Madplanet

SoftBank starts taking online iPhone orders

You can now apply for an iPhone via Softbank’s website, which also lets you upload scans of the relevant ID docs. (Only in Japanese.)

So, basically, they just overcame my resistance — which stemmed from the fact that you couldn’t confirm their stock without phoning individual stores. And would presumably have to sit around like an arse while they did all the procedures (which took a friend a couple of hours). Now, the universe is back to its rightful state; whereby gadgets arrive on one’s doorstep borne by a man in uniform :)

Incidentally, you can’t use MNP when ordering online, but I have one of the most unmemorable cellphone numbers ever and figured that the chance of getting something better was worth it :)