This new NTT DoCoMo product straight from the Japanese grapevine is specially made for the needs of senior citizens, while still looking pretty cool. Other models have been released in the aim for seniors, and although successful and useful, have been rather dull. The Raku-Raku Phone basic, designed by Kenya Hara brings modern style with modern tech illiteracy.

One of the coolest features that the Raku Raku will have is a “Slow Voice” feature, which surprisingly enough, slows down the communicated voice for easier listening. Also, there is the “Clear Voice” noise detection, which adjusts earpiece and ringtone volume depending on the surrounding noise levels. An automated voice is available to read on-screen text and names of incoming callers, along with the slightly odd edition of a pedometer.

Though there is no camera, the Raku Raku has a staggering standby time of 560 hours (in case of a spat of senile misplacement). The phone will be available in April for around ¥20,000. — Andrew Dobrow

Product Page [NTT DoCoMo, via Digital World Tokyo]

Today on the Japan mobile front. ADSL infrastructure company eAccess has announced its new mobile carrier for Japan, eMobile. For now, they will carry only one phone. The Sharp EM ONE. eMobile will skim its way into the Japanese market in March with a data-only HSDPA service, which by 2008 should grow to voice data as well.

The Sharp EM ONE runs off of Windows Mobile 5 and looks very similar to other WinMob phones released to WillCom. The EM ONE features Bluetooth 1.2, OneSeg Digital TV support, 4.1-inch wide VGA screen, and a dual sliding screen which reveals a full QWERTY keyboard, much like the design of the newer HTC phones. When eMobile starts to support voice calling so will the EM ONE, but for now can only be used for data purposes.

Voice service is likely to be enabled with NTT DoCoMo to support nation wide calling. As dottocomu points out, not much is known about the new carriers network, but details should unravel rather quickly. — Andrew Dobrow

Product Info Page [K-Tai Impress, via dottcomu]