NTT DoCoMo said it would launch an Android-powered handset – Japan's first and Asia’s third - as early as June.
The HTC-developed HT-03A, which will launch in June or July, will include a touchscreen and trackball, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS functionality.
The handset will also feature the standard Android features, such as integrated search and YouTube support.
Chinese handset-makers China Tech FaithWireless and Qigi began shipping an Android-powered handset last December – the region’s first.
SingTel launched southeast Asia’s first Android phone, the HTC Dream, in Singapore and Australia.