actually Softbank is owned by Masayoshi Son, a Korean-Japanese, used to be the richest person in Japan during the early 2000. This company is involved heavily in internet business and acquired a controlling stake in Yahoo! Japan. In 2006, Softbank acquired the loss-making Vodafone Japan and renamed it as Softbank Mobile. As of now, Softbank is the 3rd largest mobile operator behind NTT Docomo and KDDI au.

I knew the history well, cuz I'm using Celcom, which used to have a roaming agreement with Vodafone Japan for GSM based cellphones. I found out that even with Softbank Mobile, I could still roam in Japan with my own cellphone without renting a Japanese handset, that's pretty convenient.
thomas | 07.06.09 - 12:14 am | #

thanks for the background story, my office mobile was softbank too. but it still doesn't answer why it's called "softbank" ma :p
sno | 07.06.09 - 1:04 am | #

I am working in www.softbrands.com! Yes we are a brand alright, but I don't know why we are soft.
Yee Keat | 07.06.09 - 10:56 am | #

hahah! well, you're dealing with software...
but from first impression, i'd think that you were working with a branding/marketing company!
sno | 07.06.09 - 1:41 pm | #

i want one i want one )
big bro | 07.07.09 - 6:08 pm | #

i also "wan wan". the pooch surely looks so cute!
thomas | 07.07.09 - 11:14 pm | #

i wan the soft soft wan ^ ^
thomas | 07.07.09 - 11:16 pm | #

haha come to japan to get it lar :p
sno | 07.07.09 - 11:46 pm | #