.

This widespread fascination wasn't just limited to tech enthusiasts or the younger generation. It was a phenomenon that crossed age groups and social strata. And behind this groundbreaking device was KiShin, a company that had now proven itself capable of not just competing in the global tech arena but leading it, creating a product that captured the world's imagination. The conversation around the iPhone 1 was more than about a gadget; it was about the dawn of a new era in personal technology.

KiShin has kept the exact release date of their iPhone under wraps, simply stating that it will be available "anytime soon"—a phrase that could mean a matter of days or weeks. Despite the lack of a specific date, anticipation has reached such heights that people have already started queuing outside KiShin stores in Tokyo. This unusual sight has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of various media outlets which have been covering the growing lines outside the stores.

Meanwhile, those waiting in line outside the KiShin stores are united by a common hope: that the launch of the iPhone is just a few days away rather than a few weeks. The air is filled with a mix of excitement and impatience as they speculate and chat among themselves about the potential features and innovations the iPhone might bring.