‘How do I end a call?’: the elderly Japanese people determined to master smartphones | Smartphones

The End of the Garakei Era: Japan’s Forced Digital Migration

For decades, Japan’s unique mobile landscape was defined by the garakei—a blend of “Galápagos” (referring to their domestic exclusivity) and keitai denwa (mobile phone). These ubiquitous flip phones were the gold standard before the iPhone’s arrival in 2008.

However, a sweeping technological shift is now forcing a migration. Japanese telecom companies have systematically retired older networks to reduce electricity consumption and phase out inefficient base stations. While 2G services vanished by 2012, the 3G era has finally reached its conclusion.

The timeline of the shutdown saw au end 3G support in 2022, followed by SoftBank in 2024. NTT Docomo, the final carrier to pull the plug, completed the transition at the end of March, leaving flip-phone loyalists with a stark choice: embrace 4G and 5G smartphones or lose their voice-call functions, email, and phone numbers entirely.

Overcoming ‘Analogue Isolation’ in Tokyo

For many users in their 70s, the transition is more than a hardware upgrade; it is a battle against “analogue isolation.” In the north-west suburbs of Nerima, Tokyo, beginner classes are becoming essential lifelines for those intimidated by the “vortex for digital dystopia” that modern interfaces can represent.

Common hurdles include basic navigation, such as understanding how to definitively end a call or managing the overwhelming number of icons and apps that “jump out” at new users. The learning curve is steep, involving a shift from physical buttons to the intuitive but unfamiliar gestures of scrolling and pinching.

Guided by experts like Yasushi Nishioka, a retired IT programmer, these students are discovering that smartphones offer more than just administrative utility. They are using these devices to reserve musical tickets, join WhatsApp groups, learn foreign languages, and access travel planners.

Beyond the Handset: The Infrastructure Ripple Effect

The transition from 3G to 4G/5G extends far beyond personal communication. The reliance on older networks has created a ripple effect across Japan’s urban infrastructure.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun, several critical systems relied on the 3G network for remote management and connectivity, including:

• Vending Machines: Systems that rely on 3G for cashless payment processing.
• Unstaffed Car Parks: Facilities using the network for remote operational management.
• Vehicle Technology: Early car navigation systems that are now obsolete.

This systemic shift highlights a broader trend: the total digitalization of the Japanese public square, where legacy “analogue” or low-bandwidth systems are no longer viable.

Navigating Security and the Digital Divide

As the population of over-65s increases their digital footprint, they become primary targets for online scams. This has made security a paramount concern for new smartphone users.

The fear of security breaches often acts as a barrier to adoption. Experts recommend a cautious approach: ignoring suspicious messages or calls entirely and utilizing specialized apps that filter out suspicious contacts to mitigate the risk of fraud.

Despite these fears, the drive toward connectivity remains strong. Even those who reluctantly switched—some keeping their 4G-compatible garakei as a backup—are finding value in the hyper-connectivity of the smartphone ecosystem.

One universal grievance, however, transcends age and experience: the struggle of managing passwords. Whether a novice in Nerima or a tech-savvy youth, password management remains one of the most frustrating aspects of the modern digital experience.

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