Samsung launches Galaxy S2 smartphone in Japan

Samsung Electronics Co., the world's No. 2 mobile-phone maker, said Thursday that it has released the Galaxy S2 smartphone in Japan through the country's largest mobile carrier, hoping to build on the popularity of its earlier model. NTT DoCoMo Inc. has started sales of Samsung's latest Android smartphone earlier in the day, Samsung said in a statement. The Korean company added that the latest Galaxy S2 smartphone will be the flagship model for Japan's largest wireless operator, which is seeking to secure its market share against the iPhone released by its rival carrier. Samsung's previous Galaxy S smartphone fared well in Japan's mobile market where many foreign brands have failed to make a mark. NTT DoCoMo sold 700,000 units of the Galaxy S smartphone, which made its debut in October 2010. Samsung, which globally sold 10 million units of the first Galaxy smartphone, aims to sell another 10 million of its latest one.