Balmuda Inc. President Gen Terao unveils the Balmuda Android phone at a news conference in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Nov. 16, 2021. (Mainichi/Naoaki Hasegawa)

       TOKYO -- Emerging Japanese luxury consumer electronics maker Balmuda Inc., known for its unique electric fans and toasters, unveiled its first smartphone, the "Balmuda phone," on Nov. 16.

       While major Japanese appliance manufacturers are struggling against Chinese and South Korean competitors, the company has gone a different, pioneering route in the luxury consumer electronics market. Whether Balmuda can make a dent in the smartphone market, already crowded with global giants remains to be seen.

       The Balmuda phone runs on Google Inc.'s Android OS, is compatible with fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology and has a wireless charging system. The company has also developed original apps, including a calendar and calculator. The phone has a unique curved back, and has a 4.9-inch screen. It is being built by Kyocera Corp.

       Balmuda phones are unveiled to the media in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Nov. 16, 2021. (Mainichi/Naoaki Hasegawa)

       The smartphone's SIM-free model is priced at 104,800 yen (about $913) including tax. It will be sold at Balmuda's online store, company-operated shops, and SoftBank Corp.'s mobile phone outlets. Balmuda started accepting reservations at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17.

       (Mainichi)

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