Cell phone sales in Japan hit record in 2007

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Sales of cell phones in Japan in 2007 increased 10.7% from the previous year to 52,342,300 units, breaking annual records, market research firm Gartner Japan Ltd said Tuesday. There was robust replacement demand for handsets capable of receiving “one-segment” digital terrestrial broadcasts as well as those equipped with large, high-definition screens.

The previous record was 48,706,800 units set in 2003, when camera-equipped mobile phones posted brisk sales. Sharp Corp, the maker of the Aquos series of handsets, retained the top position for the second straight year, attaining a market share of 24.3%.