「ガラケー」愛用者を大捜索！2026年に3Gサービス終了も…使い続ける理由「操作しやすい」そして…どうしても変えられない深い理由

How long did you use a "feature phone"? Some people love them so much that they continue to use them to this day. We've investigated the appeal of "feature phones"! 70s: "I have an acquaintance who uses a feature phone, and I thought, 'You're still using a feature phone?'" 30-year-old: "I used one until my first year of high school. Nowadays, smartphones are more convenient, so I..." "Feature phones" are mobile devices that were widely used before smartphones. Third-generation (3G) communication systems became widespread around 2001, but with the update to high-speed communication standards, KDDI and other companies ended service in 2022. With Docomo also deciding to end service at the end of March 2026, "3G feature phones" will no longer be usable. On the other hand, "4G feature phones" will still be usable, but they will undoubtedly be seen less frequently than they are now. Director Takashi Anzai "Everyone sitting on the benches in the underground pedestrian area has their smartphones out. They're all smartphones. I don't see anyone using a flip phone." So, we went on a massive search for flip phone users to find out why people still use them! But... 90s: "(Anyone around me using a flip phone?) No one so far." 80s: "I went to a nearby supermarket with my flip phone, and they asked me if I wanted to buy a smartphone at the entrance. I thought, 'I can do that too,' and changed my mind five years ago." 70s: "I haven't seen a flip phone recently. I used to use one. Until about three years ago. I still have it and use it only as an alarm clock. I just can't bring myself to throw it away." A 2024 survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications found that only 11.8% of people use feature phones, commonly known as flip phones. It was hard to find someone like that, but... finally!! Director Takahashi Kohei "A flip phone? A flip phone, right?" "Excuse me, this is HBC's 'Kyou Doki!' program, and I'm asking if anyone here has a flip phone for this segment." 50s: "Yes, I have a flip phone. I used a smartphone, but I went back to one after about six months. I farm as a hobby, and when I get a call while farming, I tend to answer even with dirty hands. My farming friends are older, and they mostly use calls rather than emails, so a flip phone is more convenient." 70s: "I thought about getting a smartphone, but I can't see, so I end up touching something (on the screen) while getting close. It's inconvenient for me." 70s: "(Looking for someone who uses a flip phone) I'm embarrassed, so I leave it at home. I still use it. It's terrible." This woman, who continued to use a 3G flip phone, has continued to use it. Why do you still use it? Woman in her 70s: "My husband passed away, but he was in the hospital, so we communicated on his flip phone at the time. It held a lot of memories, so I want to keep the phone." She hasn't canceled her flip phone since her husband passed away 17 years ago, and it still has the number from that time, filled with memories. She now keeps it in front of her family's altar. Woman in her 70s: "I probably won't change it until the very last minute (when 3G service ends). Even if Docomo tells me it will change tomorrow, I still can't change it." Caster Seina Yonaga: There are many reasons why people still use flip phones. Commentator Shinya Tsuruoka: I switched to a smartphone so long ago I can't even remember... People have their reasons for continuing to use one, and I think I wouldn't change it if I were in that position. Surely there will come a time when it's time to change? Caster Seina Yonaga: I used a flip phone until my third year of high school, and I still have the last one I used at home. It's a memory of my youth, so I can't let it go. Anchorman Daiki Horiuchi: There are some common rumours about flip phones that might be nostalgic for those who used them. Rubbing the antenna against your hair will allow the signal to pass through? Taking pictures with your phone is called "sha-me" (taking a selfie). Contacting the phone centre multiple times. Lots of straps. Anchorman Seina Yonaga: The jingly straps that were popular in the Heisei era are now becoming popular in the Reiwa era too. Anchorman Daiki Horiuchi: 4G flip phones can still be used. 3G flip phones can only be used until the end of March 2026.