Re: [tlug] Free softbank keitais

["Drew Hamilton" <awh@example.com>]

> My understanding is that due to the increased use of prepaid phones as
> "anonymous" phones by criminals, they changed the laws a year or two ago
> to require proof of identity for any phone purchase, prepaid or not.

Yep.  When I arrived in Japan in May 2004, the Vodafone shop made me
show them my passport before they would sell me a prepaid pone.  No
proof of residence needed or anything like that, they just needed my
name.

 - Drew