Annual Report
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2004


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number: 1-31221

 


 

Kabushiki Kaisha NTT DoCoMo

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 


 

    Sanno Park Tower
    11-1, Nagata-cho 2-chome
    Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6150
Japan   Japan
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class


 

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered


Common Stock*   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

As of March 31, 2004, 48,596,364 shares of common stock were outstanding, comprised of 48,471,316 shares and 12,504,800 ADSs (equivalent to 125,048 shares).

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

 


* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of the American Depositary Shares.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

     PART I     

Item 1.

  

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors.

   3

Item 2.

  

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.

   3

Item 3.

  

Key Information.

   3

Item 4.

  

Information on the Company.

   13

Item 5.

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

   60

Item 6.

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees.

   85

Item 7.

  

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

   91

Item 8.

  

Financial Information.

   92

Item 9.

  

The Offer and Listing.

   93

Item 10.

  

Additional Information.

   95

Item 11.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

   108

Item 12.

  

Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities.

   109
     PART II     

Item 13.

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.

   110

Item 14.

  

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.

   110

Item 15.

  

Controls and Procedures.

   110

Item 16A.

  

Audit Committee Financial Expert.

   110

Item 16B.

  

Code of Ethics.

   110

Item 16C.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

   111

Item 16D.

  

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

   112

Item 17.

  

Financial Statements.

   112

Item 18.

  

Financial Statements.

   112

Item 19.

  

Exhibits.

   113

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Information

   F-1


Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements about our industry, our business, our plans and objectives, our financial condition and our results of operations that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plan” or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations, identify strategies, discuss market trends, contain projections of results of operations or of our financial condition, or state other forward-looking information. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in or suggested by any forward-looking statement. We cannot promise that our expectations, projections, anticipated estimates or other information expressed in these forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation:

 

  Our 3G services, including our new value-added services may not develop as we expect.

 

  The introduction or change of various laws or regulatory regimes that affect us or our competitive environment could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  The introduction of a number portability system for mobile phones in Japan may, in addition to burdening us with the expenses associated with introducing the system, lead to a decrease in our number of subscribers due to transition to other mobile operators from us, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  Increasing competition from other cellular services providers or other technologies, or rapid changes in market trends, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  Our acquisition of new subscribers, retention of existing subscribers and revenue per unit may not be as high as we expect.

 

  We may not be able to maintain our ability to avoid reduced quality of services to maintain customer satisfaction because we have only a limited amount of spectrum and facilities.

 

  Overseas operators may not introduce the W-CDMA technology and mobile multimedia services that we currently use in our 3G system, which would adversely affect our ability to offer international services to our subscribers.

 

  Our international investments, alliances and collaborations may not produce the returns or provide the opportunities we expect.

 

  The performance of our PHS business may not improve and the business may continue to operate at a loss in the future.

 

  We may not be able to successfully address social issues arising from inappropriate use of our products and services by our subscribers, which may adversely affect our credibility or corporate image.

 

  Our parent, NTT, could exercise influence that may not be in the interests of our other shareholders.

 

  Concerns about wireless telecommunications health risks and our inability to properly respond to such concerns may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  System failures caused by earthquakes, power shortages, malfunction of software and devices, and our inability to properly respond to such failures may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  Our inability to properly respond to viruses and cyber attacks which adversely affect communications through our network system or wireless phones may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our actual results could be materially different from and worse than as described in the forward-looking statements. Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from as described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 3.D. and elsewhere in this annual report.

 

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PART I

 

As used in this annual report, references to “DoCoMo”, “we”, “our” and “us” are to NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its subsidiaries except as the context otherwise requires.

 

“Fiscal 2003” refers to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, and other fiscal years are referred to in a corresponding manner.

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information.

 

A. Selected Financial Data.

 

The following tables include selected historical financial data as at and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2000 through 2004. The data as at and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2000 through 2004 in the table is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the selected financial data below in conjunction with Item 5 of this annual report and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP which are included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

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Table of Contents

Selected Financial Data Prepared in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

     As at and for the year ended March 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Income Statement Data

                                                

Operating revenues:

                                                

Wireless services

   ¥ 3,008,726     ¥ 3,620,271     ¥ 4,153,459     ¥ 4,350,861     ¥ 4,487,912     $ 43,078,441  

Equipment sales (1)

     345,320       557,785       505,795       458,227       560,153       5,376,781  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total (1)

     3,354,046       4,178,056       4,659,254       4,809,088       5,048,065       48,455,222  

Operating expenses (1)

     2,844,859       3,399,436       3,658,367       3,752,369       3,945,147       37,868,564  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income

     509,187       778,620       1,000,887       1,056,719       1,102,918       10,586,658  

Other expenses, net

     21,359       20,489       44,496       13,751       1,795       17,230  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     487,828       758,131       956,391       1,042,968       1,101,123       10,569,428  

Income taxes

     211,072       317,337       399,643       454,487       429,116       4,118,986  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     276,756       440,794       556,748       588,481       672,007       6,450,442  

Equity in net losses of affiliates (2)

     (1,730 )     (17,767 )     (643,962 )     (324,241 )     (21,960 )     (210,789 )

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (18,462 )     (21,272 )     (28,977 )     (16,033 )     (40 )     (384 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

     256,564       401,755       (116,191 )     248,207       650,007       6,239,269  

Cumulative effect of accounting change (1)

     —         —         —         (35,716 )     —         —    

Net income (Loss)

   ¥ 256,564     ¥ 401,755     ¥ (116,191 )   ¥ 212,491     ¥ 650,007     $ 6,239,269  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Per Share Data

                                                

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

   ¥ 5,358     ¥ 8,350     ¥ (2,315 )   ¥ 4,254     ¥ 13,099     $ 125,734  

Dividends declared and paid per share (3)

   ¥ 300     ¥ 200     ¥ 200     ¥ 200     ¥ 1,000          

Dividends declared and paid per share (4)

   $ 2.63     $ 1.90     $ 1.64     $ 1.51     $ 8.72          

Balance Sheet Data

                                                

Working capital

   ¥ 150,167     ¥ (248,816 )   ¥ 107,013     ¥ 586,679     ¥ 493,679     $ 4,738,712  

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     2,041,973       2,339,374       2,618,992       2,676,128       2,702,505       25,940,728  

Total assets

     3,667,038       6,016,505       6,067,225       6,058,007       6,262,266       60,110,060  

Total debt (5)

     829,587       1,443,168       1,429,332       1,348,368       1,091,596       10,477,980  

Total liabilities

     1,633,233       2,620,159       2,671,717       2,582,018       2,557,510       24,548,954  

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,976,158       3,318,587       3,291,883       3,475,514       3,704,695       35,560,520  

Other Financial Data

                                                

Depreciation and amortization expenses and loss on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment

     627,838       646,715       679,709       779,545       756,002       57,256,690  

Cash flows from operating activities

     1,060,139       857,846       1,341,088       1,584,610       1,710,243       16,416,231  

Cash flows from investing activities

     (999,964 )     (2,744,215 )     (1,125,093 )     (871,430 )     (847,309 )     (8,133,125 )

Cash flows from financing activities

     (232,270 )     1,523,764       (33,372 )     (333,277 )     (705,856 )     (6,775,350 )

Margins (percent of operating revenues):

                                                

Operating income margin

     15.2 %     18.6 %     21.5 %     22.0 %     21.8 %        

Net income margin

     7.6 %     9.6 %     (2.5 )%     4.4 %     12.9 %        

(1) We adopted EITF 01-09 from April 1, 2002. Therefore, equipment sales and operating expenses for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 have been reclassified. Equipment sales and operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2003, were decreased by ¥558,923 million and ¥571,223 million, respectively. As required, operating expenses, amounting to ¥364,648 million, ¥491,310 million and ¥507,884 million for the years ended March 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, have also been reclassified as a reduction of equipment sales. The cumulative effect of this accounting change relates to the timing for recognizing commissions payable to agents.
(2) Includes write-downs of investments in affiliates, and is net of deferred taxes of ¥470,278 million and ¥226,450 million in the year ended March 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
(3) The dividends declared and paid per share have been adjusted to reflect the stock split (five-for-one) that took effect on September 13, 1999 and the stock split (five-for-one) that took effect on May 15, 2002.
(4) The dividends per share were translated into U.S. dollars at the relevant record date.
(5) Total debt includes total short-term debt (including commercial paper and current portion of long-term debt) and long-term debt.

 

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Exchange Rate Data

 

The following table shows the exchange rates for Japanese yen per $1.00 based upon the noon buying rate in New York City for cash transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York:

 

Fiscal Year ended March 31,


   High

   Low

   Average (1)

   Period-end

1999

   ¥ 147.14    ¥ 108.83    ¥ 128.19    ¥ 118.43

2000

     124.45      101.53      111.35      102.73

2001

     125.54      104.19      110.60      125.54

2002

     134.77      115.89      125.64      132.70

2003

     133.40      115.71      121.10      118.07

2004

     120.55      104.18      112.94      104.18

Calendar Year 2003


                           

December

     109.61      106.93      107.74      107.13

Calendar Year 2004


                           

January

     107.17      105.52      106.27      105.84

February

     109.59      105.36      106.71      109.26

March

     112.12      104.18      108.52      104.18

April

     110.37      103.70      107.66      110.37

May

     114.30      108.50      112.20      110.18

June (through June 21, 2004)

     111.27      108.57      109.96      108.57

(1) For fiscal years, calculated from the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period. For calendar year months, calculated based on the average of daily closing exchange rates.

 

We have translated selected Japanese yen amounts presented in this annual report solely for your convenience. The rate we used for such translations was $1.00 = ¥104.18, which was the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March 31, 2004. The noon buying rate for Japanese yen on June 21, 2004 was $1.00 = ¥108.57.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

Risks Relating to Our Business and the Japanese Wireless Telecommunications Industry

 

The successful development of our 3G services, including the introduction of new services and forms of usage, is subject to market demand and scheduling difficulties.

 

We have invested and plan to continue to invest significantly in the research and development, construction, implementation and expansion of our third generation, or 3G, wireless services.

 

We have experienced various technical and scheduling difficulties, including delays in the establishment of our network and technical problems with and delays in the sale of handsets. We have resolved many of these problems, but we cannot be certain that we will not encounter new problems or will be able to successfully

 

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resolve such problems when they arise. From time to time, technical issues continue to cause delays in new developments in our 3G services, such as the introduction of new handsets, which could prevent us from realizing expected 3G revenues and profits in future periods.

 

As the competition for 3G services in Japan grows more intense, there are a number of uncertainties that may delay the development of our 3G services. In particular, we cannot be certain that:

 

  we will be able to provide all planned 3G services, including introduction of new services and forms of usage we currently plan, as we currently schedule, or that expanding such services will not be more costly than expected;

 

  the 3G services we offer and plan to offer will be attractive to current and potential subscribers;

 

  our alliances with partners such as manufacturers and content providers, designed to provide new 3G services including the introduction of new services and forms of usage, will develop as expected;

 

  manufacturers and content providers will create and offer products, including handsets for our 3G system and contents specifically for our 3G i-mode service, on a timely basis;

 

  there will be sufficient demand for 3G services, including new services and forms of usage, to offer these services profitably;

 

  competitors’ 3G services or similar services or 3G service handsets will not be more popular among potential subscribers than ours; or

 

  our services with improved data communication speed enabled by HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology can be commenced as we plan.

 

If we experience substantial problems with our 3G services, or if we fail to introduce new handsets and services according to our schedule, it may impair the success of our 3G services, delay our service or decrease our revenues and profits and therefore may hinder our growth or our recovery of our significant capital investments in 3G services.

 

The introduction or change of various laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Japanese telecommunications industry has been undergoing regulatory reform in many areas and competition with competitors within and outside Japan may increase. For example, recently, with regard to fixed to mobile calling, fixed line operators and intermediate operators have been given the right to set rates on calls to cellular phones from fixed line phones and also, with the revision of Telecommunications Business Law, for the corporate market, it became possible to base rates on negotiated contract terms rather than pre-determined tariffs. These regulatory reforms further increase rate competition and may affect our financial position or results of operations. If the number of fixed line users choosing intermediate telecommunication carriers is more than we expected, it may have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations as it may decrease our revenue.

 

Various governmental bodies have recommended or considered changes that could affect the mobile telecommunications industry, and there may be continued reforms including the introduction or revision of laws or regulations that could have an adverse effect on us. These include:

 

  revision of the radio frequency spectrum allocation system, including reallocation of spectrum to ensure the use by the fourth generation, or 4G, system and by the 5GHz-band wireless access system and the possible implementation of an auction system in which, in the future, additional spectrum would be allocated to the highest bidder;

 

  further protection of privacy;

 

  measures to open up Internet platforms and segment platform functions such as authentication and payment collection where dominant carriers are assumed to have market power;

 

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  rules that could require us to open our i-mode service to all content providers and Internet service providers or that could prevent us from putting i-mode service on our cell phone handsets as an initial setting;

 

  measures to insure more fair competition in the telecommunications service market;

 

  regulations to prohibit or restrict certain content or transactions, or mobile Internet services such as i-mode; and

 

  measures requiring us to incur more costs than anticipated, for instance, a measure requiring us to develop handsets that incorporate a GPS function for emergency calls.

 

It is difficult to predict with certainty if any of the above changes will be made to the relevant laws and regulations and, if they are made, the extent to which our business will be affected.

 

However, the implementation of one or more of the changes described above, or other changes to laws and regulations, could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The introduction of a number portability system for mobile phones in Japan may, in addition to burdening us with the expenses associated with introducing the system, lead to a decrease in the number of our subscribers due to transition to other mobile operators from us, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

According to a report by a working group under the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, or MPHPT, issued in April 2004, many overseas countries have already introduced number portability systems for mobile phones with the purpose of improving convenience for users and promoting competition among cellular service providers. In those countries, as subscribers can switch operators without changing their phone numbers, they can switch operators more easily. The report and additional guidelines issued by the Ministry in May 2004 suggested that a number portability system for mobile phones be introduced in Japan by around fiscal 2006.

 

It is very difficult to predict at present what effect the introduction of a number portability system for mobile phones would have on our number of subscribers, revenue and expenses, as it will depend on the services and rates set by each cellular service provider before and after the introduction of such system. It will be an opportunity to acquire new subscribers due to increased fluidity of subscribers, while on the other hand, it may lead to a decrease in our subscribers if some of our subscribers decide to switch to another operator. Therefore, we may not be able to recover the costs we estimated for the introduction of such system, we may experience increased costs in relation to the acquisition and maintenance of subscribers and there may be further rate competition, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Increasing competition from other cellular service providers or other technologies, or rapid changes in market trends, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are experiencing increasing competition from other cellular service providers which have introduced new products and new services such as 3G handsets, 3G phones equipped with global-positioning systems and global roaming services. Also, there are other cellular service providers which provide communication services for 3G with technologies different from W-CDMA, which we have adopted. Currently, for example, they provide flat-rate packet communication services with faster communication speeds than our 3G services. Furthermore, other companies may enter the cellular service industry with other technologies for 3G services, and in such an event, there will be severe competition.

 

On the other hand, there may be increased competition due to the introduction of other new services and technologies, especially low price and flat-rate, fixed or mobile phones, high-speed fixed line broadband Internet service and digital broadcasting and wireless LAN.

 

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Furthermore, the effect of emerging and future technological changes on the viability or competitiveness of our services cannot be predicted with certainty. Current technologies or technologies under development or new services by other companies mentioned above may increase competition against our products in the future, lead to decreased rates and numbers of subscribers and decreased ARPU due to decreased frequency of usage by subscribers and may materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our acquisition of new subscribers, retention of existing subscribers and revenue per unit may not be as high as we expect.

 

In the year ended March 31, 2004, we acquired approximately 2.07 million new subscribers, down from 3.08 million new subscribers in the year ended March 31, 2003, and 4.76 million in the year ended March 31, 2002. Our future subscriber acquisitions may continue to decrease and may not meet our expectations due to a number of factors, such as saturation of the Japanese cellular market, changes in regulatory environment, increased rate competition and increased service selection for the subscribers of other cellular service providers.

 

In addition to difficulty in acquiring new subscribers, we may not be able to maintain existing subscribers at the levels we expect due to increased competition among other cellular service providers in the areas of rates and services. Furthermore, as a result of severe competition for acquisition of subscribers, we may need to incur more cost than we expected to maintain existing subscribers.

 

In this severely competitive environment, in order to provide various advanced services and increase user convenience, we have made various rate revisions, such as the expansion of “family discounts” from April 1, 2004, decreased prices for 3G packet packs from May 1, 2004 and the introduction of Pake-Houdai, meaning “as much as you want”, a flat-rate packet communication service for 3G subscribers. However, we cannot be certain whether these measures will enable us to acquire new and maintain existing subscribers. If the trend of subscribers switching to flat-rate systems does not occur as we expect our ARPU may decrease more than we expect, which may have a material affect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We view the expansion of AV traffic such as video phone via 3G handsets, development of new services useful in everyday life and business and increased revenue through the expansion of data communication as important factors for our future growth. However, our growth may be limited if:

 

  our new and existing handsets suffer from technical problems;

 

  the wireless telecommunications industry is not successful in capturing a significant portion of the data transmission market in a timely manner;

 

  our current and future i-mode, data transmission and other services fail to be attractive to present and potential subscribers, and fail to achieve continued or new growth;

 

  our FOMA business does not grow as fast as we expect or we experience technical or customer satisfaction problems with FOMA system and services;

 

  competition increases significantly and results in our losing significant numbers of subscribers or capturing a significantly lower market share of new subscribers; or

 

  our retention costs rise as a result of increased competition or increased sales commissions paid to agents who sign up subscribers.

 

We may not be able to maintain our ability to avoid reduced quality of services to maintain customer satisfaction because we have only a limited amount of spectrum and facilities available for our services.

 

One of the principal limitations on a cellular network’s capacity is the amount of radio frequency spectrum it can use. We have limited spectrum available to us to provide our services. As a result, in certain parts of

 

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metropolitan Tokyo and Osaka, such as areas near major train stations, our cellular network operates at or near the current capacity of its available spectrum during peak periods, which may cause reduced service quality. In addition, the quality of the services we provide may also decrease due to the limited capacity of our base stations and switching centers during peak usage periods or if our subscriber base dramatically increases. In addition, an increase in data transmission traffic may go substantially beyond our projections due to an increased number of FOMA subscribers as a result of the introduction of a flat-rate plan effective June 1, 2004, and we may not be able to process such traffic with our existing facilities, which may result in a reduced quality of services.

 

We may not be able to avoid reduced quality of services despite our continued efforts to improve the efficiency of our use of spectrum and to acquire new spectrum. In addition, as our competitors are not experiencing capacity problems to the same extent, if we are not able to successfully address such problems in a timely manner, we may experience constraints on the growth of our wireless services or lose subscribers to our competitors in areas where quality problems occur, which may materially affect our group’s financial conditions and results of operations.

 

Overseas operators may not introduce the W-CDMA technology and mobile multimedia services we currently use in our 3G system, which would adversely affect our ability to offer our international services to our subscribers.

 

For our 3G system, we are currently using Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, technology that is one of the global cellular telecommunications standards approved by the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, as part of its efforts to standardize 3G cellular technology through the issuance of guidelines known as IMT-2000. We may be able to offer our services, such as global roaming, worldwide if enough other mobile operators introduce W-CDMA standard technology compatible with ours. We believe that our other international affiliates, strategic allies and a significant number of other wireless operators will do so. However, if enough other wireless operators do not adopt W-CDMA standard technology, we may not be able to offer global roaming and other services as expected and we may not be able to realize the benefits of economies of scale, including in terms of purchasing power for handsets and network equipment, that we currently anticipate. Also, we cannot be sure that handset manufacturers or manufacturers of network equipment will be able to successfully and promptly adapt their handsets and network equipment if we need to change the handsets or network equipment we currently use due to a change in W-CDMA standard technology as a result of activities conducted by standard-setting organizations.

 

Our international investments, alliances and collaborations may not produce the returns or provide the opportunities we expect.

 

One of the major components of our overall strategy is to increase our corporate value through overseas investments, alliances and collaborations. We have entered into alliances and collaborations with other companies and organizations outside Japan which we believe could help us achieve this objective. In order to promote this strategy, to date, we have invested approximately ¥1.9 trillion and acquired minority equity stakes in overseas operators, including AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd., Hutchison Telephone Company Limited and others. However, the current value of these investments has not yet met our expectations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain or enhance the value or performance of overseas operators in which we have invested or may invest in the future, or that we will achieve the returns or benefits expected from these investments, alliances or collaborations.

 

In general, acquiring minority equity stakes gives us substantially less influence over our partner overseas carriers than establishing or acquiring subsidiaries in those markets. If another company acquires control of management in one of our strategic partners or if we decide to dissolve, exit or reduce our interest in a strategic partnership, we might not realize the anticipated benefits of our investment in and strategic alliance with such partner. Furthermore, we might lose our ability to participate in the strategic development of the telecommunications industry in the affected country or region.

 

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Telecommunications companies and wireless operators, including our investee companies, have experienced a variety of negative developments in recent years, including increased competition, increased debt burdens (from, among other factors, the cost of 3G spectrum licenses purchased at auction), significant volatility in share prices and financial difficulties. To the extent that these investments are accounted for by the equity method and to the extent that the investee companies have net losses, our financial results will be adversely affected by our pro rata portion of these losses. If a loss in the value of our investment in any investee company takes place and such loss in value is other than a temporary decline, we may be required to adjust the carrying value and recognize an impairment loss for such investment. Also, a business combination or other similar transaction involving any of our investee companies could require us to realize a loss for any decline in the value of our investment in such investee company. In either event, our financial condition or results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected.

 

We monitor and review the value of our overseas investments from time to time as required by relevant accounting principles, which require us to consider, among other things, declines in earning capacity, and with respect to publicly listed companies in which we have invested, such as AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., reported market price. We recognized impairment losses equal to ¥319.6 billion, net of deferred taxes of ¥225.5 billion, with respect to our interests in some of our overseas affiliates in fiscal 2002, and ¥624.6 billion, net of deferred taxes of ¥453.2 billion in fiscal 2001.

 

We plan to further monitor and review the value of our investments in all of our overseas affiliates in light of any future developments and may be required to recognize further impairment charges for investments in any of our overseas investee companies.

 

The shareholders of AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. have approved the acquisition of AT&T Wireless by Cingular Wireless LLC, and we expect our shares of AT&T Wireless common stock will be exchanged for cash in due course in accordance with the agreement. However, the acquisition is subject to government approval, and if the shares are not exchanged for cash as expected, it may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in the current fiscal year.

 

The performance of our PHS business may not improve as we expect and the business may continue to operate at a loss in the future.

 

On December 1, 1998, we took over the Personal Handyphone System, or PHS, businesses operated by other subsidiaries of NTT and began to integrate them with our existing businesses. There were 1.59 million PHS subscribers as of March 31, 2004, 1.69 million as of March 31, 2003, and 1.92 million as of March 31, 2002. The PHS businesses have operated at a loss, including losses of ¥35.5 billion in fiscal 2003, ¥28.3 billion in fiscal 2002 and ¥59.8 billion in fiscal 2001 on a U.S. GAAP basis (see Note 14 of the Notes to the Financial Statements).

 

In April 2003, we introduced a flat-rate plan for data communication using PHS and we saw a net increase in the number of data-card-type PHS subscribers as a result of our initiatives to focus on an increase in usage of a flat-rate service for data communications. We plan to focus our PHS business on data communications and will continue our efforts to streamline our PHS business operation. However, there may be no assurance that we will achieve the number of subscribers we expect, or that we will be able to reduce the operating losses incurred by our PHS businesses.

 

We may not be able to successfully address social issues arising from inappropriate use of our products and services by our subscribers, which adversely affect our credibility or corporate image.

 

We may face an increase in cancellations by existing subscribers and difficulty in acquiring new subscribers, the credibility of our products and services may decline and our corporate image may become

 

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damaged if our products and services are used inappropriately by unscrupulous subscribers. Unsolicited bulk e- mail, for instance, is a problem for our i-mode service. Despite our extensive efforts to address this issue to protect our subscribers from incurring any economic disadvantage caused by unsolicited e-mails, including providing i-mode subscribers with up to 400 packets per month of free packet-data communication and pursuing actions against companies who distribute such unsolicited bulk emails through our i-mode system, the problem has not yet been rooted out. If our subscribers receive a large amount of unsolicited e-mails through our i-mode system, it may cause our subscribers to be less satisfied with our service, and our corporate image may be damaged, which could reduce the number of our i-mode subscribers as a result.

 

In addition, as our handsets and our services become more sophisticated, new concerns in relation to mobile phone usage arise, including, for example, the fact that our subscribers were charged higher amounts of packet fees than they were aware of due to their overuse of our data communication service as a result of using new advanced handsets and sophisticated services, and that subscribers wrongfully shot pictures of pages of books sold at bookstores or art works at art galleries and museums where taking photos is prohibited, using one of our handsets with a built-in camera. Such inappropriate uses of mobile phones are being taken up as social issues. Furthermore, we are experiencing a deterioration of public manners by using mobile phones in trains and public spaces, and an increase of traffic accidents caused by use of mobile phones while driving cars. These issues may adversely affect our corporate image as well.

 

We believe we have properly addressed these social issues to date. However, it is uncertain whether we will be able to continue addressing those issues in the future as well, and if we fail to do so, we may not be able to avoid an increase in cancellations of subscriptions or to acquire as many new subscribers as we expect, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our parent, NTT, could exercise influence that may not be in the interests of our other shareholders.

 

As of March 31, 2004, NTT owns 63.58% of our issued and outstanding voting shares. While being subject to the conditions for fair competition established by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, or MPT, in April 1992, NTT retains the right to control our management as a majority shareholder, including the right to appoint our directors. Currently, although we conduct our day-to-day operations independently of NTT and its other subsidiaries, certain important matters are discussed with, or reported to, NTT. As such, NTT could take actions that are in its best interests, which may not be in the interests of our other shareholders.

 

Concerns about wireless telecommunications health risks and our inability to properly respond to such concerns may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Media and other reports have suggested that electric wave emissions from wireless handsets and other wireless equipment may adversely affect the health of mobile phone users and others, including by causing cancer and vision loss and interfering with various electronic medical devices, including hearing aids and pacemakers, and also may present increased health risks for users who are children. While these reports have not been conclusive, and although the findings in such reports are disputed, the actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices to the health of users could adversely affect us through increased cancellation by existing subscribers, reduced subscriber growth, reduced usage per subscriber, reduced financing available to us or litigation, and may also potentially adversely affect our corporate image, financial condition and results of operations. The perceived risk of wireless devices may have been elevated by certain wireless carriers and handset manufactures affixing labels to their handsets showing levels of electric wave emissions or warnings about possible health risks. Research and studies are ongoing and we are actively attempting to confirm the safety of wireless telecommunications, but there can be no assurance that further research and studies will not demonstrate a relationship between electric wave emissions and health problems.

 

Furthermore, although the electric wave emissions of our cellular handsets and base stations comply with the electromagnetic safety guidelines of Japan, including guidelines regarding the specific absorption rate of electric waves, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, the guidelines of which

 

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are regarded as an international safety standard, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference of Japan has confirmed that some electronic medical devices are affected by the electromagnetic interference from cellular phones as well as other portable radio transmitters. As a result, Japan has adopted a policy to restrict the use of cellular services inside medical facilities. We are working to ensure that our subscribers are aware of these restrictions when using cellular phones. There is a possibility that further regulations or restrictions could limit our ability to expand our market or our subscriber base or otherwise adversely affect us.

 

System failures caused by earthquakes, power shortages, malfunction of software and devices, and our inability to properly respond to such failures may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent on our nationwide networks in order to provide our mobile communication and packet services to our subscribers. We have invested trillions of yen in our network, which includes base stations, antennas, switching centers and transmission lines. Our systems could fail due to a number of reasons, including hardware and software problems and damage to our network as a result of earthquakes, power shortages, typhoons, floods, terrorism or similar events. System failures may take extended periods of time to repair and could result in lost revenues and large repair expenses, both of which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our inability to properly respond to viruses and cyber attacks which adversely affect communications through our network system or wireless phones may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

There have been instances where millions of computers worldwide were affected by being infected by viruses though the Internet. Similar incidents could occur on our mobile communication network. If such viruses enter our network or terminals, our system or mobile phones could fail. In such an instance, our network’s credibility and our customer’s satisfaction might significantly decrease. Although we have enhanced our security system to block unauthorized accesses and remote downloading, and we provide functions intended to cope with unexpected events, such functions may not be fully prepared for every eventuality.

 

In the event we are unable to properly respond to any such unexpected events, our group’s credibility may be reduced, and we may experience lost revenues and large repair expenses, all of which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Relating to the Shares and the ADSs

 

Future sales of our shares by NTT or by us may adversely affect the trading price of our shares and ADSs.

 

As of March 31, 2003, NTT owned 63.58% of our issued and outstanding voting shares. Under Japanese law, NTT, like any other shareholder, generally is able to dispose of our shares freely on the Tokyo Stock Exchange or otherwise. In addition, various governmental bodies have recommended that NTT be required to decrease its ownership percentage in our company. NTT’s position announced in its release in October 2001 was that decisions on NTT’s investment ratio of our company would continue to be considered from the standpoint of maximizing its shareholders profits, taking into account operational necessities and stock market trends. Additionally, our board of directors is authorized to issue 141,320,000 additional shares generally without any shareholder approval. The sale or issuance or the potential for sale or issuance of such shares could have an adverse impact on the market price of our shares.

 

There are restrictions on your ability to withdraw shares from the depositary receipt facility.

 

Each ADS represents the right to receive 1/100th of a share of common stock. Therefore, pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement with our depositary, the Bank of New York, in order to withdraw any shares, a holder of ADSs must surrender for cancellation and withdrawal of shares, ADRs evidencing 100 ADSs or any integral multiple thereof. Each ADR will bear a legend to that effect. As a result, holders of ADSs will be unable

 

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to withdraw fractions of shares from the depositary or receive any cash settlement in lieu of withdrawal of fractions of shares. In addition, although the ADSs themselves may be transferred in any lots pursuant to the deposit agreement, the ability to trade the underlying shares may be limited.

 

Holders of ADRs have fewer rights than shareholders and have to act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

 

Holders of ADRs do not have the same rights as shareholders and accordingly cannot exercise rights of shareholders against us. The Bank of New York, as depositary, through its custodian agent, is the registered shareholder of the deposited shares underlying the ADSs, and therefore only it can exercise the rights of shareholders in connection with the deposited shares. In certain cases, we may not ask The Bank of New York to ask holders of ADSs for instructions as to how they wish their shares voted. Even if we ask The Bank of New York to ask holders of ADSs for such instructions, it may not be possible for The Bank of New York to obtain these instructions from ADS holders in time for The Bank of New York to vote in accordance with such instructions. The Bank of New York is only obliged to try, as far as practical, and subject to Japanese law and our Articles of Incorporation, to vote or have its agents vote the deposited shares as holders of ADSs instruct. In your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine the accounting books and records of the company, or exercise appraisal rights.

 

U.S. investors may have difficulty in serving process or enforcing a judgment against us or our directors, executive officers or corporate auditors.

 

We are a limited liability, joint stock corporation incorporated under the laws of Japan. Most of our directors, executive officers and corporate auditors reside in Japan. All or substantially all of our assets and the assets of these persons are located in Japan and elsewhere outside the United States. It may not be possible, therefore, for U.S. investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons or to enforce against us or these persons judgments obtained in U.S. Courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japan, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgment of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States.

 

Rights of shareholders under Japanese law may be different from rights of shareholders in jurisdictions within the United States.

 

Our Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors’ regulations and the Japanese Commercial Code govern our corporate affairs. Legal principles relating to such matters as the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ and officers’ fiduciary duties and liabilities, and shareholders’ rights under Japanese law may be different from those that would apply to a company incorporated in a jurisdiction within the United States. You may have more difficulty in asserting your rights as a shareholder than you would as a shareholder of a corporation organized in a jurisdiction within the United States

 

Item 4. Information on the Company.

 

A. History and Development of the Company.

 

We are a joint stock corporation incorporated and registered under the laws of Japan in August 1991 under the name NTT Mobile Communications Planning Co., Ltd., and, in April 1992, we were renamed NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc. We changed our name to NTT DoCoMo, Inc. on April 1, 2000. Our corporate headquarters is at Sanno Park Tower, 11-1, Nagata-cho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6150, Japan. Our telephone number is 81-3-5156-1111. We have no agent in the United States in connection with this annual report.

 

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Our parent is Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, or NTT, the holding company of NTT group. NTT group constitutes one of the world’s largest telephone operators. NTT was incorporated as a limited liability, joint stock corporation in April 1985. Prior to that time, NTT was a government-owned corporation. Wireless telecommunications operations were initially conducted by a division within NTT. When NTT was privatized, the NTT Law, which was passed in connection with the privatization, provided for governmental review within five years to determine whether the NTT Law had been successfully implemented and what further changes were necessary. Based on such review, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, or MPT (currently the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications), directed NTT to separate its wireless telecommunications businesses from the rest of NTT in order to promote fair and effective competition. With a view to providing better services to its customers and enhancing the interests of its shareholders, the management of NTT also decided that such separation was desirable.

 

In February 1991, NTT and the MPT agreed that this separation should be achieved by transferring the wireless telecommunications business first to us and later to eight regional subsidiaries. To achieve this purpose we were incorporated as a subsidiary of NTT in August 1991 and took over NTT’s wireless telecommunications operations in July 1992. In July 1993, in accordance with the agreement between NTT and the MPT, we transferred wireless telecommunications operations (other than those in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region which remained with us) to our eight regional subsidiaries.

 

Prior to the transfer, we had engaged several subcontractors in the respective regions for sales activities and other business and strategic reasons. In October 1993, we merged with those regional subcontractors, and their shareholders became minority shareholders in our company and the DoCoMo regional subsidiaries, respectively.

 

On August 20, 2002, we and each of our eight regional subsidiaries entered into share exchange agreements under which they became wholly owned subsidiaries by way of share exchanges. We completed the share exchanges on November 1, 2002.

 

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The following diagram shows our corporate organization and includes our principal subsidiaries and affiliates as of March 31, 2004. Unless otherwise indicated, we own 100% of the voting securities of the subsidiaries included in the diagram. With the exception of some affiliates for which shares are held through dedicated holding companies, the percentages in parenthesis represent our direct holdings in these subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

LOGO

 

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(1) These service subsidiaries provide operational services, such as engineering and support services, to NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
(2) These DoCoMo regional subsidiaries provide wireless services in respective geographical regions in Japan, other than the region in which NTT DoCoMo, Inc. itself provides such services.
(3) These indirect service subsidiaries provide operational services, such as engineering and other services, to the respective DoCoMo regional subsidiaries which wholly own them.
(4) DoCoMo and its eight DoCoMo regional subsidiaries together own 92.0% of this company.
(5) Mobimagic is to be liquidated by the end of fiscal 2004.
(6) NTT DoCoMo Telecomunicações do Brasil Ltda. is to be liquidated by November 2004.
(7) Trinotes is to be liquidated by the end of fiscal 2004.

 

For a discussion of recent and current capital expenditures, please see “Capital Expenditures” at the end of Item 5.B. We have had no recent significant divestitures nor are any significant divestitures currently being made.

 

B. Business Overview.

 

Overview

 

We are Japan’s leading wireless telecommunications services provider and one of the largest cellular telephone service operators in the world as measured by total number of cellular subscribers with an aggregate cellular subscriber base of approximately 45.9 million and an estimated domestic market share of 56.3% as of March 31, 2004. We offer a range of high-quality, high-mobility telecommunications services such as third generation, or 3G, and second generation, or 2G, cellular services, Personal Handyphone System, or PHS services, and other specialized wireless telecommunications services, including Quickcast services (paging services) and satellite mobile communications services.

 

Our financial profile is characterized by significant revenues and earnings, consistent operating margins and a strong balance sheet. For the year ended March 31, 2004, we had operating revenues of ¥5,048,065 million and operating income of ¥1,102,918 million, representing an operating margin of 21.8%. Our net income was ¥650,007 million which was equivalent to net income per share of ¥13,099. Our balance sheet had total debt as of March 31, 2004, of ¥1,091,596 million, representing 17.4% of our total assets. As a result of this profile, our management believes we have sufficient financial flexibility and strength to pursue our strategic plans.

 

Although our basic services continue to be voice services, we are increasingly focusing on the development of wireless data transmission and mobile multimedia services such as our i-mode Internet service and our third generation, or 3G, services. We introduced i-mode services, one of the world’s first handset-based Internet access services, in February 1999. As of March 31, 2004, 41.1 million cellular subscribers had signed up for i-mode services, a 8.8% increase from the 37.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2003. i-mode is an optional service available to cellular voice subscribers offered on our nationwide 800 MHz and 2GHz networks which allows users to send and receive e-mail, access online services including banking services and airline and ticket reservations, access an array of information from i-mode servers and execute and settle retail transactions directly through their handsets. Almost all handsets which we currently sell are i-mode compatible, thus allowing our customers the freedom to choose whether or not to subscribe to i-mode service. The introduction of i-mode services enhanced our business in many ways, including encouraging our cellular phone users to use data transmission more, significantly increasing data revenue, expanding our market share, increasing the number of subscribers, creating new sources of income and strengthening our brand image.

 

We have also introduced other services to promote and capture the increasing demand for mobile multimedia services. These include services that allow Internet access through the combination of a cellular phone and a notebook computer or personal digital assistant, more commonly known as a PDA. Other services include music and video content distribution services, mobile e-commerce services and location-based

 

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pinpointing services through the global positioning system, or GPS, and cellular network. We are also promoting wireless data communication and have released products such as PDAs and card type wireless Internet access devices which are used for notebook PCs and PDAs. In addition to expanding the market for person-to-person communications such as i-mode, we are creating a market for ubiquitous machine-to-machine communications such as remote monitoring of vending machines. We are promoting the use of videophones as a communication tool and other applications and services which integrate cellular services into users daily lives through the use of external interfaces such as IrDA and QR code. (QR Code is a two-dimensional code for expressing vertical and horizontal alphanumeric character, Japanese characters, images, etc.)

 

We also offer our voice communication services on our nationwide 2G network, which is currently our primary network, and our growing 3G network. Our 2G network covers essentially all of the population of Japan (we calculate population coverage ratios by dividing the population within our “coverage area”—determined by whether the local government offices of cities, towns and villages, such as the city hall, are within the service area of the network—by the total population in Japan). We are concentrating on extending our 3G network into new areas such as subway stations and high-rise buildings as well as strengthening and expanding our coverage in high-volume traffic areas, such as those with dense population.

 

Our 2G network is based on the Personal Digital Cellular, or PDC, telecommunications system. PDC is a Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA, based system that supports both voice and data communications and a full range of supplementary services including, among others, call waiting, voice mail, three-party calling and call forwarding. Voice transmissions on our 2G network are offered at 11.2 kbps, although we conserve spectrum by using a half-rate transmission speed (5.6 kbps) at congested times. We provide circuit switching data transmission at 9.6 kbps. We also use a version of PDC that we refer to as PDC-P for our packet-switched network. PDC-P allows data transmission at up to 28.8 kbps for our “DoPa” packet transmission and i-mode services.

 

We also offer voice services on our PHS network. However, we are promoting PHS services focusing on data communication services. Among them, we are mainly enhancing @Freed. The number of PHS subscribers decreased from 1.7 million in March 2003 to 1.6 million as of March 31, 2004.

 

However, 2G networks and systems, such as our 2G PDC, PDC-P and PHS networks, do not allow wireless operators to fully exploit the potential demand for mobile multimedia. Accordingly, we introduced a third generation, or 3G, network and system on a fully commercial basis in October 2001. We believe the introduction of 3G services will mark the start of a full-scale mobile multimedia era by increasing the speed and sophistication with which music, video and other data can be downloaded to mobile phone handsets and other communication devices. We developed and are basing our 3G system on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, a high performance technology using broadband capabilities that allows variable-speed, multi-rate transmissions and supports high-quality voice transmissions and high-speed data communications, video and other multimedia services including mobile computing. We have developed our 3G wireless telecommunications system in connection with the global standardization efforts of the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, known as IMT-2000. For a discussion of the IMT-2000 standardization efforts and the status of 3G development and deployment, please see “DoCoMo Networks- IMT-2000 Standardization Efforts” in this Item 4.B.

 

Our 3G system provides excellent sound quality, circuit switched data services (at 64 kbps) and high-speed packet communication services (at up to 384 kbps), and serves as a platform for FOMA i-mode services. As of March 31, 2004, we had approximately 3.05 million subscribers to our FOMA services, an approximately 823% increase from the approximately 330,000 subscribers as of March 31, 2003. Our FOMA population coverage was approximately 99% of Japan as of the end of March 2004 including almost all cities in Japan.

 

We have been aggressively pursuing a global strategy aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of W-CDMA technology as a platform for 3G wireless telecommunications systems and services and achieving rapid and extensive deployment of mobile multimedia services. One of the primary objectives of our global

 

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strategy is to increase our corporate value through overseas investments and alliances. We plan to leverage our expertise and experience in the Japanese wireless telecommunications market abroad by:

 

  assisting our partners in developing W-CDMA as their 3G communications platform;

 

  capturing overseas growth opportunities through the development of mobile multimedia services and the promotion of wireless Internet access services; and

 

  increasing our competitiveness through contents sharing and joint procurement with strategic partners.

 

To achieve our objectives, we took minority stakes in a number of international wireless operators, including AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., or AT&T Wireless, KPN Mobile N.V., or KPN Mobile, Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Ltd., or Hutchison 3G UK, Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd., or Far EasTone, and Hutchison Telephone Company Limited, or Hutchison Telephone. Hutchison 3G UK launched 3G service based on W-CDMA in March 2003 in the United Kingdom followed by Hutchison 3G HK Holdings Ltd., or Hutchison 3G HK in January 2004 in Hong Kong. Far EasTone is planning to launch 3G service in 2004. Other operators in which we have taken minority stakes also plan to adopt W-CDMA for their respective 3G services and will collaborate with us in introducing mobile multimedia services. Through these alliances, we have established a foothold in most of the major wireless markets of the world. In North America, AT&T Wireless is preparing to launch their 3G services based on W-CDMA technology in four cities in the summer of 2004. In Europe, through KPN Mobile and Hutchison 3G UK, we have begun to introduce our technology in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom. In Asia, through investments in KG Telecom and Hutchison Telephone, we have established a foothold for the delivery of our technology and services in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Our strategic partners are not limited to telecommunication companies, as we jointly invested in Mobile Innovation Company Limited, in Thailand with Loxley Public Company Limited in April 2004. We will continue to seek opportunities in fields related to mobile telecommunication to further strengthen our business.

 

We conduct cutting-edge research and development both in and outside of Japan on what we believe is the largest scale of any wireless operator in the world. We organize our research and development efforts through our R&D division, which includes centers for network research, wireless research and multimedia research. To assist us in our W-CDMA development as well as the research and development of additional advanced technology, we established our NTT DoCoMo R&D Center in Yokosuka Research Park in 1998. We believe the R&D Center is an example of our commitment to the development of cutting-edge services, products and technologies and will continue to position us as a provider of advanced technology for mobile communications.

 

We benefit from the strong positive perception in Japan of the DoCoMo brand name. We also benefit from the strong positive perception of the brand name of NTT, our controlling shareholder. To market our services and products throughout Japan, we have established an extensive nationwide distribution and after-sales service and support network comprised primarily of independent agents, which, as of March 31, 2004, included approximately 1,270 DoCoMo Shops (which exclusively offer our products and services), approximately 700 primary agents and approximately 75,000 general agents, and also 66 DoCoMo branches and sales offices.

 

We recognize that support for building environment-friendly social systems is an important management issue facing our company. To that end, at almost all levels of the group, we have earned ISO14001 certification, which is a set of international standards for environmental management and inspection. At the same time, we seek to alleviate the burden on environment by procuring and purchasing environment-friendly products and materials, collecting and recycling used mobile phone handsets and accessories and saving paper resources by offering a paperless “e-billing service”. In addition, we are also actively engaged in forestation campaigns through our “DoCoMo Woods” program.

 

Our Services

 

We offer a variety of services to support our subscribers’ needs for wireless voice and data communications. While our primary service continues to be our cellular voice services, we are increasingly focusing on mobile

 

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multimedia services, such as i-mode, and our 3G services called “FOMA”, which stands for Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access as well as continuing to offer PHS and other services.

 

Cellular Services

 

The primary focus of our business is our cellular services. For fiscal 2003, our cellular services, which include cellular phone service and satellite mobile communications service, accounted for approximately 85.9% of our consolidated operating revenues, the vast majority of which is attributable to cellular services. We offer mova service, on our 2G network, compatible to voice and data communication. We also offer FOMA service, on our 3G network, with voice and high-speed data communication which is compatible to various functions such as Videophone and, i-motion mail.

 

Cellular (mova) Services

 

We offer cellular voice services on networks that are accessible by virtually the entire population of Japan. Our primary cellular voice services are offered on our nationwide 800 MHz digital network. We also offer cellular voice services on a 1.5 GHz network, covering primarily the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya areas and certain neighboring areas. The nationwide 800 MHz network and the 1.5 GHz network are our 2G networks.

 

In order to provide additional options and services for the convenience of our subscribers and to increase revenues through value-added services, we also offer cellular subscribers a number of standard optional features including voice mail, call forwarding, caller I.D., call waiting and three-way calling. In September 2003, we began offering “Melody Call”, a service that allows users to replace their ringback tones with their choice of music that callers can hear while waiting. We also began “MOBACHEMAIL”, a service that enables users of i-mode services to send gift checks, with attached messages, that can be applied to recipients’ monthly phone bills, in December 2003.

 

Cellular (FOMA) Services

 

FOMA services are our third generation of wireless voice and data transmission services. FOMA services use advanced technology which allows us to offer faster and higher quality services to our users. We believe that the successful development and expansion of FOMA is one of the most important challenges facing our company in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. In the year ended March 31, 2004, we saw significant growth in FOMA with over 3 million subscribers. Over the coming years, we expect a continued shift in our subscriber base from mova services to FOMA services.

 

We began offering FOMA services on an introductory basis in May 2001 and on a fully commercial basis in October 2001. The introductory service area was confined to Tokyo’s 23 wards and limited areas in Yokohama and Kawasaki. The fully commercial service was launched in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Yokohama and Kawasaki, in an area within approximately a 30-km radius of central Tokyo. We have continued to expand the coverage while improving the service quality within the area where FOMA service has already been made available. As a result of coverage expansion efforts, the FOMA population coverage ratio was 99% as of March 31, 2004, including almost all cities in Japan.

 

Our basic strategy is to expand the FOMA services we offer at the same time as we expand our geographic reach. We believe that our FOMA services are well-suited for both ordinary users as well as business users because of FOMA’s advanced features, including clear voice quality, high data communication speeds, video transmission capabilities and diversified billing plans for packet communications.

 

One of the primary advantages of our FOMA services is the increased quality and speed at which services are available. Additionally, these new services offer the ability to simultaneously handle both voice communications and data packet transmissions so that subscribers can continue talking while sending and

 

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receiving data. FOMA services that we currently offer include videophone, video mail, high-speed Internet connection services, FOMA i-mode services and mobile computing and various information based services.

 

In November 2001, we launched our “i-motion” video-clip distribution service which enables users to obtain video-content at a speed up to 384 Kbps. In May 2002, we launched trial service of “V-Live which enables FOMA users access to streaming video live and archived video, with contents including music, sports, news, animation, and tourist information, and began commercial service in May 2003. In addition, in October 2002, we launched “M-Stage Visual Net” service, which enables a maximum of eight people to participate in a mobile videoconference using the videophone function of FOMA. In January 2003, we launched our i-motion mail service which enables users of new FOMA handsets to attach video messages to an e-mail.

 

In July 2002, we launched our dual network service to allow our FOMA subscribers to switch between the FOMA and the PDC network using a single phone number. In June 2003, we launched an international roaming service for FOMA called “WORLD WING” which allows FOMA subscribers traveling abroad to make and receive calls from their regular FOMA phone numbers by inserting the FOMA UIM chip that comes with their FOMA handset into a GSM handset. As of March 31, 2004, this service is available in 94 countries and regions. Hutchison 3G UK launched 3G services based on W-CDMA technology in March 2003 in the United Kingdom, and Hutchison 3G HK also launched 3G services in January 2004 in Hong Kong. FOMA users are now able to make videophone calls via our 3G networks to H3G UK users, since October 2003, and H3G HK users, since February 2004.

 

i-mode

 

i-mode services are wireless Internet access services based on a data communications system that organizes data into bundles called packets prior to transmission. Our i-mode handsets allow subscribers to send and receive data through our i-mode server to and from the Internet while also providing users with the full range of cellular voice services. i-mode is an optional service available to mova subscribers offered on our nationwide 2G 800 MHz network and to FOMA subscribers offered on our 3G network which allows users to send and receive e-mail, access online services such as banking services and airline and ticket reservations, access an array of information from i-mode servers and execute and settle retail transactions directly through their handsets. Almost all cellular handsets which we currently sell are i-mode compatible, thus allowing our customers to choose whether or not to subscribe to i-mode service. We introduced i-mode to take advantage of the growth in demand for data transmission services. The introduction of i-mode services encouraged our cellular phone users to use data transmission more and thereby changed the way cellular phones are used in Japan.

 

Basics of i-mode Services

 

Our i-mode services consist of four main components: the i-mode handset, the i-mode packet network, the i-mode server and content providers.

 

The base of i-mode services is the handset itself. An i-mode handset is a standard cellular handset with i-mode related equipment that includes a display screen, a color-browser and the ability to transmit and receive data packets at up to 28.8 kbps using our 2G 800 MHz network or at up to 384 kbps using our 3G network. The physical appearance of i-mode handsets is almost identical to standard handsets, except for a slightly larger display screen to accommodate various i-mode functions, such as the Internet browser. The browser can read a subset of HTML. HTML is the standard language for the Internet. Almost all of the cellular handsets we currently sell are i-mode compatible and most are equipped with built-in cameras. Most new customers choose to receive i-mode services together with cellular phone services.

 

From the i-mode handset, information is transmitted to a packet network. mova i-mode is based on the PDC mobile packet communication system and uses the same packet network as our packet communication service, which is called “DoPa.” The packet network acts as a relay station between the handset and the i-mode server.

 

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The i-mode server functions as the gateway between our network and the Internet. The function of the i-mode server is data distribution, e-mail transmission and storage, i-mode customer management, content provider management and information charging. The i-mode server is also connected to certain banks and information providers either by dedicated lines or through the Internet.

 

The final and most important element of i-mode services is content. Content is provided by content providers through i-mode portal menu sites and voluntary web sites. In February 1999, when i-mode services were introduced, i-mode users had access to 67 content providers, but voluntary web sites had not been introduced. However, since then, the number of content providers has rapidly increased. As of March 31, 2004, there were approximately 4,100 DoCoMo i-mode portal menu sites and approximately 75,000 voluntary web sites.

 

i-mode Services

 

Typical services that may be accessed through an i-mode handset include:

 

  e-mail;

 

  games and other entertainment;

 

  news, weather and sports information;

 

  restaurant guides, locations and reservations;

 

  mobile banking;

 

  other financial services, such as credit card services and information and online stock quotes and trading;

 

  ticket reservation and purchase (including for concerts and sporting events);

 

  e-shopping (CDs, books);

 

  travel reservations;

 

  telephone directories; and

 

  classified ads (including part-time job offerings, apartment and house hunting, and car sales).

 

We offer an area-specific information service called “i-area”, which provides weather, dining, traffic and other types of information to our i-mode users. As i-mode base stations automatically recognize a subscriber’s location, information is organized according to where the handset is being used. In March 2002, we released service specifications for i-area. Before that, only contents providers of our i-mode portal sites were able to provide i-area content. However, now open i-area service allows anyone to relay i-area information to users.

 

We plan to continue to add attractive i-mode services. To broaden the capabilities of i-mode, and in cooperation with Sun Microsystems, we introduced in January 2001 a new series of i-mode handsets with Java that enables users, through their handsets alone, to run programs and play games, and SSL capabilities that enable users to access advanced intranets and other information. We have introduced i-appli services and content specifically for our Java based handsets, and have introduced and are expanding our English-language content.

 

In June 2002, we introduced “i-shot” service for our mova services, which allows users to transmit digital still images taken with mobile phones that feature built-in digital cameras. Users can send images through our nationwide circuit switch network, which provides a more economical means of transmitting large amounts of data compared to a packet network. There is no subscriber fee for i-shot service. Users pay a per transmission

 

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charge, which depends on the size of the data being sent and other conditions. Photos sent via i-shot cost ¥10 or more, and i-mode users will pay ¥3 to ¥4 per URL received and approximately ¥18 to ¥23 per downloaded smaller size photo.

 

We have entered into additional alliances regarding Internet banking (such as The Japan Net Bank, Ltd.) and retail transaction settlement to further improve i-mode services. We have also entered into a joint venture with Lawson, Inc., a major convenience store chain in Japan, which will allow customers to place orders on i-mode handsets and pick up their orders at any one of Lawson’s outlets throughout Japan. Also planned for i-mode is a more secure platform for e-commerce applications.

 

We have begun a new person-to-machine communications service using i-mode which we call “Cmode.” Together with Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd., and Itochu Corp., in September 2001, we launched a 17-week trial in the Shibuya area of Tokyo of Cmode, a unique consumer service employing cutting-edge computer software that transforms soft drink vending machines into information stations and services terminals. The specially developed Coca-Cola vending machines have embedded computers and are linked to our i-mode service to allow i-mode users to purchase soft drinks and earn prizes. The specially developed Coca-Cola vending machines are equipped with video displays, printers, sensors, and speakers. Cmode members can accumulate user points that can be exchanged for soft drinks or for a variety of Cmode services that are available through i-mode. In April 2002, Cmode vending machine operations were expanded to other parts of Japan, and by March 31, 2004, we have installed 1,300 units across Japan.

 

We also advise, provide know-how to and invest in i-mode content providers through a subsidiary, DoCoMo.com Inc. Together with Dentsu Inc., Japan’s largest advertising agency, and NTT Advertising, Inc., we have also established D2 Communications Inc., which serves as an advertising agency for the i-mode platform.

 

In July 2002, we established DoCoMo i-mode Europe B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to promote the dissemination of i-mode service in Europe to those companies which we have licensed i-mode technology. DoCoMo i-mode Europe B.V. provides consultation regarding i-mode technology and marketing, as well as support in the setup and operation of i-mode services.

 

In June 2003, Telefónica Móviles España S.A. introduced i-mode to the Spanish market under its mobile Internet service “e-mocion”. This was followed in November 2003 by the introduction of i-mode to the Italian market by Wind Telecommunicazioni S.p.A. That same month, we entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with COSMOTE Mobile Communicatoins S.A., the leading mobile operator in Greece to provide for the launch of i-mode service preceding the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. In January 2004, i-mode subscribers outside Japan surpassed 2 million, including subscribers in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Taiwan.

 

In June 2003, in cooperation with Visa International and Nippon Shinpan, we began offering credit card payment services on a trial basis at various merchants in Tokyo, using i-mode enabled handsets equipped with IrMC infrared transmission ports in order to allow payment of credit card bills using 504i and 504iS series mobile phones. A full commercial launch of this credit card payment service with other major credit card companies is targeted for July 2004.

 

In February 2004, we started offering “i-mode My Box” services, which we had been offering on a trial basis since June 2003. The service allows users to access customized information provided by My Box information providers who have registered for this service via the “My Box” site on the top page of the “i Menu” portal.

 

To cope with the issue of voluminous unsolicited bulk e-mails sent to our i-mode users, we have taken a number of measures since July 1999. Among other measures, we have enabled users to block all mail sent to them from particular addresses, provided i-mode users with 400 packets per month (worth approximately ¥120

 

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per month) of free packet-data communication, blocked e-mails sent to large numbers of invalid e-mail addresses, enabled users to restrict incoming e-mail to user-designated domains and offered new ringing tones which help to prevent receipt of unwanted calls from unknown numbers. In March 2002, we began to provide priority connection service for highly reliable data transmissions and in April 2002, we upgraded our service to block forged-domain unsolicited bulk e-mail.

 

Cellular Subscribers

 

Our number of subscribers including mova and FOMA subscribers has grown by approximately 2.1 million to approximately 45.9 million as of March 31, 2004, which represents a market share of 56.3%, a 1.7% market share decrease from the end of the previous fiscal year. We believe that our cellular subscriber growth has been attributable primarily to (i) nationwide growth and popularity of cellular services, (ii) the liberalization of the handset market and significant declines in handset prices and improved technology which have resulted in advanced, light-weight handsets, (iii) the expansion and enhancement of our networks, (iv) significant declines in tariffs and our competitive pricing, (v) our reputation for quality products and services and (vi) the introduction of new, value-added cellular services such as i-mode.

 

As a result of favorable sales for FOMA handsets, such as video phone compatible 2102V series and 900i series handsets, that have been made available since February 2004, FOMA subscribers as of March 31, 2004, totaled approximately 3.05 million, a significant increase from approximately 330,000 as of March 31, 2003. Minutes of usage per FOMA subscriber for the year ended March 31, 2004, totaled 219 minutes.

 

Subscriber growth for i-mode services was remarkable for the first three years following its introduction in February 1999, and subscriber growth has continued through the most recent fiscal year. As of March 31, 2004, we had over 41.0 million i-mode subscribers; as of March 31, 2003, we had over 37.8 million i-mode subscribers; as of March 31, 2002, we had over 32.2 million i-mode subscribers; as of March 31, 2001, we had 21.7 million i-mode subscribers; and as of March 31, 2000, we had 5.6 million subscribers.

 

     Year ended March 31,

     2002

   2003

   2004

     (in thousands)

DoCoMo cellular subscribers

   40,783    43,861    45,927

mova subscribers

   40,694    43,531    42,882

FOMA subscribers

   89    330    3,045

i-mode subscribers

   32,156    37,758    41,077

i-mode subscribers(mova)

   32,075    37,456    38,080

i-mode subscribers(FOMA)

   81    303    2,997

DoCoMo estimated market share of total subscribers

   59.0%    58.0%    56.3%

DoCoMo subscriber growth rate

   13.2%    7.5%    4.7%

DoCoMo average monthly churn rate (1)

   1.17%    1.23%    1.21%

(1) In general, the term “churn rate” is defined as the level of customers who disconnect their service relative to the total subscriber base. Our measurement of churn rates include voluntary terminations in connection with handset upgrades or changes. The average monthly churn rate for each fiscal year is calculated by adding the number of cellular subscriber contract terminations in each month of that fiscal year and dividing that number by sum of the cellular subscribers*from April to March.
* subscribers = (No. of subscribers at the end of previous month + No. of subscriber at the end of current month) / 2

 

In this annual report we have changed the method by which we calculate our churn rate. In previous reports, we calculated our average monthly churn rate by adding the number of cellular subscriber contract terminations in each month of that fiscal year and dividing that number by the sum of the total number of cellular subscribers at the end of each month in the twelve-month period beginning with the last month of the preceding fiscal year.

 

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Revenues and Tariffs for Cellular Services

 

Our cellular revenues are generated primarily from fixed monthly plan charges, usage charges for outgoing calls, revenues from incoming calls and charges for optional value-added services and features. We set our own rates in accordance with the Telecommunications Business Law and government guidelines, which currently allow wireless telecommunications operators to set their own tariffs without government approval.

 

Over the past few years, as the competition for subscribers has increased, tariff rates and monthly charges have been significantly reduced with certain other fees eliminated entirely. Currently, our cellular subscribers pay (i) an activation fee of ¥3,000, (ii) a fixed monthly plan charge based upon the “plan” chosen, (iii) usage or per call charges which vary according to distance, duration, day and time of day and the particular plan chosen and (iv) additional monthly service fees for miscellaneous value-added services.

 

One of our basic strategies has been to focus on offering subscribers usage plans and discount services tailored to their usage patterns. As a result, we offer a variety of different monthly plans targeted at different segments of the market. These plans include basic usage plans for ordinary usage and heavy usage plans. In addition, almost all plans include a certain amount of prepaid usage (i.e., free minutes) per month for fixed rates. Prepaid amounts are credited against total usage. Prepaid amounts are first allocated to voice minutes. To the extent that voice minutes do not exhaust the prepaid amount, it is then credited against i-mode use. Additionally, we offer various discounts, including discounts for families, long-term subscriber discounts and heavy-volume user discounts. The prepaid usage amount will not change even after the discounts are applied to monthly charges.

 

Revenues and Tariffs for Cellular (mova) Services

 

The monthly plan charge of our basic billing plan for mova service is currently ¥4,500 (which includes ¥600 worth of prepaid usage) although we have a variety of different plans at varying rates. Under our basic plan, calls made to fixed line phones during the daytime on a weekday within Tokyo cost approximately ¥30 per minute.

 

In December 2002, we started a billing plan named “Limitplus”. Under this billing plan, outbound calls and i-mode services are automatically blocked after monthly phone charges reach a preset limit in order to accommodate parents who desire to set a limit on the monthly phone use of their children. However, inbound calls as well as use of emergency phone numbers are not blocked even when a preset limit is reached.

 

In November 2003, we commenced a new billing service that automatically carries over any unused monthly dialing and packet communication allowances for up to two months. The rollover plan, called “Nikagetsu Kurikoshi”, applies to all mova and FOMA subscribers, including those using other discount services.

 

Effective from April 1, 2004, we increased the discount rate for our Family Discount. The revised discount rates for fixed monthly charges and communication charges between family members are 25% (up 5%) and 30% (up 10%), respectively.

 

We believe that our variety of plans, prices and discounts have helped us to remain competitive in retaining existing subscribers and attracting new subscribers. We will initiate rate reductions if we believe that it will cause an increase in usage among existing subscribers or increased new subscribers.

 

Revenues and Tariffs for Cellular (FOMA) Services

 

The charge for FOMA voice services is similar to our other cellular voice services (¥13.0 per 30 seconds for calls to land line phones within the DoCoMo business area during the day time in the case of our mid-range billing plan entitled “FOMA Plan 67”). Charges for 64 kbps circuit switched data service, such as for video

 

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phones services are approximately 1.8 times that of standard voice charges. The fee structure for packet communication services is based on the volume of data transmitted and varies between ¥0.02 per packet to ¥0.2 per packet, depending on which plan users choose.

 

In March 2004, we announced a new unlimited access plan for users of our FOMA i-mode service. Beginning June 1, 2004, subscribers to the basic plans FOMA Plan 67, FOMA Plan 100 and FOMA Plan 150 are eligible to subscribe to the Pake-Houdai plan which offers unlimited access to i-mode Internet service and i-mode mail for a flat monthly rate of ¥3,900. The plan does not cover other packet transmissions, such as browsing the web via devices connected to a 3G handset. We believe this flat pricing model adds value for our users and more importantly encourages expanded use of i-mode by freeing customers from concerns about their monthly bill. Additionally, our ¥3,900 per month rate offers us a competitive advantage relative to KDDI’s EZ Flat plan, a similar flat rate monthly plan for packet transmissions available to their subscribers for ¥4,200 per month.

 

In March 2004, we also announced the revision of three FOMA Packet Packs beginning May 1, 2004. These new plans introduced more affordable plans for all subscribers to our FOMA basic monthly plans. These new plans offer up to 50% discounts over the previous fees paid to receive per-packet rates.

 

i-mode Revenues and Fees

 

i-mode users are charged according to the volume of data they transmit and not for the length of time they are online or the distance over which the data is transmitted. The basic charge for mova i-mode users to send data transmissions is equal to ¥0.3 per packet (128 bytes). Therefore, a short e-mail of about 20 full characters can be sent for as little as ¥1 and a longer e-mail of 250 full characters would be approximately ¥4. Passengers can check airline seat availability for as little as ¥40. For new Java-related services, users are charged according to the size of the application to download various applications such as games, stock charts, maps and cartoons. mova i-mode users pay us a ¥150 monthly charge plus a ¥150 per month i-mode usage charge in addition to the standard monthly charge for voice service. The monthly i-mode usage fee for FOMA is ¥150 per month, and the transmission charge for FOMA i-mode users varies between ¥0.02 and ¥0.2 per packet, depending on which billing plan users choose.

 

There are also additional information charges payable to content providers when subscribers use certain i-mode sites. For example, access to Nikkei News service costs ¥300 per month and access to Tenki Plus, which provides weather information, costs ¥100 per month. We bill subscribers for content provider fees, and receive from the providers a commission of 9% of the information charges for our billing and collection services. Revenues from these information charges for fiscal 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999, which consist only of the commission, were ¥12.2 billion, ¥10.4 billion, ¥7.6 billion, ¥3.1 billion and ¥200 million, respectively.

 

In August 2001, we began offering mova i-mode users free data transmission up to 400 packets per month, which caused mova i-mode revenue to decrease by approximately ¥30 billion in fiscal 2001, and by ¥42 billion yen in fiscal 2002. In September 2002, we began offering 33% discounts to heavy packet users for their packet use above ¥30,000 per month.

 

Cellular System Usage

 

Until fiscal 2000, the average minutes of usage, or MOU, per cellular (mova) subscriber had been steadily increasing. MOU(mova) decreased year-on-year to 158 minutes per month for fiscal 2003 from 168 minutes for fiscal 2002 and 178 minutes for fiscal 2001. Aggregate average monthly revenues per unit (mova), or ARPU, decreased to ¥7,830 in fiscal 2003 from ¥8,140 in the prior year.

 

The primary reason that aggregate ARPU (mova) has remained relatively steady from fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2004 is that the continuing but slowing growth of i-mode subscribers and i-mode usage has resulted in

 

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increasing i-mode ARPU (mova) rates, although the rate of increase has slowed considerably. This increase in i-mode ARPU (mova) has partially offset the effects of declines in voice ARPU (mova) that have resulted primarily from reductions in tariffs, including basic plan charges and per minute tariffs, over the past several years. Other factors that have contributed to the voice ARPU (mova) decline include increased penetration rates and a corresponding increase in the proportion of low usage subscribers and the increase in the number of free minutes we offer in connection with our various discount plans.

 

Aggregate ARPU (FOMA) for the year ended March 31, 2004 increased to ¥10,280 from ¥7,740 in the prior year. This reflected a significant increase in voice ARPU, from ¥5,050 in the year ended March 31, 2003 to ¥6,900 in the year ended March 31, 2004 with MOU increasing mainly due to network coverage expansion. For the same years, packet ARPU (FOMA) also increased from ¥2,690 to ¥3,380.

 

The following table sets forth selected information concerning monthly minutes of usage, or MOU, per subscriber and average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU, data :

 

       Year ended March 31

       2003

     2004

Total average monthly minutes (MOU) per subscriber (FOMA+mova)

       167        159
      

    

Aggregate ARPU (FOMA+mova)

     ¥ 8,130      ¥ 7,890

Voice ARPU (FOMA+mova)

       6,380        5,920

Packet ARPU (FOMA+mova)

       1,750        1,970

i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova)

       1,750        1,970

ARPU generated purely from i-mode (FOMA+mova)

       2,120        2,240

ARPU (Average monthly revenue per unit)

Average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU, is used to measure average monthly operating revenues attributable to designated services on a per user basis. ARPU is calculated by dividing various revenue items included in operating revenues from our wireless services, such as monthly charges, voice transmission charges and packet transmission charges from designated services, by number of active subscribers to the relevant services. Accordingly, the calculation of ARPU excludes revenues that are not representative of monthly average usage such as activation fees. We believe that our ARPU figures calculated in this way provide useful information regarding the monthly average usage of our subscribers. The revenue items included in the numerators of our ARPU figures are based on our U.S. GAAP results of operations.

 

MOU (Minutes of Usage)

Average communication time per one month per one user.

 

Aggregate ARPU (FOMA+mova)=Voice ARPU (FOMA+mova) + Packet ARPU (FOMA+mova)

Voice ARPU (FOMA+mova) : Voice ARPU (FOMA+mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, voice transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA+mova)

Packet ARPU (FOMA+mova) : {Packet ARPU (FOMA) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges)+ i-mode ARPU (mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges)}/ No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA+mova)

i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova) : i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA+mova) )

ARPU generated purely from i-mode (FOMA+mova) : i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active i-mode subscribers (FOMA+mova)

 

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No. of active subscribers used in ARPU/MOU calculations are as follows:

    FY Results : Sum of No. of subscribers* for each month from April to March

* subscribers = (No. of subscribers at the end of previous month + No. of subscriber at the end of current month) / 2

 

     Year ended March 31

     2002

   2003

   2004

Total average monthly minutes (MOU) per subscriber (mova)

     178      168      158
    

  

  

Aggregate ARPU (mova)

   ¥ 8,470    ¥ 8,140    ¥ 7,830

Voice ARPU (mova)

     6,930      6,390      5,890

i-mode ARPU (mova)

     1,540      1,750      1,940

ARPU generated purely from i-mode (mova)

     2,150      2,140      2,200

Aggregate ARPU (mova)=Voice ARPU (mova) + i-mode ARPU (mova)

Voice ARPU (mova) : Voice ARPU (mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, voice transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (mova)

i-mode ARPU (mova) : i-mode ARPU (mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (mova)

ARPU generated purely from i-mode (mova) : i-mode ARPU (mova) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active i-mode subscribers (mova)

 

No. of active subscribers used in ARPU/MOU calculations are as follows:

FY Results : Sum of the number of subscribers* for each month from April to March

* subscribers = (number of subscribers at the end of previous month + number of subscriber at the end of current month) / 2

 

In this annual report, we have changed the method by which we calculate the number of active subscribers used in calculating our ARPU (mova, i-mode (mova), generated purely from i-mode (mova)), and MOU (mova) figures. In previous reports, we calculated the number of active subscribers used in ARPU/MOU calculations as follows:

FY Results : {( No. of subscribers at the end of previous fiscal year + No. of subscribers at the end of current fiscal year) / 2} x 12 months

 

The following table sets forth selected information concerning monthly usage per subscriber, or MOU, and average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU, data regarding FOMA service:

 

     Year ended March 31

     2002

   2003

   2004

Total average monthly minutes (MOU) per subscriber (FOMA)

     —        109      219
    

  

  

Aggregate ARPU (FOMA)

   ¥ 8,750    ¥ 7,740    ¥ 10,280

Voice ARPU (FOMA)

     —        5,050      6,900

Packet ARPU (FOMA)

     —        2,690      3,380

i-mode ARPU (FOMA)

     —        2,120      3,240

ARPU generated purely from i-mode (FOMA)

     —        2,340      3,330

 

Aggregate ARPU (FOMA)=Voice ARPU (FOMA) + Packet ARPU (FOMA)

Voice ARPU (FOMA) : Voice ARPU (FOMA) Related Revenues (monthly charges, voice transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA)

Packet ARPU (FOMA) : Packet ARPU (FOMA) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA)

i-mode ARPU (FOMA) : i-mode ARPU (FOMA) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active cellular phone subscribers (FOMA)

 

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ARPU generated purely from i-mode (FOMA) : i-mode ARPU (FOMA) Related Revenues (monthly charges, packet transmission charges) / No. of active i-mode subscribers (FOMA)

 

No. of active subscribers used in ARPU/MOU calculations are as follows:

    FY Results : Sum of No. of subscribers* for each month from April to March

* subscribers = (No. of subscribers at the end of previous month + No. of subscriber at the end of current month) / 2

 

Currently, we are emphasizing increasing monthly voice ARPU and are focusing on retaining and increasing the number of core customers, increasing our overall usage, and increasing data transmission volume, particularly i-mode transmissions. We believe that these new services will contribute to increased data transmissions.

 

Beginning in fiscal 2001, the way that we calculate ARPU changed as a result of the renegotiation of our interconnection agreements with respect to the interconnection charges we pay to other carriers. Prior to April 1, 2001, we did not pay interconnection charges related to calls made by our subscribers when using the networks of other carriers. In addition, such other carriers bore the collection risk for the revenue associated with the portion of the calls made on their networks. Consequently, we recorded revenue only for the portion of such calls carried by our networks. Under the renegotiated interconnection agreements we are obligated to pay interconnection charges to the other carriers for the aforementioned calls made by our subscribers, as well as assume the collection risk for the entire call. As a result, there is an increase in operating revenues which is offset by a corresponding increase in operating expenses. However, as a result of this change, there is an increase in our ARPU from levels that would otherwise have been achieved.

 

i-mode ARPU(mova) increased significantly in the first three years following the introduction of i-mode services(mova). For the year ended March 31, 2003, however, ARPU generated per purely from i-mode (mova) was approximately ¥2,140 compared to ¥2,150 for the year ended March 31, 2002. This decrease was due to primarily to the discounts related to free packet usage to compensate for receipt of unsolicited bulk e-mail, allowing users to view the “i-menu” table of contents page without charge and discounts for heavy packet users introduced in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002. For the year ended March 31, 2004, however, i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova) were ¥1,970, showing growth compared to ¥1,750 in the year ended March 31, 2003.

 

PHS Services

 

Our Personal Handyphone System, or PHS, services are wireless voice and data transmission services similar to our cellular services but offered using different technology and a different network. PHS is a digital cordless phone system that operates on a digitalized microcell network that makes it possible to use a PHS phone outside the home or office. The PHS base stations are small and easy to install. As a result, PHS services can easily be provided in buildings and underground passages. However, in fast moving automobiles or trains our PHS users do not enjoy the same reception quality as our cellular phone users do. PHS handsets look like cellular handsets, but with the exception of dual mode handsets that function on both the cellular and PHS networks, PHS handsets cannot utilize the cellular network. We offer PHS services to our subscribers on our PHS network. PHS was originally introduced by the NTT Personal Group in July 1995.

 

We took over the operations of these PHS services beginning on December 1, 1998. Since taking over PHS operations in December 1998, we have adopted the following strategies for PHS in order to improve its performance:

 

  Improve the existing PHS network coverage by raising the height of the PHS base station antennas, thereby widening the coverage area and reducing the relatively high level of dropped calls;

 

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  Market the data transmission capability of the PHS system, which is better than that of our 2G cellular system;

 

  Promote new services for mobile multimedia, such as 64 kbps transmission services and e-mail;

 

  Provide price reductions and family discounts to subscribers who also subscribe to our other services, such as cellular services;

 

  Promote dual mode handsets which allow the same handset to be used for cellular and PHS services;

 

  Develop platform ASP business and business LAN connections;

 

  Introduce the “P-in” series data communication card, which allows users to conduct wireless data transmission through PCs and PDAs; and

 

  Provide fixed price service.

 

While promoting these strategies focusing on data communication services, we will continue to make further efforts to decrease costs by utilizing our facilities more efficiently.

 

PHS Subscribers

 

At the end of fiscal 1995, the NTT Personal Group had approximately 0.4 million subscribers. Initially, with the rapid expansion of service areas, the price decline of handsets and reduction of billing rates, the number of NTT Personal Group PHS subscribers reached approximately 2.1 million in September 1997. From September 1997 to March 31, 2000, PHS subscribers declined to approximately 1.4 million. PHS subscribers increased to approximately 1.9 million as of March 31, 2002, but fell to approximately 1.7 million as of March 31, 2003 and 1.6 million as of March 31, 2004.

 

Services Offered for PHS

 

We have significantly expanded the service offerings for PHS since acquiring the PHS businesses. In addition to voice mail, call forwarding, caller I.D., and other standard optional features such as 64 kbps data transmission, which allows users to conduct wireless data transmission at an actual transmission rate of 58.4 kbps, subscribers may sign up for numerous services and features, the most significant of which capitalize on PHS’s strength in high-speed data transmission. Users are able to enjoy various services including “M-stage services”, such as e-mail service and video and digital book distribution service, and “mopera net surfing”, a wireless Internet access service which allows users to access the Internet by connecting their PHS handsets with notebook computers or PDAs.

 

In April 2003, we introduced a fixed price wireless Internet access service called “@FreeD”. The new service offers @FreeD subscribers unlimited Internet usage for a flat monthly fee of ¥4,880 or a year-subscription of ¥48,000.

 

In April 2004, we started offering a data compression service called “Net Highway”, in order to increase the efficiency of Internet access and e-mail transmission for improved customer satisfaction.

 

In March 2003, we began offering M-stage Visual Net service to PHS customers. This service provides PHS users with the ability to participate in simultaneous mobile videoconferencing with multiple parties.

 

PHS Revenues and Tariffs

 

The PHS billing plans and rates are very similar to those for the cellular services and are based on the same monthly fee (depending on the plan) plus dialing charge structure. The primary difference is that PHS rates are substantially lower. Additionally, there are a number of rate plans designed specifically for data transmission and mobile computing.

 

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Other Mobile Multimedia Services

 

We have focused extensively on our initiative to develop the mobile multimedia and data communications markets. As part of these efforts, we have been offering a wide variety of data services such as packet communications at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps for i-mode and DoPa services, 64K data service on the PHS platform and data communications at speeds up to 384 Kbps on FOMA. Our client authentication service ensures a highly secure individual authentication to suit a variety of users of the mobile Internet.

 

DoPa, our packet communication service, is a driving force behind our strategy of broadening the scope of mobile communications. DoPa is used mainly in person-to-machine and machine-to-machine communications. Fees are charged according to the volume of data transmitted and received. DoPa makes the direct exchange of data possible between terminals in a wireless environment and between a terminal and an office LAN via a dedicated lease line or an ISDN connection. DoPa helps boost network efficiency and lower communication costs because it does not require an exclusive radio channel for each user. DoPa is compatible with Internet protocols such as TCP/IP and enables remote LAN and e-mail access.

 

“Doco-desu-Car?” is an example of machine-to-machine communications. Doco-desu-Car? is a service for corporate users which allows companies to locate the position of their vehicles and to manage the allocation of a vehicle fleet.

 

In December 2003, we began development of our DoPa Ubiquitous Module, which will increase machine-to-machine communication services as part of our endeavor to promote mobile multimedia services. By embedding these modules, we expect a broad range of uses such as an efficient automobile fleet management system, a wireless credit card transaction system, and a system which enables a vending machine to automatically detect and notify the amount of its inventory to a service center.

 

In response to a diversity of customer service needs, we have released various handsets, such as Pocket PC2002-embedded PDA called “musea”, Windows CE.NET- embedded PDA with a full key board called “sigmarion III”, “Posiseek R”, “F661i”, and “F505i GPS” handset compatible with a GPS-based positioning service, “DLP service, which is for corporate users and information providers, and a videophone-compatible PHS handset, “Lookwalk P751v”.

 

In the area of content distribution services, we offer “M - Stage” which enables users to utilize our video distribution service, digital book distribution service and a host of rich mobile multimedia contents such as news, banking services, transportation information, and maps. We also provide corporate users with applications such as groupware which enables sales representatives outside the office to confirm their customer data and contact details by remotely accessing their corporate servers. The service can be used by a broad range of user groups for their respective purposes. While we previously offered “M-Stage visual” on dedicated terminals, we discontinued the service on March 31, 2004 and focus on other video distribution services such as “M-Stage V-Live” and “i-motion” to broaden use on general FOMA handsets. Similarly, we terminated the “location information service (mopera location information service)” on March 31, 2004 because our “i area” and GPS handset-based services were becoming mainstream in offering self-location information services. Furthermore, we will discontinue providing “M-Stage music” on September 30, 2004 because various kinds of music distribution services are available now and we offer music distribution services such as “Melody Call” and “Chaku motion”. Users can access these services via the M-Stage portal using a notebook PC or a PDA attached to our PDC, PHS, FOMA, or DoPa service handsets.

 

In May 2003, we launched an on-line payment service called “DoCommerce”, which enables mova and FOMA i-mode users to use their SSL-compatible handsets to shop on the i-mode sites operated by DoCommerce merchants. Users can make a payment or charge on their credit cards by simply entering their user passwords. DoCommerce also offers an “account aggregation” feature which enables users to simultaneously check the balances of two or more bank accounts or the credit card charges via a single password using their i-mode

 

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handsets. In addition, payment at a convenience store using a QR code has been available since August 2003. While the usage of the mobile Internet has spread widely, high security in individual authentication has become important. In order to address this, we introduced a client authentication service called “FirstPass” in July 2003, enabling FOMA users to reduce the risk of identity theft and safely use the mobile Internet.

 

In July 2002, we launched a public wireless LAN service called “Mzone”. Customers who are in the service areas are able to send and receive data at high-speeds with their notebook PCs or PDAs. Based on our market research, we enhanced our Mzone services during fiscal 2003 in response to user needs. Such efforts include offering a “one-day usage plan” and a roaming arrangement with NTT-BP which has extensive service areas, mainly in railway stations. There were 254 Mzone service areas as of March 31, 2004, and we plan to further expand the coverage in the future according to the needs of our customers. In cooperation with SingTel Mobile, from April to June 2004, we conducted a trial to test international wireless LAN roaming service for users of Mzone and SingTel’s “Outdoor Wireless Surf” LAN services. Based on the results of this trial, we are hoping to expand the Mzone service to include international roaming capability.

 

In December 2003, we launched a trial using mova N504iC and SO504iC mobile phones equipped with FeliCa contactless IC chip technology developed by Sony Corporation. Participants in the trial are able to use their phones in transactions with 27 different service providers in fields such as banking, convenience stores, television broadcasting, game software and retail ticketing. In these transactions, the phones perform electronic money, personal identification and other functions.

 

In January 2004, we launched our “Business mopera Access Pro” service for major enterprises in addition to our “FOMA Packet Lease Circuit Connection” and “XWave” services. Business mopera Access Pro provides highly secure access to enterprise LAN through closed network from remote terminals, such as laptops and PDAs. This service enables an enterprise to access via various types of wireless networks, including mova, PHS, and FOMA, with a single leased line subscription. Going forward, we will promote the introduction of mobile systems for enterprises and focus on providing mobile solutions.

 

Other Services

 

Quickcast Services (formerly called Paging Services)

 

We offer digital display and value-added paging services throughout Japan under the service name Quickcast. Our services are offered on a nationwide “FLEX-TD” system which we introduced in 1996. FLEX-TD allows us to offer a wide variety of information services via a high-speed paging system, including the ability to receive e-mail messages via the Internet or from personal computers and to retrieve the messages from anywhere in Japan. We also offer broadcast messaging features which allow one message to be sent to multiple users at the same time. In February 1999, we introduced a calling-party-pays Quickcast service called “02•DO”.

 

Quickcast Subscribers

 

We had approximately 0.46 million Quickcast subscribers as of March 31, 2004, representing a 24.4% decrease from 0.6 million as of March 31, 2003, and a 44.7% decrease from 0.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2002. The number of Quickcast subscribers has been declining consistently since fiscal 1996. We believe that the decrease in our subscriber base is attributable to a number of factors, including increased penetration and lower prices of cellular and other mobile communication services and increased services offered by cellular and PHS providers that are similar to those typically offered by paging companies. With the market size still contracting, from January 2003, we ceased accepting applications for some less frequently used optional services and unified fee plans for new acceptances. On March 31, 2004, we terminated the “Infochannel” service, a Quickcast information distribution service. On June 30, 2004, we will cease accepting applications for Quickcast service, and we are considering termination of this service depending on continuing demand.

 

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Satellite Mobile Communications Services

 

We provide satellite mobile communications services integrated with terrestrial cellular services for communications in case of emergencies, in mountainous areas and aboard ships. The service area covers the territory of Japan and its surrounding waters up to 200 nautical miles from the mainland. The satellite mobile communications network uses three N-STAR communications satellites, N-STARa, N-STARb and N-STARc. N-STARa and N-STARb were owned jointly by us and JSAT Corporation until August 2003. At that time, we transferred our interests in N-STARa and N-STARb to JSAT and acquired 4,749 shares of JSAT common stock. We also began leasing the satellites from JSAT. In September 2002, we commenced the operation of a new communications satellite, “N-STARc”, to maintain the reliability of our system. We had approximately 31,000 subscribers to this service as of March 31, 2004. Furthermore, a variety of mobile computing applications, such as sending data and faxes are offered using high-speed data transmission capacity (64 kbps downlink and 4.8 kbps uplink).

 

In-Flight Telephone Services

 

We had provided in-flight voice communication services that could be used for unrestricted in-flight communications between aircraft and the ground in Japan. However, with the aging of the analog facilities and the lower level of service usage without much improvement in demand expected, we terminated this service on March 31, 2004.

 

International Dialing Services and International Roaming Services

 

In May 2002, in order to increase use of our international dialing service “WORLD CALL”, we introduced a service by which our subscribers can use WORLD CALL without having to first apply for this service. In October 2003, we enabled third-generation FOMA videophones to make international videophone calls and 64kbps transmissions to the United Kingdom in cooperation with Hutchison 3G UK. In February 2004, we added Hong Kong to World Call videophone calls and 64kbps data service. In June 2003, we also launched “WORLD WING”, an international roaming service for FOMA subscribers and added a new service called WORLD WALKER-PLUS, which has the similar geographical coverage with WORLD WING, to supplement WORLD WALKER for mova subscribers. By the addition of such new services, subscribers to our international roaming service WORLD WALKER increased to approximately 107,000 as of March 31, 2004, a 25.9% increase from March 31, 2003. WORLD WING service has more than 33,000 subscribers.

 

International Investments and Licensing Agreements

 

We make investments in telecommunications companies overseas with the long term aim of securing growth opportunities and strengthening our international competitiveness. We plan to leverage our expertise and experience in the Japanese wireless telecommunications market abroad by assisting our partners in developing W-CDMA as their 3G platform and by promoting the wide-spread and rapid deployment of mobile multimedia services with the goal of establishing a borderless cellular phone world. Whereas wireless operators in other parts of the world have achieved only limited success in offering wireless Internet access, our i-mode services have met with immediate success in Japan. We believe that our experience with the development and deployment of our i-mode services provides us with the ability and skills necessary to replicate our success in overseas markets in cooperation with our strategic partners. We believe that this will increase the value of our business by generating returns on investments, enhancing service quality and strengthening our position in the domestic market.

 

We intend to continue to look outside of Japan for attractive investment opportunities, such as cellular telecommunication companies and other companies providing related services. If we find such investment opportunities, we may make majority or minority investments or enter into licensing agreements or collaboration agreements in certain fields, such as W-CDMA-based 3G services.

 

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Our investee affiliates operate in key markets and regions around the world. We do not believe, however, that the regulatory environments in which our partners operate will have any adverse effect on our investments or on our financial results.

 

The following is a summary of our major strategic international investments and licensing agreements.

 

AT&T Wireless Group

 

In January 2001, we completed an investment of approximately $9.8 billion (approximately ¥1,143 billion at the date of investment) to purchase AT&T preferred stock equivalent to 406 million shares (a 16% interest) of AT&T Wireless tracking stock and warrants to purchase the equivalent of an additional 41.75 million shares of AT&T Wireless tracking stock at $35 per share. The alliance aims to facilitate the rapid establishment and development of 3G and related mobile portal platform services in the U.S. market. The parties will jointly develop the U.S. market through AT&T Wireless’ nationwide network infrastructure and our i-mode based mobile Internet technology and related business know-how. With AT&T Wireless, we will also jointly promote the spread of W-CDMA technology in the U.S. market. The agreements that we entered into with AT&T and AT&T Wireless are described in detail in Item 10.C. Material Contracts.

 

In July 2001, AT&T Corp. completed the planned split-off of AT&T Wireless Group. In connection with the split-off, all the assets and liabilities of AT&T Wireless Group were transferred to AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. The split-off was then effected by redeeming all the outstanding shares of AT&T Wireless Group tracking stock in exchange for shares of AT&T Wireless common stock and distributing shares of AT&T Wireless common stock to holders of AT&T common stock, resulting in AT&T Wireless becoming an independent, publicly-traded company. Our investment in AT&T preferred stock, which represented approximately 16% of the financial performance and economic value of AT&T Wireless Group, was also automatically converted into AT&T Wireless common stock at an applicable exchange rate with the result that we hold approximately 16% of the economic and voting interest in AT&T Wireless. On July 9, 2001, we started to account for our investment in AT&T Wireless using the equity method.

 

AT&T Wireless announced in October 2001 that it would acquire the entire equity interest of TeleCorp PCS, Inc. and in connection with the acquisition it would issue, and deliver to shareholders of TeleCorp, shares of AT&T Wireless common stock. This transaction would dilute our interest in AT&T Wireless to approximately 15.2% if we did not exercise our pre-emptive rights to purchase additional shares of AT&T Wireless common stock in order to maintain our current ownership percentage. In December 2001, we announced that we would exercise our preemptive rights to purchase additional shares in order to maintain our current approximately 16% share ownership in AT&T Wireless. Our decision to purchase additional shares was contingent on AT&T Wireless acquiring TeleCorp. When AT&T Wireless completed its planned acquisition of TeleCorp in February 2002, we completed an additional investment of approximately $382 million (approximately ¥50.6 billion at the date of investment) to purchase approximately 26.7 million shares of AT&T Wireless common stock in order to maintain our current approximately 16% ownership in AT&T Wireless.

 

In December 2002, we amended the Investor Agreement. Pursuant to the amended Investor Agreement, AT&T Wireless is preparing to launch 3G services based on W-CDMA in four markets in the United States, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Dallas, or certain other specified substitute markets, in the summer of 2004.

 

On February 17, 2004, Cingular Wireless LLC, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp. announced an agreement to acquire AT&T Wireless. Before the announcement of the acquisition agreement we were requested to submit an acquisition proposal by AT&T Wireless, but our board decided not to make an acquisition proposal to AT&T Wireless.

 

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Under the terms of the agreement approved by the boards of directors of Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless, shareholders of AT&T Wireless, including us, will receive $15 cash per common share or approximately $41 billion. On May 19, 2004, at AT&T Wireless’ 2004 Annual Shareholders Meeting, shareholders of AT&T Wireless approved the company’s merger agreement with Cingular Wireless. The acquisition, which is subject to the approvals of U.S. federal regulatory authorities, and to other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed before the end of 2004.

 

If the merger is completed as expected, AT&T Wireless will be released from its obligations under our Investor Agreement with them pursuant to which they are required to launch services based on W-CDMA in selected U.S. cities prior to December 31, 2004. These obligations enable us to require repurchase of our stock by AT&T Wireless at its original purchase price, plus interest, if they fail to meet the requirements. Pursuant to its merger agreement with Cingular, AT&T wireless has agreed to use reasonable efforts to meet its obligation to launch the specified 3G services prior to December 31, 2004.

 

Following the merger, we will generally be bound by our non-competition commitments for one year.

 

KPN Mobile N.V.

 

In July 2000, we signed a subscription agreement to invest approximately €4 billion (approximately ¥407 billion at the date of investment) for a 15% voting interest in KPN Mobile N.V. for the purpose of promoting mobile multimedia services and IMT-2000 services in Europe. We also entered into a shareholders agreement and a registration rights agreement in connection with this investment. KPN Mobile provides services in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

 

As of December 31, 2001, KPN Mobile’s parent company, Royal KPN, had loans to KPN Mobile totaling €19.7 billion which were convertible by Royal KPN into KPN Mobile shares. Per the shareholders’ agreement, when Royal KPN converted its loans to KPN Mobile into shares of KPN Mobile, we had the right to maintain our voting interest in KPN Mobile through the purchase of further KPN Mobile shares at the then current market value. In November 2002, we received a notice from KPN Mobile N.V. with regard to an opportunity to subscribe for further shares through exercise of our top-up right in order to maintain our voting interest in KPN Mobile N.V. In December 2002, we decided not to exercise our right to subscribe in new shares. As a consequence, our voting interest in KPN Mobile N.V. decreased from 15% to approximately 2.2%, and many of our rights under the subscription agreement and the shareholders agreement terminated as a result.

 

In November 2001, we signed a license agreement with KPN Mobile and its parent company Royal KPN under which we will transfer and license technologies to KPN Mobile for the launch of mobile Internet services in the Netherlands and Belgium. The services are similar to our i-mode services available in Japan. Under the licensing agreement, we provide KPN Mobile with intellectual property rights, know-how and technologies necessary to offer i-mode services. The term of the agreement is from November 7, 2001 until December 31, 2011, during which time we are entitled to collect licensing fees. In February 2002, we signed an agreement with E-Plus Mobilfunk, a subsidiary of KPN Mobile, to transfer and license technologies to E-Plus to offer mobile Internet services in Germany. Under this licensing agreement, we provide E-Plus with patents, service know-how, and technologies needed to launch mobile Internet services. KPN Mobile The Netherlands B.V. and E-Plus began offering i-mode services in the Netherlands and Germany in April 2002 and March 2002, respectively. BASE, formerly KPN Orange, began offering mobile Internet services on a commercial basis in Belgium in October 2002.

 

In June 2002, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with KPN Mobile N.V. regarding a joint campaign to promote 3G services in the Netherlands based on our existing 3G service in Japan. Under this memorandum of understanding, we have installed a FOMA base station in the Netherlands and KPN Mobile N.V. opened a FOMA demonstration room at its headquarters.

 

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KPN Mobile group companies acquired 3G licenses in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium in July 2000, August 2000 and March 2001, respectively, and plan to begin the progressive commercial launch of services over the UMTS network in 2004.

 

Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited

 

In July 2000, we formed a strategic alliance with KPN Mobile and agreed to invest in Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited as part of a business alliance with Hutchison Whampoa Limited. We acquired a 20% stake in Hutchinson 3G UK Holdings Limited for £1.2 billion, approximately ¥185 billion at the date of the investment, in September 2000, and entered into a shareholders agreement with Hutchison Whampoa Limited, the parent company of Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited, and Hutchison 3G HK Holdings Limited.

 

In May 2004, we announced a Sale and Purchase Agreement to sell our entire 20% shareholding in Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited to Hutchison Whampoa Limited for a total consideration of £120 million.

 

Under the terms of the Agreement, we will receive payment in three installments either in cash, or subject to the listing of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited, a subsidiary company of Hutchison Whampoa Limited that has applied for a listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, in shares of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited. The third and final installment will be made in December 2006. Our right to receive £120 million as of the time of completion of the transaction in February 2007 is secured by the Sale and Purchase Agreement. We will continue to receive any dividends that are declared and payable by Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited until the transfer of the shares is completed, and neither we nor Hutchison Whampoa Limited will exercise any voting rights in respect of the sale shares. As part of the agreement, a £200 million shareholder loan we provided to Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited in May 2003 was transferred for value and interest in the sum of approximately £6.4 million, to Hutchison Europe Telecommunications S.à r.l., a Hutchison Whampoa Limited subsidiary company. We have no further financial commitments to Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited.

 

KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd./Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd.

 

In November 2000, we agreed to invest approximately NT$17.1 billion (approximately ¥61 billion at the date of investment) for a 20% equity stake in KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd. KG Telecom operates in Taiwan. Through this business alliance with KG Telecom, we aimed to provide sophisticated wireless broadband services to the Taiwanese market using W-CDMA technology and to provide mobile Internet services in Taiwan based on our i-mode technology and business model. In June 2001, we signed an i-mode license agreement with KG Telecom to license our intellectual property and technology know-how regarding i-mode services. KG Telecom launched i-mode services in June 2002.

 

In July 2001, we increased our equity stake in KG Telecom by purchasing 62,180,331 new shares, thereby increasing our equity stake to 21.4%. The amount of our additional investment was NT$1.87 billion (approximately ¥6.7 billion at the date of investment).

 

In October, 2003, we agreed to a plan by KG Telecom to enter into a Purchase Agreement with Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd., Taiwan’s third largest mobile operator. Under the agreement, each KG Telecom share was converted into 0.46332 Far EasTone shares plus NT$6.72. As a result, KG Telecom became a 100% subsidiary of Far EasTone. Upon completion of the transaction, we became an approximately 5.0% shareholder in Far EasTone, and received NT$2.5 billion in cash.

 

At that time, we also concluded a memorandum of understanding with Far EasTone to collaborate on the W-CDMA 3G and i-mode businesses in Taiwan. Currently we are working with Far EasTone to maximize the synergy effects of the 3G platform, international roaming services, and joint procurement of handsets and other equipment. This merger enabled us to secure a more solid base in Taiwan, and will continue to increase

 

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economic value via further development of i-mode services and steady realization of 3G business. Far EasTone began i-mode service in April 2004.

 

In March 2004 we signed a consulting agreement with Far EasTone under which they are currently conducting a network field test and coverage optimization for the expected introduction of its W-CDMA 3G service later this year. Under the agreement, we are providing technical assistance. Far EasTone is planning to launch the 3G service in 2004.

 

Hutchison Telephone Company Limited

 

In December 1999, we agreed to acquire a 19% equity interest in Hutchison Telephone in Hong Kong for approximately U.S.$410 million (approximately ¥42 billion at the date of investment) as part of our business alliance with Hutchison Whampoa Limited with respect to the development of their mobile Internet services and 3G businesses in Hong Kong. In May 2001, we invested an additional $30.44 million (approximately ¥3.7 billion at the date of investment) for an additional 6.4% equity interest in Hutchison Telephone.

 

In July 2001, we agreed with Hutchison Whampoa Limited to separate the 3G entity from Hutchison Telephone, and acquired a 25.4% equity interest in Hutchison 3G Hong Kong Holdings Limited, or H3G HK, for approximately HK$303,190 (approximately ¥4.8 million at the date of investment).

 

In November 2002, NEC Corporation (“NEC”) acquired a 5% equity interest in both Hutchison Telephone and H3G HK. As part of this transaction, our interest in both Hutchison Telephone and H3G HK decreased from 25.4% to 24.1%. We currently hold a 24.1% equity interest in both Hutchison Telephone and H3G HK.

 

Hutchison Telephone launched its mobile Internet services in May 2000. In addition, H3G HK acquired a 3G license in September 2001 and launched 3G services in January 2004.

 

Bouygues Telecom S.A.

 

In April 2002, we signed an i-mode license agreement with Bouygues Telecom S.A. to license our intellectual property and provide consulting services regarding i-mode services for the launch of i-mode services in France, French Guyana, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Reunion. Under this licensing agreement, we have agreed to provide Bouygues Telecom with patents, know-how, and trade marks needed to launch i-mode service on the Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and UMTS networks if Bouygues Telecom is granted a 3G license in France. This agreement is in effect until April 2012. Bouygues Telecom began i-mode service in November 2002, in France.

 

Telefónica Móviles S.A. and Telefónica Móviles España S.A.

 

In June 2003, Telefonica Moviles Espana S.A. introduced i-mode to the Spanish market. This was following the i-mode license agreement we signed with Telefónica Móviles S.A. and Telefónica Móviles España S.A. in July 2002 to license our intellectual property and provide consulting services regarding i-mode services for the launch of i-mode services in Spain. Under this licensing agreement, we agreed to provide patents, know-how and technologies needed by Telefónica Móviles España S.A. to offer i-mode service in Spain under its conventional mobile Internet service, “e-moción”, on its Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network.

 

Separate from the i-mode licensing agreement, we also signed a joint collaboration agreement on mobile telecommunication technology and services, in which we will share GPRS/SIM card technologies and know-how, as well as opinions on handset evolution towards 3G based on W-CDMA, mainly through personnel exchanges, and also jointly study the possibility of implementing international roaming services.

 

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Singapore Telecom Mobile Pte Ltd.

 

In April 2003, we signed a 3G collaboration agreement with SingTel Mobile. Based upon this agreement, we agreed to participate in technical exchanges and joint studies with SingTel Mobile with the goal to realize interconnection and roaming between our existing 3G network in Japan and the 3G network to be built in Singapore by SingTel Mobile as well as to achieve common 3G mobile multimedia services. In addition, in cooperation with SingTel Mobile, from April to June 2004, we conducted a trial to test international roaming for users of Mzone and SingTel’s “Outdoor Wireless Surf” wireless LAN services. Based on the results of this trial, we are hoping to expand our Mzone service to include international roaming capability.

 

Wind Telecommunicazioni S.p.A.

 

Wind Telecommunicazioni, an Italian telecommunications operator, introduced i-mode service to the Italian market in November 2003. This followed our June 2003 i-mode license agreement, to license our intellectual property and provide consulting services regarding i-mode services to enable Wind Telecommunicazioni to offer i-mode services on its Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and later on its 3G W-CDMA network. This agreement is in effect until June 2008, and is renewable upon mutual agreement.

 

America Online, Inc.

 

In December 2003, America Online, Inc., (AOL) announced the purchase of all third party shares in DoCoMo AOL. Following this announcement, we sold our entire 43.23% of DoCoMo AOL shares to AOL.

 

COSMOTE Mobile Telecommunications S.A.

 

In November 2003 we signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with COSMOTE Mobile Telecommunications S.A., the leading mobile operator in Greece, to launch i-mode in Greece. We are providing our know-how, technology and patents, and its service launched in June 2004, prior to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

 

Telstra Corporation Limited

 

We signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with Telstra Corporation Limited, the leading telecommunications operator in Australia, to offer i-mode in Australia. We are providing our know-how, technology and patents, targeting its service launch by the end of calendar 2004 in Australia.

 

Gobi Fund, Inc.

 

In December 2003, we signed an agreement with a venture capital fund operated by Gobi Partners, Inc. under which we initially invested U.S.$10 million. The fund targets venture companies mainly in China that work in digital media sectors.

 

Loxley Public Company Limited

 

In April 2004, we signed a joint venture and share subscription agreement with Loxley Public Company Limited, under which we will acquire a 40% equity stake in L-Spot Company Limited, a location–based service provider, wholly owned by Loxley, for a cash consideration of 21.6million baht (approximately 60 million yen). Loxley will concurrently invest 24.4 million baht in L-Spot. L-Spot will change its name to “Mobile Innovation Company Limited” and we will work together to enhance the venture and plan to launch new and innovative fleet management services in Thailand in July 2004.

 

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Sudestecel Participações S.A.

 

In December 2003, we signed an agreement with Brasilcel N.V. under which Brasilcel will acquire all of our shareholdings of Sudestecel Participações S.A..

 

DoCoMo Networks

 

We currently provide our services on several different networks, including our 2G network, our packet network for 2G, our 3G network and our PHS network. Each of these networks is composed of four basic components: base stations, antennas, switching centers and transmission lines. When a person uses a phone (or other mobile device), an antenna on top of a base station receives the signal. The signal then travels underground via fixed transmission lines or in the air via microwave transmission equipment to a switching center which routes the signal to another base station in the vicinity of the intended recipient of the signal. In general, each of our networks, our 2G networks, our PHS network and our 3G network, use separate base stations, antennas and switching centers. With respect to antennas and transmission lines, there are overlaps to reduce network costs.

 

2G Network

 

Our 2G network is an integrated network of base stations, local switching centers, gateway switching centers, transit switching centers, signal transfer points, mobile-service control points and a mobile communication information storage system that route calls from the calling party to the called party. The various components of the network are connected primarily by microwave transmission, our own trunk and other fixed lines and fixed lines leased from NTT.

 

Our 2G cellular phone service uses the Personal Digital Cellular, or PDC, telecommunication system. PDC is a TDMA-based system that supports both voice and data communications, packet-switched wireless data and a full range of supplementary services including call waiting, voice mail, three-party calling and call forwarding. PDC also uses both full-rate (11.2 kbps) and half-rate (5.6 kbps) transmission speeds for voice and can be used for circuit switched data transmission at up to 9.6 kbps and packet switched data transmission at up to 28.8 kbps.

 

The Japanese government issues licenses to carriers for the use of radio spectrum bandwidth, so the capacity of our cellular network is limited to the amounts of bandwidth that the government has made available to us. The government has currently allocated 80 MHz x2 (uplink and downlink) for the use of 2G Networks nationwide. We have been allocated frequency spectrum of 28 MHz x2, of which 24 MHz x2 is in the 800 MHz band nationwide and 4 MHz x2 is in the 1.5 GHz band in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Nagoya and Osaka. Therefore, our 2G network is separated into two bandwidths, an 800 MHz system and a 1.5 GHz system. We offer nationwide coverage on our 800 MHz digital cellular service, and coverage in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Nagoya and Osaka on our 1.5GHz digital cellular service. We have obtained licenses for an additional 5 MHz x2 of spectrum in the 800 MHz band in the Tokyo metropolitan area in connection with the purchase of certain tele-terminal operations from Japan City Media that we made in 1998. We also obtained an additional 1.5 MHz x2 of spectrum in the 1.5GHz band in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Nagoya and Osaka in 2003. Thus, we are able to use 34.5 MHz x2 of spectrum in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and 29.5 MHz x2 in Nagoya and Osaka.

 

The primary difference between the 800 MHz and 1.5 GHz networks for our 2G services is that they require separate hardware for base stations, although they may share antennas, switching centers and transmission lines. Handsets which use the 800 MHz network are different from those which use the 1.5 GHz network, except for handsets which work on both networks. The digital cellular services available to subscribers using an 800 MHz handset and to those using a 1.5 GHz handset are substantially the same. However, our 2G (PDC) i-mode services are only available on our nationwide 800 MHz network.

 

In addition to the network and its components, we have also established operations centers that monitor service over the nationwide network on a 24 hour, 365-day basis and track the usage and performance of the

 

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network. We have created redundancy on the network by installing backup equipment and constructing multiple links between critical network components. In addition to the computer monitoring of the network by the operations center, the base stations and various components are physically inspected on a yearly basis.

 

We control our network equipment procurement. We purchase the necessary digital network equipment from approximately 100 suppliers inside and outside Japan, including NEC, Nippon Ericsson and Lucent Technology Japan. We offer equal opportunity for all potential suppliers, both domestic and international through the Internet. By publicly soliciting equipment and purchasing on behalf of our eight regional subsidiaries, we believe we are better able to obtain quality equipment at competitive prices.

 

Packet Network for 2G

 

The i-mode network uses our packet network, the same packet network as DoPa, our packet communication service. The mobile packet communications system enables flexible, high-speed data transmission with a minimum of transmission errors by applying packet switching technology to the PDC system. The mobile packet communications system consists of packet gateway processing equipment, which provides functions to connect to other networks such as LANs and the Internet, access the mobile-service control point, and interface with the connected network, and packet subscriber processing equipment, which carries out packet transmission and reception with the mobile unit via the base station. The packet network covers the same area as our 800 MHz digital cellular service and allows for quicker access to Internet services. This type of network is much faster than circuit switch types of transmissions.

 

3G Network

 

We developed our 3G network based on the IMT-2000 standards of the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, and launched commercial service of our 3G network in October 2001. IMT-2000 is a third-generation mobile phone system which offers both high-speed data transmission compared with the second-generation system and global roaming services. In November 1999, direct sequence code division multiple access, or DS-CDMA, was one of the five systems recommended by a study group of the ITU to serve as a platform for 3G services. DS-CDMA is a type of Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, technology. We have adopted this DS-CDMA type of W-CDMA technology as the primary air interface technology for our 3G network. We believe that, given the number of industry participants which have already signed on to W-CDMA, this platform may become an industry standard. We also believe that if enough overseas operators adopt a W-CDMA system compatible with our W-CDMA technology, we would be able to offer our services globally and benefit from economies of scale.

 

Our 3G network is an integrated network of base stations, various switching centers, transfer and control points and information storage systems. We are actively encouraging the eventual migration of our customers from our 2G to our 3G network. We are adding equipment and infrastructure for our 3G network to our existing 2G network. We began installing an IP router network based on an optical fiber relay network beginning in March 2004 to reduce costs and supplement our backbone switching station and transmission line network.

 

IMT-2000 Standardization Efforts

 

In 1999, the International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, defined requirements for what constitutes a third-generation, or 3G, service. They called those standards International Mobile Telecommunications for the year 2000, or IMT-2000. The goal of IMT-2000 is to allow users to use their phones and other mobile communication devices, known as terminals, for voice, Internet, multimedia and high-speed data communications anywhere in the world without being frustrated by incompatibilities between various technologies. IMT-2000’s minimum standards include:

 

  Compatibility of services within IMT-2000 and with fixed networks;

 

  High quality;

 

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  Small terminals (i.e. phones and other methods of access, such as PDAs);

 

  Worldwide roaming capability;

 

  Capability for multimedia applications;

 

  Ability to talk and download simultaneously at high-speeds; and

 

  Ability to use videophones.

 

IMT-2000 recognizes five different modes of air interface as being capable of achieving the IMT-2000, or 3G, standards. Of those five IMT-2000 approved technologies, we expect that the following two are the most likely to achieve commercial success:

 

  IMT-MC, known as cdma2000; and

 

  IMT-DS, known as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA.

 

We have chosen to build our 3G network based on W-CDMA, one type of direct spread code division multiple access, or DS-CDMA technology, which is one of the five IMT-2000 approved technologies. We were the first company in the world to launch 3G services based on W-CDMA technology. Hutchison 3G UK launched 3G services in March 2003 in the United Kingdom, and Hutchison 3G HK also launched 3G services in January 2004 in Hong Kong. We expect our other international affiliates and strategic allies to launch 3G services in 2004 or thereafter based on W-CDMA. One of our competitors in Japan, Vodafone, launched their 3G service based on W-CDMA in December 2002.

 

cdma2000 1x has been commercially launched in Korea. Our competitor, KDDI, launched its 3G commercial service based on cdma2000 1x in April 2002 in major cities in Japan. Other countries in which operators have stated that they will launch 3G services based on cdma2000 include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and the United States and other countries.

 

While there can be no assurances, we believe that W-CDMA will become the dominant 3G technology. In an effort to promote and encourage the worldwide implementation of W-CDMA, in April 2002, we announced that we would begin licensing patents at reasonable and non-exclusive terms for our proprietary W-CDMA technology on which our FOMA system is based. Patents will be licensed to manufacturers which supply 3G products to mobile communications operators. We believe that widespread adoption of W-CDMA technology will reduce procurement and production costs and contribute to lowering fees for 3G services and products.

 

PHS Network

 

Our Personal Handyphone System, or PHS, network is a circuit switched network that is a combination of PHS handsets, cell stations and antennas linked to a fixed line ISDN network. When a call is made, the signal is transferred from one user to another through cell stations which transmit signals through a common circuit signal network.

 

Handsets

 

We offer a variety of different handsets to subscribers. Because of the different transmission technologies that we use, subscribers purchase handsets specifically designed for either 2G, PHS or 3G services, although we introduced a dual-network handset compatible with both 2G and 3G networks.

 

We have strict quality standards that manufacturers of our handsets must meet. We also provide a one year warranty on all our handsets during which we provide repairs free of charge. We are generally then reimbursed for the repair charges by the handset manufacturers. In addition, our nationwide sales and distribution system, in particular DoCoMo Shops, provides convenient after-sales service. As handsets continue to become more

 

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sophisticated and technologically advanced, we expect to experience more complaints and returns. In the fiscal year 2003, we dealt with software problems in approximately 18,000 ER209i handsets, approximately 9,500 FOMA F2051 handsets and approximately 57,000 F900i handsets. In addition, a technical problem was discovered in our D002 AC adapters and we provided replacement adapters to users. The handset manufacturers were responsible for the cost of the repair.

 

For increased user convenience and operation efficiency, we introduced software renewal systems in October 2003, which enable users to access our DoCoMo server using their own handsets and download new software for upgrades.

 

Cellular (mova) Handsets

 

We offer three types of handsets for our 2G service: our 5xx series handsets which are our high-end models with advanced technology, our 2xx series handsets which are our basic function models and our 6xx series handsets which are targeted for particular user segments. We plan and develop these handsets jointly with manufacturers and offer several different models for each series of handsets.

 

The vast majority of new handsets are now i-mode enabled. Our i-mode enabled handsets are relatively small and lightweight terminals that are installed with packet communications and browsing software functions and also function as normal cellular phones. i-mode enables users to have immediate access to the Internet without the need to use a PC or other system. The DoCoMo i-mode browser reads HTML Subset text. The handsets have a large color LCD screen that is suitable for richer contents. The majority of our handsets are equipped with digital cameras. We believe that one of the strengths of i-mode is that our handsets are smaller and lightweight compared to more bulky notebooks, laptops, PDAs or other devices that can also access the Internet.

 

In April 2003, we introduced our first Global Positioning System (GPS) handsets, the F661i handset. Users can determine their current location by pushing the “GPS button”, and obtain other information such as maps and landmark information. In December 2003, we began marketing F505i GPS handsets, a GPS compatible model with camera. In addition to GPS functions that have previously been incorporated into the F661i model, F505i GPS allows users to take a photograph with the mega pixels camera and attach it to an email with location information or take a picture of a QR code printed in magazines to obtain a map and navigation information. They can also notify the security company with which they have contracted of their position or allow the security company to locate the position of the user.

 

In May 2003, we introduced the new 505i series PDC handsets, equipped with Macromedia Flash, which allows users to access richer i-mode content with animation and i-appli DX, an upgrade version of i-appli, that can work in conjunction with data stored in the handset such as address book, e-mails and QVGA high-quality LCDs.

 

In September 2003, we began introducing the 252i series handsets. These were the first handsets equipped with a software renewal system that allows users to access our server and download new software for updates free of charge.

 

In September 2003, we began to market F672i handsets which have many user-friendly features, including enlarged text display, voice output of some content and the world’s first pedometer function.

 

In November 2003, we began offering the 505iS product line equipped with mega-pixel cameras equipped to handle extended-length video files.

 

Cellular (FOMA) Handsets

 

We offer three types of handsets for our FOMA service: a standard i-mode enabled model which allows users to send video clips via e-mail, a videophone model which also allows users to see one another while

 

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conversing and a data model designed exclusively for data communication. FOMA handsets currently on the market are videophone compatible. The basic model and videophone model are equipped with i-mode capabilities and are able to access not only the current i-mode contents but also contents that are expected to be specifically created for FOMA i-mode. Furthermore, we have been adding new functions, such as image browsing and e-commerce transactions capabilities, into FOMA handsets to enhance user experience in wireless data communication.

 

Since the launch of FOMA’s commercial service in October 2001, we have introduced various handsets capable of handling i-mode, i-motion and M-Stage services. During the year ended March 31, 2004, we released new FOMA handsets that are smaller, lighter and offer longer battery life than conventional models, and are also compatible with i-motion mail service, which enables users to attach video files to e-mails.

 

We began marketing dual-mode handsets accessible to both FOMA and mova networks in June 2003.

 

In July 2003, we began offering N2102V and F2102V handsets that are videophone compatible with enhanced i-motion functions. These handsets have lighter weights than previous models: 109 grams for N2102V and 115 grams for F2102V (compared with a P2102V handset, 18% and 14% lighter in weight, respectively).

 

We also introduced FOMA 900i handsets in February 2004. In addition to advanced features that have been available for the PDC 505i series, these handsets have new attractive functions, such as “Deco-mail”, which enables users to decorate their e-mail messages with colors and pictures, and “Chaku-motion” which signals incoming calls with i-motion video clip in order to promote data communication.

 

As a card type FOMA device, P2401 was released in October 2001 with a packet communication capability at up to a speed of 384 kbps downlink and 64 kbps uplink. In September 2003, F2402 was released realizing a maximum throughput at 384 kbps for both downlink and uplink. In November 2003, the Compact Flash type P2402 was released with a packet communication capability at a speed of 384 kbps downlink and 64 kbps uplink.

 

With respect to cost, although the price of FOMA handsets has been decreasing recently, we expect that the price will be higher than for mova handsets because FOMA handsets have more advanced features, such as videophone, than mova handsets and until recently have not been produced in large quantities. We expect that the price of FOMA handsets will continue to decrease over time as more manufacturers produce these handsets in large quantities.

 

Beginning in the second half of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, we have been investing in the development of FOMA phones being developed by various handset manufacturers. The total amount of our investment in the development of FOMA phones during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, was approximately ¥41 billion. Under the terms of our agreements with the various handset manufacturers, they were required to develop new FOMA handsets, featuring advanced applications and longer battery life, within the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. In order to accelerate the evolution of state-of-the-art 3G technologies, we will also plan to invest a total of approximately ¥37 billion during fiscal 2004 and 2005 in the areas of handset application software which runs on advanced OS platforms (Linux and Symbian) and High Speed Downlink Packet Access, or HSDPA technology. We and the handset manufacturers share ownership rights for FOMA handset patented technologies and know-how, and we will receive royalties if these manufacturers supply similar 3G handsets to other 3G operators. Advanced handset capabilities and a wide variety of model choices are important to the success of 3G services. By investing in FOMA handset development, we expect to motivate manufacturers to produce advanced value-added 3G handsets, promoting the development of 3G services and mobile multimedia as we have already seen with the popularity of our 900i series.

 

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PHS Handsets

 

There are three basic types of handsets available to PHS users: The PALDIO, the Doccimo, and a handset designed exclusively for data transmission. The PALDIO provides a wide range of regular voice and other services and enables users to receive and send 32 kbps or 64 kbps data transmission, in handsets of numerous colors, weights and sizes. The Doccimo allows people to set their phone to either cellular phone or PHS to receive and transmit calls as well as enjoy 64 kpbs data transmission. The Doccimo is also i-mode enabled. The third type is a card-type device that can be used conveniently for data communications. This model, the “P-in” series, is available in two types of cards: a PC-card and CF-card. The fixed price service commenced in April 2003, and can be used conveniently with the “P-in Free” series, which offers three different data-card models: “P-in Free 1P”, a model compatible only with PHS service, “P-in Free 1S”, which can perform voice communication as well as data transmission via the PHS and cellular networks, and “P-in Free 2PWL”, which is compatible with IEEE 802,11b Wireless LAN functions, and which can perform voice communications as well as data transmission via PHS and cellular networks.

 

In addition to these basic models, we are also offering special-purpose devices like “P-doco?mini”, a small device dedicated to retrieving location information, “Lookwalk P751V”, a videophone compatible PHS handset, and a wristwatch-type PHS handset called “WRISTOMO”. “P-doco? mini” is a compact, light-weight device that can be used exclusively with our “Imadoko” location information service, a service that locates the devices. WRISTOMO is the world’s first commercial watch-type PHS handset, and is equipped with browser and e-mail capabilities.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

We benefit from the strong positive perception in Japan of both the DoCoMo brand name and the NTT brand name. We market our cellular, PHS, FOMA and other services to our subscribers through our extensive distribution network throughout Japan, which includes a small number of DoCoMo branches and sales offices and numerous primary retailers operating approximately 1,270 DoCoMo Shops. DoCoMo Shops are specialty shops that we have licensed and allowed to use the DoCoMo logo and other DoCoMo trade and service marks, as well as facades and displays that easily identify the shops as DoCoMo Shops. DoCoMo Shops have agreed to market the full line of our products and services and no other competitor’s products or services on the premises. Primary retailers also resell to secondary and tertiary retailers who have no direct contractual relationship with DoCoMo. There were approximately 75,000 secondary and tertiary retailers throughout Japan as of March 31, 2004.

 

One of the primary advantages of our extensive distribution network is that it makes it easier for potential subscribers to sign up for services and purchase mova, PHS, FOMA and other equipment. As competition for subscribers increases, the ability to attract and retain subscribers is becoming even more important. In order to continue to attract and retain subscribers, our current sales and marketing strategy is to (i) continue to improve our network coverage and quality, (ii) enhance i-mode and other data transmission services, (iii) increase the quality of after-sales service, (iv) promote the DoCoMo brand name through aggressive advertising and promotions and (v) provide competitive tariff and service pricing.

 

We are focusing on further enhancing the DoCoMo brand name by aggressively advertising and promoting ourselves and our products and services. Our customer surveys indicate that the DoCoMo brand name enjoys high recognition and is readily associated with quality products, network and services and competitive pricing. We believe that the DoCoMo brand name has been and will continue to be a significant reason that subscribers choose us over our competitors. To continue to increase our brand name recognition, we advertise on television, the radio and through various magazines and newspapers.

 

We believe that the combination of our distribution network, extensive advertising activities, the strength of our brand name, the quality of our digital network and our competitive pricing and extensive after-sales service will allow us to continue to attract and retain subscribers.

 

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Customer Service

 

As customer retention is increasingly becoming important in the Japanese telecommunications market, we have focused on ensuring high degrees of customer satisfaction. We realize that customer service, including the service we provide when customers sign up and after-sales service, is critical to retaining subscribers and maintaining the high reputation and recognition of the DoCoMo brand name. We provide extensive customer service at the point of sale through our nationwide network of branches, DoCoMo Shops and agents described above. Our customer service efforts are also supported by fully integrated information systems. In addition, customers can use their cell phones or personal computers to access our 24-hour Internet e-site, where they can change their services, plans and addresses.

 

We also provide extensive after-sales service primarily through the DoCoMo Shops. DoCoMo Technos, our after-sales service counters usually combined with DoCoMo Shops, deal with handset problems and make repairs. We also have various toll free numbers that provide customer service including basic service and billing information provided during business hours as well as support and assistance 24 hours a day for network problems and handset problems, including lost and stolen handsets. By calling these free numbers, a subscriber can be directed to the nearest DoCoMo Shop for service or can even be connected directly to a DoCoMo repair technician who will check the condition of the line over the phone for subscribers experiencing problems.

 

In order to promote quality of after-sales service for existing customers, we pay various fees to agents for certain after-sales services, including handset upgrades, calling plan changes, and diagnostic and repair work on handsets and other equipment.

 

In an effort to expand the number of users in segments where the penetration rate has been low, we have periodically held educational seminars at DoCoMo Shops and created a customer desk to respond to inquiries relating to the use of cellular phones.

 

We have also started a membership-based loyalty program called “DoCoMo Premier Club” for all subscribers, in order to offer enhanced customer service. This program consists of a “Point Incentive Program” and a “Status Service”. Customers earn points based on the amount they spent every month. They can use accumulated points to get discounts when they purchase new handsets, or exchange them for items such as travel coupons, dining coupons and entertainment tickets. Customers are classified into four levels according to the previous year’s usage, and higher-level customers receive more points for the same amount of spending. The Status Service provides preferential services for high-end users, such as dedicated call centers and rental service of global roaming handsets, in cooperation with major business partners.

 

Information Technology

 

We employ various computerized, fully integrated information systems to support key functions, including network operation management, procurement, billing, financial accounting, customer service and marketing.

 

One of the most important of these systems is ALADIN, which is a proprietary nationwide operating system we share with our eight regional subsidiaries. ALADIN has five primary functions: customer service and interface, phone number management, information processing and storage, sales information management, and credit investigation. ALADIN manages data and information for and about our mova, FOMA, PHS and Quickcast subscribers nationwide and provides authorized customer service personnel at service counters in branch offices, agents and DoCoMo Shops and in our telemarketing center with online access to network data so that they can effectively address customer inquiries.

 

ALADIN enhances the efficiency of our operations by simplifying the process of registering customer information, automating phone number registration, enabling automatic credit reference checks and other functions. For example, ALADIN controls telephone number allocation which makes it possible for handsets to

 

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be assigned telephone numbers and activated immediately upon signing up for cellular or PHS service and also provides an opportunity to conduct reference checks in order to prevent the assignment of a telephone number to a subscriber who does not meet our payment history and other requirements. ALADIN maintains and continually updates a list of previous subscribers that had credit problems.

 

ALADIN and related systems are also used to collect customer data so that management and marketing personnel can monitor usage, track market segments, monitor subscriber satisfaction, analyze trends in calling patterns, target network expansion and develop appropriate marketing strategies.

 

We have implemented various measures to ensure thorough and adequate control of customer information during the use of the ALADIN customer information system by our staff members. Such measures include regular inspections of locations where ALADIN terminals are installed to check how the system is used and managed, examination of access logs and regular information management training for employees who manage this system.

 

Billing System

 

The billing system handles the processing and printing of certain bills sent on a monthly basis to our subscribers. We bill each of our subscribers on a monthly basis and subscribers may pay their bills either by bank or other financial institution account transfer, by credit card, or in person at any number of locations, including our shops, banks or other financial institutions or convenience stores. Our e-billing service allows us to provide customers with an electronic bill instead of sending them a paper bill and therefore helps the environment and allows us to provide rebates of ¥100 per bill to subscribers who use this service. A very high percentage of our subscribers, approximately 83% as of March 31, 2004, pay their monthly bill by automatic payment or direct debit from their credit card, bank or other financial institution account.

 

In May 2002, we introduced a paperless billing system that enables i-mode users to pay monthly mobile phone bills at convenience stores using a QR code on the screens of their mobile phones. Our “combien? “ service is offered at approximately 2,300 convenience stores nationwide as of March 31, 2004. We are also negotiating similar arrangements with other convenience stores. There is no fee for this service and users only pay a small transmission charge to download the bar code.

 

We also offer a prepaid card called “Mobiler’s Check” that allows payment in advance for the monthly phone bill. By registering the 14-digit number that appears on the back of the prepaid card from a mobile phone, the prepaid amount will be deducted from the next month’s mobile phone bill. Subscribers can apply the card to our mobile phone services, including PHS (from July 2002) and FOMA phones (from May 2003). Mobiler’s Check is available at DoCoMo Shops and other locations.

 

In October 2002, we, along with UFJ Bank, started a service to accept online applications from customers for the payment of monthly mobile phone charges by automatic bank transfer. Using this service, subscribers can apply in real time from an i-mode handset or a PC connected to the Internet, avoiding the need to fill out and sign a hard-copy application. We are currently in negotiations to add more banks to this service.

 

As of March 31, 2004, our collection rate on outstanding bills within 70 days from the payment due date was 99%. In order to keep our ratio of bad debts low, we carefully monitor subscribers with large outstanding amounts and delinquent customers, send frequent notices and accelerate billing in cases where usage amounts may have accumulated above certain threshold amounts during a billing cycle. In addition, we terminate services to subscribers who have not paid after 30 to 40 days from the initial payment due date and cancel subscribers’ subscriptions if they have not paid after 60 days from the initial payment due date.

 

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Enterprise Information System (DREAMS)

 

In April 2002, we and our 34 consolidated subsidiaries introduced an enterprise information system which we call “DREAMS”. Based on this system, we are able to consolidate the flow of operations, cash, goods and information throughout our company and our consolidated subsidiaries. This system allows us to realize real-time and effective management of our company. Specifically, this system gives us the ability to understand real-time information and thereby make timely decisions, allows us to perform electronic approval to reduce indirect operations, and allows us to effectively manage capital among the DoCoMo group companies.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development is performed primarily at our facilities with input from our various eight regional subsidiaries as well as our various divisions. We spent ¥124.5 billion on research and development in the year ended March 31, 2004. Previously, research and development expenses were apportioned between us and our eight regional subsidiaries. However, this expense apportionment was replaced by a new arrangement effective fiscal 2000. Currently, each of our regional subsidiaries bears research and development expenses in the form of usage fees equal to 2.5% of its operating revenues. Each regional subsidiary is allowed to use the results of our research and development freely although we retain patents and other intellectual property rights and we control all intellectual property licensing and sublicensing.

 

We organize our research and development efforts through our R&D division. Our R&D division includes:

 

  three research laboratories, one each for network research, wireless research and multimedia research,

 

  seven development departments, including network management, IP core network, IP radio network, customer equipment, network system, radio system, and global network development departments,

 

  a research and development general affairs department, and

 

  a research and development planning department.

 

Furthermore, as part of our ongoing research and development and in order to continue to improve our products, networks and services, our various research and development departments collaborate with product development staff at each of our operating divisions. We are also working together with major manufacturers of our handsets and network equipment.

 

In addition, outside the R&D division we have other development-related departments or divisions, such as: our service operation and maintenance department; our mobile multimedia division which includes a mobile multimedia planning department, a crossmedia business department, a ubiquitous business department, an emerging business development department, a mobile multimedia technology development department, and a mobile multimedia application development department; and our i-mode business division which includes an i-mode planning department, an i-mode business department and a platform development and operations department.

 

We have established DoCoMo Communications Laboratories USA, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary which carries out research and development of Internet-related technology. We have also set up DoCoMo Communications Laboratories Europe GmbH, whose primary research areas are network technology, next-generation IC/USIM card technology and security technology. In November 2003, we established DoCoMo Beijing Communications Laboratories Co., Ltd. to research and promote the advancement of mobile communication technologies for fourth-generation (4G) and beyond. Finally, we established DoCoMo Technology, Inc., which primarily carries out research and development to enhance our PDC system, IMT-2000 system and other existing systems and supplements our fundamental R&D activities.

 

Furthermore, we have also conducted research with various universities inside and outside of Japan, such as University of Hong Kong, Yeungnam University, Vienna University of Technology and Beijing University of

 

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Post and Telecommunications, among others. These groups are involved in technological exchange in connection with not only 3G research and development but also fourth generation cellular communications systems, or 4G, and other advanced technology research.

 

In April 2003, we and Japan’s other mobile phone operators agreed to conduct a joint study on the possible biological effects of exposure to radio waves from mobile phone systems.

 

We are continuing research and development of our 3G system through our IMT-2000 related research. This includes further research and development of the W-CDMA technology as well as research and development of new products, services and applications for the 3G system. Currently, we are focusing on increasing transmission capacity and capabilities, reducing network costs, downsizing base station equipment, improving functionality of switches, reducing handset size and weight, adding advanced functions to handsets, extending battery life, improving mobile multimedia services and developing video mail and international roaming services. In addition, we are developing handsets and networks for High Speed Downlink Packet Access, or HSDPA, a W-CDMA technology to accelerate 3G downstream packet data transmissions. HSDPA can accelerate maximum downstream data transmission to approximately 14Mbps using a 5MHz frequency band. We plan to launch HSDPA on a commercial basis in the first half of the 2005 calendar year.

 

Another research and development theme is an IP-based network. The rapid increase of IP-based applications and the traffic they generate require communication methods for mobile networks that are both efficient and highly compatible with IP traffic. To meet these requirements, we have initiated research aimed at implementing an IP-based network that can be constructed at a low cost with generalized network routers, concerning development of IP-based routing and Quality of Service (QoS) technologies for multimedia traffic, as well as the development of new IP-based mobility control technology. Furthermore, we are continually researching ways to improve the efficiency, design and quality of our Personal Digital Cellular network.

 

We are conducting research regarding other advanced technology, including fundamental research regarding technologies applicable to a fourth generation, or 4G, wireless communications system, aiming at further enhancement of cellular services. Fourth generation services will feature transmission speeds in excess of 100 megabits per second for downlinks and 20 megabits per second for uplinks. Fourth generation services will also feature high quality video equivalent to high definition television and will allow high-speed transmission of large-capacity data on a bandwidth of approximately 100 MHz. We are actively participating in the international standardization movement for a 4G system and hope to commercially launch a 4G wireless communications system by approximately 2010.

 

In the summer of 2002, we began practical evaluations of key technologies for our 4G mobile communications system, as well as implement an experimental system to demonstrate their benefits. In October 2002, we successfully completed a 100 megabits downlink and a 20 megabits uplink transmission experiment in an indoor environment using an experimental 4G mobile communications system. In May 2003, the Kanto Bureau of Telecommunications granted us a preliminary license to conduct field trials of 4G mobile communications systems. Currently we are evaluating and improving these high-speed transmission technologies during the field trials.

 

R&D Center

 

In order to respond to swiftly growing demand for wireless telecommunications and to diversifying customer needs, we have upgraded our research and development capabilities and streamlined our research and development operations. To this end, the NTT DoCoMo R&D Center in Yokosuka Research Park was completed in March 1998. We added two R&D facilities in March 2002 and October 2003. The NTT DoCoMo R&D Center is a highly advanced R&D center near Tokyo specializing in mobile telecommunications technology. With state-of-the-art testing facilities, the NTT DoCoMo R&D Center is the base for research and development of basic technologies, 3G, 4G and other mobile telecommunications systems and a variety of new products and services.

 

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Competition

 

With the rapid growth of the wireless telecommunications industry in Japan, the increasing numbers of subscribers and the deregulation of the industry, we are facing increased competition. We believe that we must aggressively respond to the gains made in the past year by KDDI’s au service. While our approximately 46 million subscribers are far more than au’s approximately 17 million, in the year ended March 31, 2004 au had a slightly higher number of net added subscriptions. Furthermore, in addition to direct competition from other cellular operators, we believe that the telecommunications industry in Japan is organizing itself into integrated groups of telecommunications service providers that will offer local, long-distance and international phone services as well as mobile and other services. While we believe that we have certain competitive advantages over these groups, including our current market leadership position, our research and development capability and our affiliation with NTT, the effect of industry consolidation is difficult to predict and no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to protect our current market position.

 

Cellular Competition

 

There are three cellular operators in Japan: DoCoMo, the KDDI group and Vodafone. As of March 31, 2004, we had a market share of 56.3%, the KDDI group (including the Tu-ka Group) had a market share of 25.3% and Vodafone had a market share of 18.4%. These three cellular operators have all received permission and licenses from the government for the establishment of 3G services in Japan.

 

The KDDI group is the second largest cellular operator in Japan with approximately 20.6 million subscribers as of March 31, 2004. The KDDI group is a product of the merger of the telecommunications carriers KDD, DDI and IDO in Japan that occurred on October 1, 2000. Its cellular operations are a result of an alliance between three formerly independent cellular operators, DDI cellular and its related subsidiaries and IDO. They offer nationwide services using cdmaOne technology as well as PDC technology. The KDDI group launched its 3G services through cdma2000 1x in major cities in Japan in April 2002. As of March 31, 2004, they had approximately 13.5 million cdma2000 1x subscribers. The network buildout costs for the KDDI group may be lower than ours because of their ability to use a greater portion of the current cdmaOne technology in the construction of their network.

 

Vodafone operates nationwide and is the third largest cellular operator with approximately 15 million subscribers as of March 31, 2004. A member of the worldwide Vodafone group, their Japan operations were known as J-Phone before adopting the Vodafone name in October 2003. Vodafone began offering 3G services in December 2002, based on the same standard W-CDMA (DS-CDMA) technology as ours. Vodafone had approximately 137,700 or 0.14 million W-CDMA 3G subscribers as of March 31, 2004. Vodafone also offers international roaming service with GSM networks overseas.

 

In November 2003, KDDI introduced its EZ Flat plan, a fixed rate plan for unlimited monthly packet communications. The service is currently available to subscribers for a monthly charge of ¥4200.

 

Regarding potential competition from fixed line, our management believes that fixed line telecommunications services and cellular communications services are not necessarily competitive with, but rather are primarily complementary to, each other—customers typically use fixed-line networks when they are at their homes or offices and cellular networks when they are outside. However, with the expansion of services offered by both fixed line and cellular operators, improvements in fixed line and cellular technology, rate reductions in cellular services, deregulation, competition within the telecommunications industry and other developments (including technological developments that may enable us to lower the cost and further improve the capacity of cellular transmission), there may be direct or indirect competition or conflicts of interest between us and other NTT subsidiaries.

 

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i-mode Competition

 

The competitors of i-mode are “EzWeb” provided by the KDDI group and “Vodafone live!” provided by Vodafone. As with i-mode, KDDI’s EzWeb and Vodafone’s “Vodafone live!” service allow their users to connect to the Internet, send color images and also utilize navigation programs. We expect increasing competition in the areas of content offering, availability of built-in cameras and displays with high resolution and e-commerce services.

 

PHS Competition

 

Our two main competitors in the PHS market are DDI Pocket and ASTEL. DDI Pocket remains the leader among the three PHS operators with approximately a market share of 56.4% of PHS subscribers as of March 31, 2004. We are second with approximately a 31.0% market share and ASTEL has approximately a 12.6% market share. ASTEL group has terminated or plans to terminate its service in certain areas of Japan. With the decrease in handset prices and service prices of cellular services, many PHS subscribers are switching to cellular phone services, causing the PHS market to shrink. We expect that data communication services using the PHS network will become the center of competition in the PHS market.

 

In addition, DDI Pocket began a data communications service offering fixed price services, and demand for data communications at fixed prices increased as a result. In April 2003, we also introduced a fixed price wireless Internet access service called @FreeD in order to compete with DDI Pocket.

 

Regulation of the Mobile Telecommunications Industry in Japan

 

The Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, or MPHPT, is the primary regulatory body with responsibility for the telecommunications industry in Japan. We are regulated by the MPHPT primarily under the Telecommunications Business Law. We and other mobile telecommunications service providers are also subject to the Radio Law. We, however, are not subject to regulation under the Law Concerning Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Etc., or NTT Law.

 

The Telecommunications Business Law

 

Until recently, the Telecommunications Business Law had classified telecommunications operators into two types of business categories: Type I Carriers, such as us, our eight regional subsidiaries and other telecommunications operators which provide telecommunications services by establishing telecommunications circuit facilities; and Type II Carriers, which are telecommunications carriers other than Type I Carriers. Type II Carriers were subdivided into Special Type II Carriers, including us as an international telecommunications provider, which were subject to the registration requirement, and General Type II Carriers, which were only required to make notification to the Minister of the MPHPT to commence business. In April 2004, the longstanding classification of Type I and Type II was abolished when the Amendments to the Telecommunications Business Law described below fully came into effect. Although before the amendments we and our eight regional subsidiaries were required to obtain a permission from the Minister of the MPHPT to operate Type I telecommunications business and to be registered as Special Type II Carriers, under the new regime we and our eight regional subsidiaries are only subject to a registration requirement. Depending on the scale of telecommunications circuit facilities operated and the scope of the areas where the telecommunications circuit facilities are located, telecommunications carriers are subject either to a registration statement or to a notification requirement.

 

Amendments to the Telecommunications Business Law and the Law Concerning Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Etc., or NTT Law, which passed the Diet in July 2003, became effective in two phases in January and April 2004. The changes in the amendments include, among other things:

 

  Abolition of Type I and Type II business classifications;

 

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  Abolition of the permission system concerning market entry and withdrawal, and shift to a registration/notification system;

 

  Introduction of an authorization system for privilege of public utilities conducive to facilitation of infrastructure construction by carriers;

 

  Abolition in principle of obligation to submit tariff/service contracts, etc., pertaining to service offerings;

 

  Establishment of rules to protect consumers, including accountability concerning important matters on services, swift processing of complaints, etc.;

 

  Shift to a new technical regulations conformity certification scheme under which carriers may confirm the conformity of their commercial telecommunications facilities with technical standards by themselves, and notify the outcome to the Minister. (Self-declaration of technical conformity);

 

  Newly introduced a scheme under which manufacturers, etc., may confirm and declare the conformity of terminal equipment with applicable technical standards (suppliers’ declaration of conformity system).

 

The following table summarizes some of the major current regulatory requirements applicable to telecommunications carriers under the revised Telecommunications Business Law:

 

    

Government Regulation:


a. Business entry

   Registration with the Minister required for carriers that install large-size telecommunications circuit facilities. Notification to the Minister required for carriers other than the above.

b. Suspension and Discontinuation of business

   Notification to the Minister and, in general, announcement to users are required.

c. Tariff settings, service offerings, etc.

  

Unregulated in principle (1)

Accountability to users concerning outline of terms and conditions of telecommunications service and proper and swift processing of complaints and inquiries are required.

d. Business improvement order

   The Minister may order a carrier to improve business activities to protect the interests of the public and users with regard to the secrecy of communications, unreasonably discriminatory treatment, ensuring important communications, and tariff and other service conditions, etc.

e. Interconnection

   In the event a telecommunications carrier does not accept entering into a consultation despite other carrier’s proposal to enter into an agreement to interconnect telecommunications facilities or that said consultation fails to come to an agreement, the Minister may order the carrier to start or resume negotiations, or make arbitration thereof.

f. Privilege of public utilities

   Based on a request by a carrier, except for certain cases, the Minister must designate the carrier as an approved carrier who has the privilege to act as a public utility.

g. Ensuring important communications

   Carriers are required to prioritize important communications when natural disaster, accident or any other emergency occurs or is on the verge of occurrence.

h. Permission of agreement with foreign governments, etc.

   Minister’s permission is required for conclusion or abolition of agreements/contracts on important matters relating to telecommunications business with foreign governments, nationals, or judicial persons/ entities.

 

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Government Regulation:


i. Self-declaration of conformity

   Carriers that install telecommunications circuit facilities are obligated to maintain their facilities in compliance with technical standards and to confirm conformity of such facilities to technical standards by themselves, and notify the outcome to the Minister.

(1) A carrier providing universal telecommunications services shall establish tariffs concerning the carrier’s universal telecommunications services and shall submit tariffs to the Minister. The tariffs concerning certain designated telecommunications services provided by NTT East Corporation and NTT West Corporation must be notified to the Minister, and services that utilize Category I–designated facilities are subject to price cap regulation.

 

The asymmetric regulation applicable to us and provided in the Telecommunications Business Law before amendment remains intact. This regulation is based on the distinction of (i) Category I-designated telecommunications facilities (e.g., local fixed-line systems) and (ii) Category II-designated telecommunication facilities (e.g., mobile communications systems), each designated by the Minister of MPHPT. The Minister of MPHPT may designate as Category II-designated facilities the transmission lines and other telecommunication facilities of a telecommunication carrier if its market share of the number of mobile terminal facilities within the same service area exceeds 25%. Our telecommunications facilities were designated as Category II-designated facilities in February 2002. The Minister of the MPHPT may subject a telecommunications carrier that possesses Category II-designated facilities to the prohibition of anti-competitive behaviors by designation, if the percentage of such carrier’s revenue from telecommunications service using the Category II-designated facilities to the total revenue of the similar telecommunications service within the same area exceeds 25%. Our and our eight subsidiaries’ revenue percentage in all service areas exceeds the 25% threshold and we were so designated in May 2002.

 

Under the asymmetric regulation described above, we and other telecommunications carriers that possess Category II-designated telecommunications facilities are subject to the prohibition of anti-competitive behaviors, such as abuse or provision of proprietary information obtained from competitors through interconnection for other purposes, unduly favorable treatment of specific carriers and undue compulsion or intervention upon other carriers, manufacturers or suppliers of telecommunication equipment, and are obligated to compile and disclose financial statements pertaining to telecommunications businesses. Telecommunications carriers that possess Category II-designated telecommunications facilities are obligated to establish and notify to the Minister of MPHPT the interconnection tariffs prior to implementation and to make them available to public. The Minister of MPHPT may order to make changes to the interconnection tariffs. Agreements pertaining to the interconnection between Category II-designated facilities and other telecommunications carriers cannot be entered into or amended without complying with the interconnection tariffs.

 

For other recent discussions concerning the Telecommunications Business Law, please see “Recent Discussions on the Telecommunications Business Law and the Radio Law” below.

 

The Radio Law

 

The Radio Law was established to promote public welfare by ensuring the equitable and efficient utilization of radio waves. There are certain important provisions of the Radio Law applicable to us and other mobile phone service providers.

 

Article 4 requires that any person who intends to establish a radio station shall first obtain a license from the Minister. Effectively, this requires cellular operators to obtain a license in connection with the construction of individual base stations and sales of individual handsets. However, with respect to increases in the number of base stations and sales of handsets within the already allocated spectrum, a certification system and a blanket licensing system have been introduced to expedite the process by the MPHPT. Under Article 7 of the Radio Law,

 

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the MPHPT, upon receiving an application for a license, examines it to determine whether it satisfies, among others, the following criteria: conformity of the construction design to technical standards, the availability of the frequencies requested, conformity with the fundamental standards of radio station establishment and the applicant’s business need for the license. Generally, however, the MPHPT submits such important matters as spectrum allocation to new operators and new systems to the Radio Regulatory Council for consultation and will grant the license only after obtaining the Council’s decision thereon.

 

Article 17 of the Radio Law requires a licensee to obtain permission from the MPHPT for changes in the operations, including changes of the person with whom radio communications is conducted and location of radio equipment, and for the initiation of construction to modify any radio equipment. As with licensing, regulatory requirements with respect to the location of radio equipment and construction to change radio equipment for use within allocated spectrum has been simplified by implementing a certification procedure.

 

Article 26 of the Radio Law also provides that a list setting out current frequency assignments and frequencies available for future assignment shall be made public for the convenience of any person that would like to establish a radio station. The frequency or spectrum allocated for a certain use such as cellular, PHS or paging services is stipulated by a ministerial ordinance of the MPHPT. From within the assigned frequency or spectrum for a certain service, the MPHPT by issuing a circular allocates spectrum to the wireless telecommunications operators providing such service. In accordance with Article 4 of the Radio Law as noted above, the operators then apply for a license for radio stations (i.e., base stations and handsets) that use frequency from within their allocated spectrum.

 

Spectrum allocation is awarded based on application to the MPHPT, which regulates the use of radio frequencies and the allocation of spectrum in Japan under the Radio Law. The MPHPT currently allocates 80 MHz x2 for 2G networks. As spectrum capacity is limited, spectrum is a highly valuable resource. We have been allocated frequency spectrum of 34.5 MHz x2. Within our allocated spectrum, we use approximately 24 MHz x2 for our 800 MHz PDC network. We use an additional 5MHz x2 in the Tokyo metropolitan area and 5.5 MHz x2 for our 1.5 GHz PDC network among which 1.5 MHz x2 is obtained for the use in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka area. In fiscal 2003, pursuant to regulations under the Radio Law, we paid total fees of approximately ¥27.6 billion to the Government in the form of spectrum user fees for base stations, handsets and other radio stations.

 

Currently, two other cellular groups have been allocated spectrum for their cellular services in Japan. The KDDI group, including Tu-ka, has collectively been allocated 34 MHz x2 in the 800 MHz and 1.5 GHz bands. Vodafone (formerly J-Phone) has been allocated 10 MHz in the 1.5 GHz band and obtained an additional 1.5MHz of spectrum in the 1.5GHz band in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2003.

 

On June 30, 2000, we, KDDI and Vodafone (formerly J-Phone) respectively obtained MPT approvals which allow each company to use 2 GHz bands in connection with each company’s 3G services. All three companies have each been allocated 15 MHz x2 of spectrum.

 

The Radio Law has recently been amended several times. Effective November 2000, the Radio Law was amended to provide for disclosure by the Minister of the MPHPT of the frequency allocation plan and procedures concerning competitive applications for radio frequency spectrum. The Radio Law was amended, effective as of July 2001, to empower the Minister of the MPHPT to compensate construction costs and provide other necessary support to licensees conducting construction work for changing radio equipment in connection with any specific frequency reallocation. In October 2002, an amendment to the Radio Law that enhanced the system of survey and publication of actual radio spectrum usage became effective.

 

In June 2003, a system to allow radio equipment manufacturers to self-declare conformity with technical regulations was introduced, in order to pursue economic vitalization and international competitiveness.

 

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Registration of agents who conduct the technical regulations conformity certification services was also implemented to encourage the participation of private actors. These amendments became effective in January 2004.

 

The amendments to the Radio Law that passed the Diet in May 2003 include, among other things, the establishment of special rules for spectrum user fees to cover costs related to specific frequency reallocations, which will become effective within three months from the date of promulgation, and the introduction of the system for self-declaration of conformity with technical standards, which will become effective within nine months from the date of promulgation.

 

For other recent discussions concerning the Radio Law, please see “Recent Discussions on the Telecommunications Business Law and the Radio Law” below.

 

Recent Discussions on the Telecommunications Business Law and the Radio Law

 

Besides the points already covered in the amendments or the proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Business Law and the Radio Law, several other changes have been recommended by various governmental bodies.

 

The Regulatory Reform Committee recommended in its report dated December 12, 2000 that, among other things, the introduction of a spectrum auction system be considered and discussed. The Government on March 30, 2001, launched the Three-Year Program for Promoting Regulatory Reform. The Regulatory Reform Committee was terminated on March 31, 2001. The General Regulatory Reform Council, a body established under the Cabinet Office, has since then been in charge of promoting regulatory reform. On March 28, 2003, it published the Three-Year Program for Promoting Regulatory Reform. In relation to mobile telecommunications area, most of the issues in the Three-Year Program have already been reflected in the amended Telecommunications Business Law while an optimum spectrum reallocation system is still under consideration.

 

As part of “e-Japan Priority Policy Program” determined on August 8, 2003, by IT Strategy Headquarters of the Government, among other things, the following plans were proposed in connection with mobile communications:

 

  decision on the allocation of radio spectrum for the purpose of further advancing and expanding the use of wireless LAN systems, etc., is expected to be made by fiscal year 2005, and radio spectrum required for the fourth-generation mobile communications systems is expected to be allocated by around 2010,

 

  promotion of research and development of the 4G mobile telecommunications system that enables high-speed wireless Internet environment and seamless telecommunications service,

 

  In the MPHPT’s report drafted by the Committee for the Advancement of Emergency Message Systems of May 17, 2004, the following was proposed as “technical conditions related to the function of providing location information on callers sending emergency messages from cell phones”, and

 

  The handsets for the third-generation mobile communications systems to be released by carriers from April 2007 onwards should in principle be equipped with a GPS-based location information notification feature.

 

Regarding the provision of a location information notification feature for emergency situations, we are working with relevant ministries in order to successfully implement the proposal in consideration of user convenience and the demands of society with due consideration to the protection of privacy and communication confidentiality.

 

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Both the Three-Year Program and the e-Japan Priority Policy Program stated that the Japanese government expects that NTT will establish a voluntary action plan for promoting competition, including:

 

  further opening of the NTT group’s local network, and

 

  realization of competition within the NTT group by decreasing NTT’s ownership percentage in our company and NTT Communications.

 

In response, on October 25, 2001, NTT together with NTT East and NTT West announced “NTT’s Strategy concerning Current Management Issues”. In relation to its group operations, in that release NTT stated that:

 

  maintaining the present group operation under a holding company will be necessary in order to proceed with the structural reform that would revise NTT East and NTT West cost structures by reallocating personnel within the NTT group and making use of outsourcing companies,

 

  from the standpoint of maximizing corporate value (shareholder profits), the NTT group management apportions each group company’s business areas such that (i) in fields where new markets need to be developed, such as Internet-related business, each company is free to decide its own business strategy while taking advantage of its own strengths, even if this involves competition among NTT group companies; (ii) in the remaining fields, group operations are carried out on the principle of avoiding duplication of resources,

 

  the simultaneous holding of executive positions between local companies (NTT East and NTT West) and NTT Communications or our company is not implemented currently and will remain unimplemented, from the viewpoint of fair competition, and

 

  decisions on NTT’s investment ratio of NTT Communications and our company and the simultaneous holding of executive positions will continue to be considered from the standpoint of maximizing shareholders profits, while fully respecting the autonomy in actual business operations of each NTT group company and taking into account operational necessities and stock market trends, as the market and other environmental factors surrounding the NTT group are rapidly changing.

 

The promotion of fair competition has been a key issue in the telecommunications business field since the enforcement of the Basic Law on the Formation of An Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society in January 2001. To that end, the amendments to the Telecommunications Business Law in 2001 introduced the asymmetric regulation, as described above, and added to the purpose of the law the promotion of fair competition in the telecommunications business. In addition, the MPHPT and the Fair Trade Commission jointly published in November 2001 the Guidelines for Promotion of Competition in the Telecommunications Business Field for the purpose of the Antimonopoly Law and the Telecommunications Business Law in order, principally, to enhance the transparency of telecommunications carriers, to clarify actual practices for which telecommunications carriers having market power are prohibited and to clarify practices leading to orders to change charges or orders to improve business activities under the Telecommunications Business Law.

 

On June 6, 2002, the Study Group of the MPHPT on New Business Models and Grand Design of the Competitive Environments for the New Information and Communications Era compiled and released its final report regarding how competitive environments in the telecommunications business fields should be established in the broadband age. The report indicates the necessity of introducing new regulations in order to facilitate participation of content providers, portal site providers and Internet service providers to the i-mode service market. In addition, equal treatment among content providers has been required by the aforementioned joint guidelines published by the MPHPT and the Fair Trade Commission. In November 2002, we started providing Internet service providers with open access to the interface with our PDC-P packet network used for i-mode-compatible PDC handsets. Open access to the interface with our IMT-2000 packet network used for FOMA i-mode handsets has also been allowed since March 2003.

 

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In July 2003, the MPHPT’s “study group on methods for evaluating competition in the telecommunications fields as IP evolves” compiled a report, in which it was mentioned that the state of competition in the market needs to be adequately monitored to ensure free and fair competition amongst carriers; that it is indispensable to introduce methods for evaluating competition; and that the evaluation process will be divided in the three phases of definition of business fields to be monitored, definition of markets, and evaluation of state of competition.

 

Based on this proposal, the MPHPT announced its “draft basic approach on evaluating the state of competition in the telecommunications field” and “draft details of the implementation for fiscal 2003 of the evaluation of the state of competition in the telecommunications field” in November 2003. In the “draft basic approach on evaluating the state of competition in the telecommunications field”, five business fields, including mobile communications, were identified as areas subject to evaluation. Analysis and evaluation on the state of competition will first be made based on an analysis using quantitative indices, and in the event it is judged that progress of competition cannot be sufficiently achieved with quantitative analysis only, qualitative analysis, including factors affected by circumstances that are indicated by qualitative indices, will also be employed. Fields that will be subject to evaluation each year will be decided in the same year, and the area of Internet access service was defined as one of the fields subject to evaluation for Fiscal 2003.

 

In November 2002, in connection with an application by Heisei Denden to the MPHPT concerning terms and conditions of interconnection between Heisei Denden’s telecommunications facilities and our telecommunications facilities, the MPHPT decided, following a recommendation by the Telecommunications Dispute Settlement Commission, that it is appropriate for Hesei Denden to set user charges for calls generated from Heisei Denden’s facilities to our facilities. This principle will be applied to interconnections among other local operators, except NTT East and NTT West, and mobile operators. This is a case of a fixed line operator being given the right to set charges for calls made from fixed line phones to cellular phones. In addition, in December 2002, the MPHPT set up a study group regarding the setting of charges with respect to intermediate interconnection services and calls made from IP telephones to cellular phones.

 

As a consequence, in June 2003, it was announced in the study group report and the administrative policies of the MPHPT that the charges for inter-exchange calls (outbound calls from the fixed-line telephones of NTT East and West to cellular phones connected via the facilities of inter-exchange operators) will be set by inter-exchange operators if the caller selects the inter-exchange operator for each call, and the charges for calls made from IP phones to cellular phones will be set by the IP phone operator.

 

The study group on policies concerning the effective radio spectrum use of the MPHPT that was established in January 2002, published its first report in December 2002. Its proposals included the introduction of a compensation scheme for licensees who shoulder losses resulting from a short-term reallocation of spectrum or a shift to fiber-optic cables instead of an alternative spectrum. That proposal was reflected in the Amendments to the Radio Law that passed the Diet in May 2003. The report also proposed that a comparative examination system based on market principles and licensing procedures is desirable instead of an auction system which could seriously hinder effective use of radio spectrums as shown by the extremely high bidding that occurred in various European countries. The report also proposed deregulation on experimental radio stations. In September 2003 and December 2003, the study group published its second and third reports, including discussion of such topics as an after-the-fact registration system (including exemption from prior licensing) primarily for public wireless LAN services, and discussions about cost burdens. The study group continues to consider desirable spectrum user fees and desirable cost-sharing for radio stations which are not required to have licenses.

 

The MPHPT has been holding the “study group on mobile number portability” since November 2003. In its final report prepared in April 2004 and guidelines issued in May 2004, the study group has concluded that it is appropriate to introduce mobile number portability as early as possible during fiscal 2006. The reason for this conclusion is that mobile number portability allows mobile telephone users to change mobile telephone carriers without worrying about changing the mobile telephone number, and bring about easier selection of mobile terminals and services for users. For the introduction of mobile number portability, we are requesting preparation

 

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of a system in which it is necessary for all mobile carriers to provide mobile number portability at the same time on a two-way basis, since there is a high possibility of confusion for users who demand the mobile number portability if each mobile carrier introduces mobile number portability in different ways or at different times.

 

Relationship with NTT

 

NTT is our parent company and owns 63.58% of our voting rights as of March 31, 2004. The Government of Japan, through the Minister of Finance, owned 45.96% of the voting rights of NTT as of the same date. The Government, acting through the MPHPT, also regulates the activities of NTT.

 

The NTT group is the largest provider of wireline and wireless voice, data, Internet and related telecommunications services in Japan and operates one of the largest telecommunications networks in the world. The NTT group’s main business is providing nationwide telecommunications services including voice transmission services, data transmission services, leased circuit services, system integration services and other services. As a holding company, NTT is directly responsible for the overall strategy of the NTT group. NTT is also responsible for basic research and development.

 

On July 1, 1999, NTT was reorganized into a holding company structure. The former NTT parent company transferred its local and long-distance businesses to three new wholly-owned subsidiaries: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, and NTT Communications Corporation. NTT East and NTT West operate regional telecommunications services in eastern Japan and western Japan, respectively, and NTT Communications operates long distance telecommunications and other network services throughout Japan. NTT Communications also offers international telecommunications services. We continue to be a direct subsidiary of NTT after the reorganization.

 

Although NTT currently owns 63.58% of our voting rights, we conduct our day-to-day business operations independently of NTT and its other subsidiaries. All transactions between us and each of NTT and its subsidiaries and affiliates are conducted on an arm’s length basis. For the year ended March 31, 2004, we had sales of ¥43,296 million to related parties and had cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditures of ¥230,676 million, ¥272,517 million and ¥91,392 million, respectively, to related parties, compared to sales of ¥37,195 million and cost of services, selling, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditures of ¥226,565 million, ¥241,795 million and ¥23,473 million, respectively, for the year ended March 31, 2003. We also had receivables of ¥28,680 million from related parties and payables of ¥65,295 million to related parties at March 31, 2004, compared to ¥46,973 million and ¥109,412 million at March 31, 2003. In conjunction with the reorganization of NTT into a holding company, we now pay NTT at fair market rates for the fundamental research and development conducted by NTT on our behalf as well as fees and charges for any other services or benefits that are provided to us by NTT. In the year ended March 31, 2004, total payments by us to NTT amounted to ¥18 billion.

 

In order to ensure fair competition in the mobile telecommunications business, the MPT in April 1992 established the following conditions of separation on NTT (which was then in operation of the fixed line telephone services) and us (which remain applicable):

 

  To the extent possible, we must establish transmission lines for our network independent of NTT. In the event that we use NTT transmission lines, the terms and conditions for such use shall be the same as those for our competitors.

 

  NTT must not favor us in any transactions between NTT and us. The terms and conditions for our use of NTT utility poles, access to NTT’s network, access to NTT research and development and similar matters should be the same as for our competitors.

 

  All former NTT employees transferred to us were required to be permanent employees, rather than being seconded from NTT.

 

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  We were to plan to have our shares listed and NTT’s ownership in us reduced approximately five years after incorporation.

 

  We must not engage in joint procurement with NTT so as not to use NTT’s purchasing power with the objective of obtaining favorable treatment or pricing from its suppliers and manufacturers.

 

At the time of separation from NTT, all trademarks and service marks for our products developed by NTT, other than the “NTT DoCoMo” trademark, the “DoCoMo” trademark and the “NTT DoCoMo” service mark, were assigned to us. If NTT’s ownership of our shares is substantially reduced, we may not be able to continue to use the trademarks and service marks that include “NTT”. Patents, utility model rights and design rights are shared equally with NTT. While certain rights to programs concerning wireless telecommunications systems were assigned by NTT to us, NTT owns the rights to other programs concerning wireless telecommunications systems and grants us licenses to use such rights. Since the separation, NTT and DoCoMo have each retained rights resulting from their own research and development. When we desire to use NTT’s technology, we are required to pay royalties equal to those other wireless telecommunications companies would pay for the use of such technology, and such technology is available equally to us and our competitors. We are also required to pay NTT certain basic research and development fees.

 

Although we operate independently of NTT, the following matters, among other things, relating to us are discussed directly with or reported to NTT: matters that are required to be voted on at shareholders’ meetings, including amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, mergers and consolidations, assignments and transfers of business, election and removal of directors and corporate auditors, and appropriation of profits; increases in share capital; investments, including international investments; loans and guarantees; and establishment of businesses plans. In addition, Senior Vice President Masayuki Yamamura, a full-time employee of NTT, serves part-time on our Board of Directors.

 

The Deregulation Committee (succeeded to by the Regulatory Reform Committee), an advisory committee set up by the decision of the Japanese Cabinet dated December 20, 1997, issued a report on December 15, 1998, with respect to government deregulation in a number of sectors of the Japanese economy. This report recommended the complete privatization of NTT at some point in the future, together with the elimination of monopolies in the regional telecommunications markets, and recommended that effective action should be taken to promote substantive competition between NTT East and NTT West. This report also included a recommendation that in the future the reorganized NTT be required to reduce its ownership of our shares to the level where competition between us and NTT’s two regional telephone companies is facilitated. On March 30, 1999, the Government revised its Three-year Program for Promoting Deregulation stating, among other things, that, based on the Deregulation Committee’s report and in connection with NTT’s ownership of our shares, it would carefully watch competition between us and NTT’s two regional telephone companies. On March 31, 2000, in its decision to further revise the Three-year Program, the Government stated that it would continue to consider NTT’s ownership of our shares taking into account the competition among cellular phone companies and the competition between us and NTT’s two regional telephone companies. Furthermore, on December 12, 2000, the Regulatory Reform Committee issued a written opinion stating that NTT’s ownership of our shares should be lowered to the level at which fair competition among us and other NTT companies is secured, and that the “firewall” regulation that restricts the sharing of management and other personnel among us and other NTT companies should be strengthened.

 

On December 21, 2000, the Telecommunications Council, then an advisory committee of the MPT, issued its first formal report concerning initiatives to promote competition in the telecommunications industry and to promote information technology generally. In this report, the Telecommunications Council stated its view that NTT’s ownership of our shares should be reduced as much as possible through the listing of us on foreign stock exchanges, among other means, and that there should not be common directors of NTT and DoCoMo.

 

The Government on March 30, 2001, launched its Three-year Program for Promoting Regulatory Reform. In that program the Government expected NTT as well as NTT East and NTT West would prepare and publish a

 

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voluntary action program for promoting competition, including a realization of competition within the NTT group by decreasing NTT’s ownership percentage in our shares. In response, on October 25, 2001, NTT together with NTT East and NTT West announced “NTT’s Strategy concerning Current Management Issues” and stated in that release that simultaneous holding of executive positions between NTT East or NTT West and our company would remain unimplemented and that NTT’s investment ratio of our company and the simultaneous holding of executive positions would continue to be considered from the standpoint of maximizing its shareholders profits, taking into account operational necessities and stock market trends. On October 29, 2002, NTT made a report to the MPHPT on the current status of implementation of the voluntary action plan released in October 2001. In the report, NTT stated that it sold 551,000 shares of our company in July 2002, in conjunction with our planned share reacquisition and that the system of concurrent appointment of directors for NTT and our company was discontinued at the general meeting of shareholders in June 2001.

 

The Government of Japan has not decided what action, if any, it will take with respect to NTT’s ownership of our shares. NTT has declared its view that its ownership of our shares does not have any adverse effects on fair competition and that it intends to maintain its ownership percentage in us at 51% or above.

 

NTT has entered into agreements with each of DoCoMo, NTT East and West and certain other subsidiaries that provide for NTT to receive compensation for performing basic research and development and for providing management and administrative services. NTT also receives dividends when dividends are declared by its subsidiaries, including DoCoMo.

 

Property

 

Our property includes our Tokyo headquarters, eight regional headquarters and 66 branch and sales offices. As of March 31, 2004, we and our regional subsidiaries owned approximately 2,626,524 square meters of land and approximately 1,416,835 square meters of office space, buildings containing switching centers, company dormitories and warehouses throughout Japan. In addition, as of March 31, 2004, we leased approximately 4,623,000 square meters of land mainly for base stations and transmission facilities.

 

Additional information can be found in “Capital Expenditures” of Item 5.B.

 

Employees

 

At March 31, 2004, we had 21,241 full-time employees representing an increase of 449 employees since March 31, 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to regular recruitment and the transfer of approximately 500 NTT group employees to us. Approximately 50% of the full-time employees at DoCoMo and the eight regional subsidiaries previously worked for NTT. At March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 we had 20,792, 19,700 and 18,015 full-time employees, respectively. The average number of temporary employees for the year ended March 31, 2004 was 2,852.

 

Of our 21,241 full-time employees at March 31, 2004, 1,205 were engaged in headquarters administrative functions, such as corporate planning, finance, accounting, human resources, legal and general affairs, while the rest were engaged in business operations, such as sales, research and development and related matters. Also, at March 31, 2004, only twelve employees were located outside Japan in Asia, and the rest were in Japan.

 

We consider our level of remuneration, non-wage benefits, including our employee share ownership program, working conditions and other allowances, including lump-sum payments and annuities to employees upon retirement, to be generally competitive with those offered in Japan by other large enterprises. We have an extensive training program for new employees. To increase incentives, the NTT group implemented a bonus plan based on overall business performance and personal results. The general retirement age is 60.

 

Most of our full-time non-management employees are members of unions, including ALL NTT WORKERS UNION OF JAPAN. We consider our relationship with such unions to be excellent. We have never had a strike.

 

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Legal Proceedings

 

We have initiated normal actions relating to the collection of telecommunications charges and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business and are not involved in any litigation and have not been involved in other legal proceedings in the preceding twelve months from the date of this document that, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial position or profitability.

 

C. Organizational Structure.

 

As of March 31, 2004, NTT, our parent company, is our largest shareholder and owned 63.58% of our issued and outstanding voting shares. We conduct our business together with our 71 subsidiaries and nine affiliates which together constitute the largest wireless telecommunications services provider in Japan based on number of subscribers. Our most significant subsidiaries are our eight regional subsidiaries, each of which operates in a region of Japan.

 

The following table sets forth certain information on our significant subsidiaries as of March 31, 2004:

 

Name


   Country of Incorporation

  

Voting rights owned by the

Company, directly or indirectly


 

NTT DoCoMo Hokkaido, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Tohoku, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Tokai, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Hokuriku, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Kansai, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Chugoku, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Shikoku, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

NTT DoCoMo Kyushu, Inc.(1)

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Service Inc.

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Engineering Inc.

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Mobile Inc.

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Support Inc.

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Systems, Inc.

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Sentsu, Inc. (2)

   Japan    100.0 %

DoCoMo Technology, Inc.

   Japan    90.0 %

(1) One of our eight regional subsidiaries.
(2) On May 13, 2003, we and this company entered into a share exchange agreement under which this company became a wholly-owned subsidiary by way of a share exchange. We completed the share exchange on August 1, 2003.

 

Other than our eight regional subsidiaries listed above, which are discussed elsewhere in this annual report, the seven main consolidated subsidiaries and their lines of business are: DoCoMo Service Inc., a company that collects charges on our behalf; DoCoMo Engineering Inc., which is engaged in the construction and maintenance of facilities; DoCoMo Mobile Inc., which repairs handsets and related cellular equipment used by subscribers; DoCoMo Support Inc., which render office services such as call center services; DoCoMo Systems, Inc., which develops, maintains and operates our fundamental systems; DoCoMo Sentsu, Inc., which render ancillary services for our satellite phone business; and DoCoMo Technology, Inc., which develops software and provides support services regarding field tests.

 

Relationship Between Us and Our Eight Regional Subsidiaries

 

Each of our eight regional subsidiaries operates largely independently of us and each other and each is directly responsible for the operations in its specific region. However, we are responsible for coordinating,

 

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establishing guidelines for and centralizing control over certain matters to ensure that nationwide services are available to our subscribers and to enhance the synergies achieved as a group.

 

Matters coordinated as a group include (i) our medium- and long-term management strategies and business plans as a group, (ii) tariffs, (iii) basic customer service standards, (iv) basic working terms and conditions for employees, (v) management personnel related matters, and (vi) consolidated accounting matters. We also establish guidelines for matters such as nationwide network development strategies and network maintenance and service standards, nationwide sales and marketing and designs for facilities.

 

We retain central control over matters such as the use of intellectual property and operations systems. With respect to service marks, the usage rights we control which grant licenses to each of our eight regional subsidiaries allow them unlimited use of the service marks. Similarly, we control all of our patents, know-how and other intellectual property. Each of us may use the results of research and development as well as the patents, know-how and other intellectual property rights we own without royalties, since the research and development costs are shared among ourselves. However, our eight regional subsidiaries may not sublicense such use to any third parties, all licensing and sublicensing being directly controlled by us.

 

Other areas of our operations over which we retain central control include, for example: (i) basic arrangements with NTT and NCCs (e.g., development and use of infrastructure facilities and agreements relating to interconnection); (ii) the coordination of matters to be reported to NTT and those legally required to be notified to MPHPT; (iii) spectrum matters; (iv) procurement, price negotiations and other business with handset and network equipment manufacturers; (v) traffic estimates, investment plans and network control; (vi) product and system related development; (vii) information systems management; and (viii) technical training of our personnel.

 

With respect to operating systems such as ALADIN, the procurement system and the accounting system, we and our eight regional subsidiaries share the use and expenses of such systems but we control their development and administration.

 

In order to increase the strength of the NTT DoCoMo brand name and identity, our services, pricing, handsets and customer services are fairly uniform throughout Japan.

 

D. Property, Plants and Equipment.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 4.B. of this annual report.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

 

A. Operating Results.

 

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and information included in this annual report. Fiscal 2003 herein refers to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, and other fiscal years are referred to in a corresponding manner.

 

This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under Item 3.D. and elsewhere in this annual report.

 

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Overview

 

Our Business

 

We are the largest provider of cellular services in Japan with an aggregate subscriber base of approximately 45.9 million as of March 31, 2004, which represented approximately 56.3% of all cellular subscribers in Japan. Of these subscribers, 41.1 million were also subscribers to our i-mode data communications service. We also provide Personal Handyphone System, or PHS, and Quickcast (paging) services throughout Japan with aggregate subscriber bases of approximately 1.6 million and 0.5 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2004.

 

We earn revenues and generate operating cash flow through fees for wireless voice and data communications services and sales of wireless communications equipment. Our operating revenues increased to ¥5,048,065 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥4,809,088 million in fiscal 2002. Operating income increased to ¥1,102,918 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥1,056,719 million in fiscal 2002. Net income increased to ¥650,007 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥212,491 million in fiscal 2002. For fiscal 2003, our operating margin was 21.8% and our net income per share was ¥13,099. Our balance sheet had total debt as of March 31, 2004 of ¥1,091,596 million, representing approximately 0.64x net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2003.

 

Our Results in Fiscal 2003

 

As of March 31, 2004, the number of FOMA subscribers reached 3.05 million, substantially exceeding our earlier expectations, due to brisk sales of the latest “FOMA 900i” series handsets. At the same time, the number of our 2G cellular (mova) subscribers decreased for the first time to 42.88 million, down 1.5% year-on-year. This demonstrates that we have been making progress in migrating subscribers to FOMA, and our target is to increase the number of FOMA subscribers to 10.6 million by March 31, 2005.

 

The subscriber base for i-mode also increased, reaching 41.08 million as of March 31, 2004, accounting for approximately 90% of our total cellular subscribers. The uptake of cellular phones compatible with infrared data transmission capability, two-dimensional bar code readers and other external interface technologies is also expanding steadily.

 

Operating revenues totaled ¥5,048.1 billion, up 5.0% year-on-year.

 

  Cellular (mova) services revenues decreased to ¥3,156.5 billion, down 4.0% year-on-year. Although we strengthened our lineup of handsets with sophisticated features and provided new services, the number of subscribers decreased mainly due to progress in the migration of subscribers from mova services to FOMA services.

 

  Cellular (FOMA) services revenues increased to ¥153.0 billion, up 1023.8% year-on-year, due to a significant increase in the number of subscribers through improvement of the coverage area and active sales promotion in line with introduction of “FOMA 900i” series handsets, and an increase in the usage of packet communications services such as “i-motion.”

 

  Packet communications services revenues increased to ¥1,020.7 billion, up 15.2% year-on-year, as a result of an increase in the number of i-mode services subscribers mainly due to wider penetration of handsets equipped with i-appli, built-in cameras, infrared data transmission capability and a QR code reader function, and an increase in the usage of i-mode services boosted mainly through a further increase of content utilizing the new functions.

 

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Breakdown of operating revenues


   Billions of yen

  

Increase

(Decrease)


 
     Fiscal 2002

   Fiscal 2003

  

Wireless services

   ¥ 4,350.9    ¥ 4,487.9    3.1 %

Cellular (mova) services revenues (a)

     3,286.4      3,156.5    (4.0 )%

Cellular (FOMA) services revenues (a)(b)

     13.6      153.0    1023.8 %

Packet communications services revenues (a)

     886.3      1,020.7    15.2 %

PHS services revenues

     79.3      70.4    (11.3 )%

Quickcast services revenues

     7.7      5.8    (24.8 )%

Other revenues

     77.6      81.5    5.0 %
    

  

  

Equipment sales (c)

     458.2      560.2    22.2 %
    

  

  

Total operating revenues

   ¥ 4,809.1    ¥ 5,048.1    5.0 %
    

  

  


(a) Due to a new billing arrangement called “Nikagetsu Kurikoshi,” ¥28.0 billion and ¥4.3 billion were deferred from cellular (mova) services revenues and cellular (FOMA) services revenues for fiscal 2003, respectively.
(b) Cellular (FOMA) services revenues include packet communications services revenues from FOMA subscribers, which amounted to ¥4.7 billion and ¥49.9 billion for fiscal 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(c) Due to the application of Emerging Issue Task Force No. 01-09 (“EITF 01-09”), “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products),” equipment sales for fiscal 2002 and 2003, decreased by ¥558.9 billion and ¥605.5 billion, respectively.

 

Operating expenses were ¥3,945.1 billion, up 5.1% year-on-year.

 

  Cost of equipment sold increased to ¥1,094.3 billion, up 15.1% year-on-year, due to an increase in the number of handsets sold, especially an increase in sales of FOMA handsets, which have been comparatively more expensive than mova handsets.

 

  Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased to ¥721.0 billion, down 3.8% year-on-year, primarily because for fiscal 2002, we upgraded our platform facilities for i-mode services and accelerated depreciation of the retired facilities, while for fiscal 2003, we decreased capital expenditures as a result of our efforts to make capital expenditures more efficient and less costly.

 

  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to ¥1,417.2 billion, up 5.4% year-on-year, primarily due to an increase in sales commissions paid to agent resellers and costs related to point loyalty programs.

 

  Aggregated personnel expenses included in cost of service and selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years 2002 and 2003 were ¥243.3 billion and ¥248.4 billion, respectively.

 

Breakdown of operating expenses


   Billions of yen

  

Increase

(Decrease)


 
     Fiscal
2002


   Fiscal
2003


  

Cost of services

   ¥ 707.3    ¥ 712.6    0.8 %

Cost of equipment sold

     950.7      1,094.3    15.1 %

Depreciation and amortization

     749.2      721.0    (3.8 )%

Selling, general and Administrative (a)

     1,345.2      1,417.2    5.4 %
    

  

  

Total operating expenses

   ¥ 3,752.4    ¥ 3,945.1    5.1 %
    

  

  


(a) Due to the application of EITF 01-09, selling, general and administrative for fiscal 2002 and 2003 decreased by ¥571.2 billion and ¥593.9 billion, respectively.

 

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Industry and Operating Trends

 

The Mobile communications market in Japan continued to grow in fiscal 2003, adding 5.54 million cellular and PHS subscribers to the total of over 86.65 million subscribers by the end of the period, with the subscriber penetration rate in the Japanese population reaching 67.9%. As a result of the high penetration rate, however, the subscriber growth rate in the Japanese mobile communications market has been slowing down. In fiscal 2003, the Japanese mobile communications industry subscriber growth rate was 7.7%, compared with 9.5% in fiscal 2002, 13.4% in fiscal 2001 and 19.2% in fiscal 2000. With fewer new subscribers to add, the competition between the mobile carriers in Japan is intensifying, leading to competition to meet variety of customer demands. Mobile carriers in Japan are competing to offer handsets with more features: e.g. handsets equipped with camera and handsets capable of using new services offered on 3G networks. The carriers are competing on price and are offering discounted tariff plans, with some offering flat-rate tariff plans for mobile data communications services. Also, the carriers are competing to bring in subscribers to their 3G services. We expect the intense competition to continue, but at the same time, we see opportunities for developing new revenue and cash flow from new service developments enabled by high-speed data communications through 3G networks combined with flat-rate and lowered tariff plans.

 

Regulatory changes have also increased competition and put pressure on tariff rates for mobile communications carriers in Japan in recent years. In fiscal 2003, the introduction of new systems for setting tariffs for calls between fixed line and cellular phones, allowing fixed line operators to fix and collect fees instead of mobile operators in some cases has decreased our revenues from such calls. The MPHPT is planning to introduce mobile number portability in Japan by fiscal 2006. If number portability is introduced, we will incur costs associated with system changes designed to make number portability technically possible. It is too early to determine at this time what effect number portability might have on our revenues.

 

Although our results in fiscal 2003 showed continued growth of our business, they also showed a slowdown in the pace of our growth. Basically, our cellular services revenues, which represent a significant portion of our revenues, are a function of the number of our subscribers times average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU. In the past, growth in the number of our subscribers more than offset declines in our ARPU, resulting in the net growth of our revenues. We now expect, at least in the short term, slower net subscriber growth, we do not believe such slower subscriber growth will cover expected declines in ARPU.

 

In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, we expect our operating revenues and operating income to decline as we have decided to carry out rate cuts—including the expansion of our “Family Discount” package to offer steeper discounts, effective April 1, 2004, reduction of FOMA’s “Packet Pack” monthly charges, effective May 1, 2004, and introduction of flat-rate tariff plans for i-mode access via FOMA, effective June 1, 2004 to reinforce our competitiveness and propel further growth in the future. We also expect to incur additional expenses associated with the sale of FOMA handsets as our subscribers migrate from our mova cellular services to our FOMA services. Finally, we believe the mobile communications market in Japan has entered a new transition phase, and our key growth driver has changed from a rapid increase in the number of subscribers to the creation of revenues through new high value-added services. We also believe the potential of the industry and our business opportunities remain strong.

 

Going forward, in addition to our business models centered on revenues from metered communication charges, we intend to create new services through linkage with brick-and-mortar services using the external interfaces of cellular phones —i.e., the convergence of mobile multimedia services with various types of commerce activities—with an aim to evolve our cellular service into a “life infrastructure” offering useful solutions for people’s daily lives and businesses. Thus, we seek to achieve revenue, new value creation and income growth in the future by:

 

  expanding A/V (Audio and Visual) traffic through promoting A/V compatible handsets;

 

  increasing non-traffic revenues by developing businesses linked with brick-and-mortar services using handsets’ external interface;

 

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  boosting traffic of low-usage customers by stimulating usage through creating new services;

 

  further developing global businesses by promoting use of international dialing/roaming services and by overseas deployment of i-mode; and

 

  reducing cost through efforts such as lowering procurement cost, reducing distributor commissions, and cutting costs of our network.

 

Factors Affecting Results of Operations

 

Revenues

 

Our two principal sources of revenues are our wireless services and equipment sales. Our wireless services include mobile phone services, PHS services, Quickcast (paging) services and other miscellaneous services. Mobile phone services currently include 2G cellular (mova) services, packet communications services, 3G cellular (FOMA) services, satellite mobile communications services and in-flight telephone services, and accounted for approximately 96.6%, 96.4% and 96.1% of wireless services revenues for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Revenues from PHS services represented 1.6%, 1.8% and 2.2% of wireless services revenues for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Revenues from Quickcast services have steadily declined since fiscal 1996, contributing only 0.1% to wireless services revenues for fiscal 2003, and 0.2% for both fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001.

 

Wireless Services

 

We earn our wireless services revenues principally from fixed monthly plan charges, usage charges for outgoing calls, revenues from incoming calls and charges for optional value-added services and features. Cellular (FOMA) services revenues include voice revenues and packet revenues. Cellular (mova) services revenues include voice revenues only and packet revenues are included in the packet communications services revenues. Our packet communications services revenues, which are currently dominated by i-mode revenues, represented 22.7% of wireless services revenues for fiscal 2003, and 20.4% and 17.2% of such revenues for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively. i-mode revenues, which are included in the packet communication services and cellular (FOMA) services portion of mobile phone services revenues, include monthly and usage charges. For mova subscribers, the monthly charge for i-mode services is ¥300 and the charge for data transmission is ¥0.2 - ¥0.3 per packet. For FOMA subscribers, who may send more packets per minutes to take advantage of FOMA’s advanced technology services, the monthly charge for i-mode services is ¥150 and the charge for data transmission is ¥0.02 - ¥0.2 per packet.

 

Our cellular services subscribers increased by 4.7% to 45.93 million at March 31, 2004, from 43.86 million at March 31, 2003, and by 7.5% to 43.86 million at March 31, 2003, from 40.78 million at March 31, 2002. These numbers include the numbers of FOMA services subscribers, which reached 3.05 million at March 31, 2004, from 330,000 at March 31, 2003 and 90,000 at March 31, 2002. This increase of FOMA subscribers resulted mostly from the decrease in mova subscribers, which decreased for the first time to 42.88 million at March 31, 2004, down 1.5% from March 31, 2003. We expect this migration of subscribers from mova services to FOMA services to accelerate. We also expect the growth of our cellular subscribers as a whole to slowdown, due to the saturation of the Japanese cellular services market. Total i-mode subscribers, including both existing cellular subscribers signing up for i-mode services and new subscribers signing up for i-mode services, increased by 8.8% to 41.08 million at March 31, 2004, and by 17.4% to 37.76 million at March 31, 2003, from 32.16 million at March 31, 2002. Our PHS subscribers decreased to 1.59 million at March 31, 2004, from 1.69 million at March 31, 2003, and 1.92 million at March 31, 2002. Our Quickcast subscribers have continuously declined, with a decrease to 0.46 million subscribers at March 31, 2004, from 0.6 million at March 31, 2003, and 0.83 million at March 31, 2002.

 

The average minutes of usage, or MOU, per month per cellular (mova) subscriber decreased year-on-year to 158 minutes per month for fiscal 2003 from 168 minutes for fiscal 2002 and 178 minutes for fiscal 2001. The

 

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average minutes of usage per month per cellular (FOMA and mova) subscriber decreased year-on-year to 159 minutes per month for fiscal 2003 from 167 minutes for fiscal 2002. The decrease was primarily due to wider penetration into lower usage subscriber segments and a large number of subscribers using i-mode e-mail instead of voice calls.

 

We use average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU, to measure average monthly operating revenues attributable to designated services on a per user basis. ARPU is calculated by dividing various revenue items included in operating revenues from our wireless services, such as monthly charges, voice transmission charges and packet transmission charges, from designated services by number of active subscribers to the relevant services. Accordingly, the calculation of ARPU excludes revenues that are not representative of monthly average usage such as activation fees. We believe that our ARPU figures calculated in this way provide useful information regarding the monthly average usage of our subscribers. The revenue items included in the numerators of our ARPU figures are based on our U.S. GAAP results of operations.

 

Increases in the number of cellular subscribers have offset declines in aggregate ARPU, and declines in PHS and Quickcast revenues. Voice ARPU has fallen over the past few years, due primarily to cellular rate reductions, an increase in subscribers using discounted plans, wider penetration into lower usage subscriber segments, a large number of subscribers using i-mode e-mail instead of voice calls and a general reduction in subscriber usage due to Japan’s stagnant consumer spending. Our aggregate ARPU (mova) in fiscal 2003 decreased by 3.8% to ¥7,830 from ¥8,140 in fiscal 2002, and from ¥8,470 in fiscal 2001. One of the primary reasons that aggregate ARPU (mova) has not decreased more is that increases in i-mode ARPU (mova) have partially offset the declines in voice ARPU (mova). Voice ARPU (mova) in fiscal 2003 decreased by 7.8% to ¥5,890 from ¥6,390 in fiscal 2002 and from ¥6,930 in fiscal 2001. However, i-mode ARPU (mova), ARPU for i-mode handsets multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of i-mode subscribers and the denominator of which is the total number of cellular subscribers, in fiscal 2003 increased by 10.9% to ¥1,940 from ¥1,750 in fiscal 2002 compared with ¥1,540 for fiscal 2001. We expect that cellular ARPU (mova) rates will decline further and the average minutes of usage per month per subscriber will decline over the next few years. These trends adversely affecting voice ARPU had been partially compensated for by subscriber growth and increases in i-mode ARPU. However, after April 2004, in a bid to reinforce our competitiveness, we increased the discount rates of our “Family Discount” package, effective April 1, 2004, lowered FOMA’s “Packet Pack” monthly charges, effective May 1, 2004, and introduced flat-rate tariff plans for i-mode access via FOMA, effective June 1, 2004. These measures will lower i-mode ARPU. Also, migration of subscribers from mova to FOMA will lower i-mode ARPU (FOMA+mova), because per packet charges for FOMA services are lower. Consequently, we expect the rate discounts and flat-rate tariff plans will lead to a migration of subscribers and acquisition of new subscribers for our FOMA services, which in turn will induce creation of new businesses, e.g. expansion of content business. See also “Cellular System Usage” in Item 4.B. for further information about MOU or ARPU.

 

Equipment Sales

 

Revenue from equipment sales, primarily the sale of handsets and other telecommunications equipment, accounted for 11.1% of total operating revenues for fiscal 2003, and 9.5% and 10.9% for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively. In fiscal 2003, we experienced strong sales of our handsets with features such as application downloads and mega-pixel camera, and new series of FOMA handsets. However, revenues from equipment sales do not contribute significantly to operating income as such revenues are offset by the costs of and expenses relating to sales of telecommunications equipment, particularly in the case of handsets. From fiscal 2002, we adopted EITF 01-09 and therefore account for a portion of the sales commission that we pay to agent resellers as a reduction of equipment sales revenues. Our equipment sales revenues increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to an increase in sales of FOMA handsets. The decrease in equipment sales revenues from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 reflected the fact that there has been an increase in handset replacement sales as a percentage of total equipment sales and under EITF 01-09 the percentage of reduction in revenues related to replacement sales is greater than that for new sales.

 

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Our average monthly churn rate for cellular subscribers was 1.21% for fiscal 2003 and 1.22% and 1.18% for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively. In order to keep our churn rates low, we have been focusing on subscriber retention by implementing certain measures including offering discounts for long-term subscribers as well as incentives provided for handset replacement. We believe that a portion of our churn is attributable to subscribers who voluntarily terminated contracts in order to upgrade or change handsets but remained our subscribers and therefore had less adverse impact on our financial results than churn attributable to the termination of a subscriber’s relationship with us. We also believe that due to various factors, such as the introduction of i-mode, customer confidence in our network and services and the introduction of new services, our churn rate has been lower than other operators, although no assurance can be given that this will continue to be the case.

 

Expenses

 

Our principal operating expenses are costs of services, which consist primarily of network operation costs and interconnection charges, the costs of handsets and other equipment sold, and selling, general and administrative expenses including sales agent commission costs, distribution costs, advertising and promotional expenses and customer service costs. Sales agent commission costs account for approximately 40% of selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, our operating expenses include depreciation and amortization charges relating to capital expenditures, including the cost of constructing our network.

 

Cost of Services

 

In order to accommodate the substantial increase in cellular traffic volume over the last several years, we have been maintaining and enhancing our 2G (mova) networks, as well as introducing the 3G cellular telecommunication system utilizing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, (FOMA) network. We expect that our mova service subscribers, who presently outnumber our FOMA service subscribers by a wide margin, will migrate to FOMA service gradually. Although the expansion of the geographic coverage area of our current 2G (mova) network is virtually complete and the coverage area of our 3G (FOMA) network spreads almost nationwide in Japan, the continuation of network capacity expansion and enhancement in heavy traffic areas, maintenance of our existing networks, the construction, expansion and enhancement of the 3G (FOMA) network and research and development for 4G and other projects has required and will continue to require significant capital expenditures. We also expect that a certain amount of costs and expenses will be continuously required to administer the two different networks together. See “Capital Expenditures” in Item 5.B.

 

For the use of our spectrum, we pay a usage fee in accordance with the Radio Law, which is based on a number of factors including the number of base stations and handsets. In fiscal 2003, we paid total usage fees to the government of approximately ¥27.1 billion, compared to approximately ¥25.0 billion for fiscal 2002 and approximately ¥24.0 billion for fiscal 2001. The usage fees for our 3G spectrum allocation are calculated in accordance with a formula, which is similar to the formula that is used for our current fees for 2G spectrum allocation as determined in accordance with the Radio Law. The usage fee for 3G spectrum of approximately ¥1.6 billion was included in the amount of payment in fiscal 2003.

 

Cost of Equipment Sold

 

We purchase handsets from various manufacturers for resale to new subscribers and as replacement handsets for sale to existing subscribers who wish to upgrade their equipment. The average period between handset replacements is approximately 2.5 years. We believe that this is due in large part to subscribers selecting new handsets to take advantage of continuing improvements in handsets’ function such as performance of cameras and battery life and to take advantage of new services such as i-mode, i-appli and i-shot. Additionally, particularly successful models of handsets also generated increased handset sales. In fiscal 2001, sales of handsets to new subscribers were lower than fiscal 2000, resulting in a decrease in related handset acquisition costs. In fiscal 2002, cost of equipment sold increased slightly primarily due to costs associated with the disposal

 

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of unsold early-model FOMA handsets. During fiscal 2003, sales of new series of FOMA and mova handsets were good. Accordingly, the cost of equipment sold and commissions paid to agents increased. We are expecting rapid growth in the number of FOMA subscribers. Because procurement costs for FOMA handsets are higher than that of mova handsets, resulting in higher selling expenses with FOMA handsets, it will have an adverse effect on our earnings. We expect the situation to continue for the short term. The cost of FOMA handsets may decline as the volume of procurement increases.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

The primary expenses included in our selling, general, and administrative expenses are expenses related to acquiring new subscribers, the most significant of which are commissions paid to sales agents. The main components of the commissions that we pay to agents who sign up new subscribers are a closing commission for each new subscriber and volume incentives that vary depending on the number of new subscribers per agent per month. In addition, we pay agents a commission in the form of handset sales incentives depending on the type of handset a subscriber purchases. Commissions differ from region to region due to such factors as the competitive and economic environments in the various regions. Average commissions we paid when acquiring a new subscriber who also purchased a handset were approximately ¥30 thousand per subscriber for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001. As with the costs of acquiring new subscribers, sales of replacement handsets to existing subscribers and the related activation of the handsets also generally result in average commissions paid to agents of approximately ¥30 thousand per subscriber. Aggregate commissions paid for FOMA subscriber acquisitions or FOMA handset sales were not significant in this fiscal year, but the average FOMA commission per subscriber acquisition or handset sale was approximately ¥10 thousand higher than that for a mova acquisition or handset sale. We adopted EITF 01-09 from April 1, 2002, and therefore the portion of the commissions paid to agent resellers for equipment, including handsets, are recognized as a reduction of equipment sales revenues.

 

Beginning in the second half of fiscal 2002, we have been investing in the development of FOMA handsets being developed by various handset manufacturers. The amounts of our investment in the development of FOMA handsets during the fiscal 2003, and 2002, were approximately ¥23.5 billion and approximately ¥17.5 billion, respectively, and included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

 

Operating Income

 

Our ability to continue to generate profits will be substantially affected by a number of factors affecting all cellular operators, including, among others, our ability to maintain high levels of aggregate ARPU, our ability to attract and retain new subscribers, the rate of growth of subscribers, the level of subscriber usage, the level and structure of tariffs, competition, the rate of churn of subscribers, spectrum availability and allocation, fees for interconnection among telecommunications operators, network capital expenditure requirements and research and development expenditures. See also Item 5.D.—Trend Information.

 

Equity in Net Losses of Affiliates

 

We expect that equity in net income/losses of affiliates will continue to be affected primarily by our overseas investments. First, we include our pro-rata portion of the net income or net losses of these companies as the investments are accounted for by the equity method. Effective as of April 1, 2001, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and ceased amortization of equity method goodwill associated with our investments. We have reviewed our investments and equity method goodwill for impairment based on an other than temporary decline in value and have recognized several impairments, as described below. As of March 31, 2004, we had approximately ¥45.2 billion of equity method goodwill remaining from our overseas investee affiliates.

 

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On February 17, 2004, AT&T Wireless entered into a merger agreement with Cingular Wireless LLC (“Cingular”), a mobile carrier in the US, and certain of its affiliates. See also Item 5.B, “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, and footnotes to the consolidated financial statements 5.

 

In addition to recording our portion of the income and losses of our equity method affiliates, we also regularly test the value of our equity method investments. As a result and to the extent there is impairment, we have had and may in future periods have write-downs related to other than temporary declines in value of these investments. In recent years, telecommunications companies and wireless operators, including the companies we invested in, have experienced a variety of negative developments, including increased competition, increasing debt burdens from network build outs, expensive 3G spectrum auctions and other factors. As a result, these companies have experienced financial difficulties and significant volatility in share prices. In light of the effects of these negative developments and related declines in the reported market prices or market values of our overseas affiliates and other affiliates, we recognized impairment losses equal to ¥319,564 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥225,535 million, in fiscal 2002, and ¥624,644 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥453,235 million, in fiscal 2001, with respect to our interests in some of our affiliates. We believe the estimated fair values of our investments in affiliates at March 31, 2004 equaled or exceeded the related carrying values as a result of these impairments.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables set forth selected income statement data in yen amounts and expressed as a percentage of total operating revenues for the periods indicated:

 

     Fiscal

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 
     (in millions)  

Operating revenues:

                        

Wireless services

   ¥ 4,153,459     ¥ 4,350,861     ¥ 4,487,912  

Equipment sales (1)

     505,795       458,227       560,153  
    


 


 


       4,659,254       4,809,088       5,048,065  
    


 


 


Operating expenses:

                        

Cost of services

     710,305       707,253       712,571  

Cost of equipment sold

     927,483       950,699       1,094,332  

Depreciation and amortization

     640,505       749,197       720,997  

Selling, general, and administrative (1)

     1,380,074       1,345,220       1,417,247  
    


 


 


       3,658,367       3,752,369       3,945,147  
    


 


 


Operating income

     1,000,887       1,056,719       1,102,918  

Other expenses, net

     44,496       13,751       1,795  
    


 


 


Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     956,391       1,042,968       1,101,123  

Income taxes

     399,643       454,487       429,116  
    


 


 


Income before equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     556,748       588,481       672,007  

Equity in net losses of affiliates (2)

     (643,962 )     (324,241 )     (21,960 )

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (28,977 )     (16,033 )     (40 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

     (116,191 )     248,207       650,007  

Cumulative effect of accounting change (3)

     —         (35,716 )     —    

Net income (loss)

   ¥ (116,191 )   ¥ 212,491     ¥ 650,007  
    


 


 


 

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     Fiscal

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Operating revenues:

                  

Wireless services

   89.1 %   90.5 %   88.9 %

Equipment sales

   10.9     9.5     11.1  
    

 

 

     100.0     100.0     100.0  
    

 

 

Operating expenses:

                  

Cost of services

   15.3     14.7     14.1  

Cost of equipment sold

   19.9     19.8     21.7  

Depreciation and amortization

   13.7     15.5     14.3  

Selling, general, and administrative

   29.6     28.0     28.1  
    

 

 

     78.5     78.0     78.2  
    

 

 

Operating income

   21.5     22.0     21.8  

Other expenses, net

   1.0     0.3     0.0  
    

 

 

Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

   20.5     21.7     21.8  

Income taxes

   8.6     9.5     8.5  
    

 

 

Income before equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

   11.9     12.2     13.3  

Equity in net losses of affiliates

   (13.8 )   (6.7 )   (0.4 )

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

   (0.6 )   (0.3 )   (0.0 )
    

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

   (2.5 )   5.2     12.9  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   —       (0.8 )   —    

Net income (loss)

   (2.5 )   4.4     12.9  
    

 

 


(1) We adopted EITF 01-09 from April 1, 2002. Therefore, equipment sales and selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2001 have been reclassified. Equipment sales and selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2003 were decreased by ¥605,472 million and ¥593,939 million, respectively. And, in fiscal 2002, they were decreased by ¥558,923 million and ¥571,223 million, respectively. As required, selling, general and administrative expenses, amounting to ¥507,884 million in fiscal, 2001 have also been reclassified as a reduction of equipment sales.
(2) Includes write-downs in investment in affiliates of ¥319,564 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥225,535 million, and ¥624,644 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥453,235 million, in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(3) This relates to the adoption of EITF 01-09 and the timing for recognizing commissions payable to agents.

 

Comparison of Fiscal 2003 with Fiscal 2002

 

Operating revenues increased by 5.0% to ¥5,048,065 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥4,809,088 million in fiscal 2002. Wireless services accounted for 88.9% of revenue in fiscal 2003 compared to 90.5% in the prior year. The increase in wireless services revenues was due primarily to a 3.4% growth in mobile phone services revenues, including i-mode and other packet communication services, to ¥4,337,035 million in fiscal 2003. Although our cellular (mova) services revenues decreased to ¥3,156,467 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥3,286,372 million in fiscal 2002, the growth in our cellular (FOMA) services revenues which increased to ¥152,986 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥13,613 million in fiscal 2002, and the growth in i-mode services that resulted in packet communications services revenues increasing to ¥1,020,650 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥886,337 million in fiscal 2002, lead to the increase in mobile phone services revenues. This shows that our continuous efforts to migrate the subscriber base from mova to FOMA, and to expand other than voice usage through data communications services more than offset the decrease of revenues from voice traffic over cellular (mova)

 

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services. PHS revenues, representing 1.6% of wireless services, decreased by 11.3% from prior fiscal year while Quickcast revenues, representing 0.1% of wireless services, declined significantly, reflecting decreases in the subscriber base and usage for pagers. The 22.2% increase in equipment sales revenues compared to the prior period was primarily due to brisk sales of both new mova handsets and new series of FOMA handsets introduced in the fourth quarter.

 

Operating expenses increased by 5.1% to ¥3,945,147 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥3,752,369 million in fiscal 2002. This increase was largely due to a 15.1% increase in cost of equipment sold, while depreciation and amortization decreased 3.8%. The increase in the handset sales lead to the increase in cost of equipment sold. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily because for the prior fiscal year we upgraded our platform facilities for i-mode services and shortened depreciation periods of the retired facilities, while for fiscal 2003, we have decreased capital expenditures as a result of our efforts to make capital expenditures more efficient and less costly. Cost of services slightly increased from the previous fiscal year by 0.8%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from the previous fiscal year by 5.4% primarily because the aggregate commissions paid to reseller increased as a result of the increase in handset sales. Operating expenses increased as a percentage of operating revenues to 78.2% in fiscal 2003 from 78.0% in fiscal 2002. This was primarily because the increase in operating expenses, including selling, general and administrative expenses was larger than the increase in cellular (FOMA) revenues and in packet communications services revenues.

 

As a result of the foregoing, our operating income for fiscal 2003 was ¥1,102,918 million, representing a 4.4% increase.

 

Other expenses, net, which include such items as interest expense, interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and gains and losses on marketable securities, decreased by 86.9% to ¥1,795 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥13,751 million in fiscal 2002, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense caused by a decrease in interest bearing liabilities aiming to strengthen our financial position, and the fact that we recognized an evaluation gain of approximately ¥2,665 million on a share-exchange right related to our investment in KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (“KGT”), a former affiliate.

 

Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries was ¥1,101,123 million and ¥1,042,968 million for fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. Income taxes were ¥429,116 million in fiscal 2003 and ¥454,487 million fiscal 2002, representing effective tax rates of approximately 39% for fiscal 2003 and 44% for fiscal 2002. We are subject to a number of different taxes in Japan, including corporate income tax, enterprise tax and inhabitant income taxes, which, in the aggregate, amounted to a statutory tax rate of approximately 42% for both fiscal 2003 and 2002. For fiscal 2003, the Japanese government introduced special tax treatment to promote growth of information technology related industry, which enabled part of the investments to certain IT related assets to be deducted from taxable income. This lead to the difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate.

 

Equity in net losses of affiliates, net of taxes, decreased to ¥21,960 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥324,241 million in fiscal 2002, mainly because there were no write-downs of investments in affiliates in fiscal 2003, and there were write-downs of investments in affiliates of ¥319,564 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥225,535 million in fiscal 2002.

 

As a result of the foregoing, we recorded net income of ¥650,007 million in fiscal 2003 compared to net income of ¥212,491 million in fiscal 2002.

 

Comparison of Fiscal 2002 with Fiscal 2001

 

Operating revenues increased by 3.2% to ¥4,809,088 million in fiscal 2002 from ¥4,659,254 million in fiscal 2001. Wireless services accounted for 90.5% of revenue in fiscal 2002 compared to 89.1% in the prior

 

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year. The increase in wireless services revenues was due primarily to a 5.1% growth in mobile phone services revenues, including i-mode and other packet communication services, to ¥4,193,625 million in fiscal 2002. This increase in mobile phone services revenues reflects growth in the cellular subscriber base and the strong performance of i-mode services, which offset declining voice ARPU which was due to rate reductions, an increase of subscribers using discounted plans, wider penetration into lower usage subscriber segments, a large number of subscribers using i-mode e-mails instead of voice calls and a general reduction in subscriber usage due to Japan’s stagnant consumer spending. The growth in i-mode resulted in packet communications services revenues increasing to ¥886,337 million in fiscal 2002 from ¥716,091 million in fiscal 2001. PHS revenues, representing 1.8% of wireless services, decreased by 10.8% while Quickcast revenues, representing 0.2% of wireless services, declined significantly, reflecting decreases in the subscriber base and usage for pagers. The 9.4% decrease in equipment sales revenues from the prior period was primarily due to the fact that there has been an increase in replacements as a percentage of total equipment sales and under EITF 01-09 the percentage of reduction in revenues related to replacement sales is greater than for new sales.

 

Operating expenses increased by 2.6% to ¥3,752,369 million in fiscal 2002 from ¥3,658,367 million in fiscal 2001. This increase was largely due to a 2.5% increase in cost of equipment sold, and a 17.0% increase in depreciation and amortization. The increase in cost of equipment sold was due primarily to costs associated with the disposal of unsold early-model FOMA handsets. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to an increase in telecommunications facilities used for FOMA and the purchase of systems hardware and software for our enterprise information system. Cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from the previous fiscal year by 0.9% and 2.2%, respectively. Cost of services decreased primarily because interconnection charges for calls utilizing other telecommunication networks decreased due to a reduction in unit prices. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily as a result of a decrease in sales commissions of approximately 10.6% related to new subscriber additions due to a decrease in new subscriber additions.

 

Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of operating revenues to 78.0% in fiscal 2002 from 78.5% in fiscal 2001. This was primarily because the increase in packet communications services revenues was larger than the increase in operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization.

 

As a result of the foregoing, our operating income for fiscal 2002 was ¥1,056,719 million, representing a 5.6% increase.

 

Other expenses, net, which include such items as interest expense, interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and gains and losses on marketable securities, decreased by 69.1% to ¥13,751 million in fiscal 2002 from ¥44,496 million in fiscal 2001. This decrease was primarily due to a market value write-down adjustment in fiscal 2001 for our warrants to purchase AT&T Wireless common stock, which we carry on a marked to market basis.

 

Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries was ¥1,042,968 million and ¥956,391 million for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively. Income taxes were ¥454,487 million in fiscal 2002 and ¥399,643 million fiscal 2001, representing effective tax rates of approximately 44% for fiscal 2002 and 42% for fiscal 2001. We are subject to a number of different taxes in Japan, including corporate income tax, enterprise tax and inhabitant income taxes, which, in the aggregate, amounted to a statutory tax rate of approximately 42% for both fiscal 2002 and 2001.

 

In March 2003, the Japanese government approved the amendments to the tax law, which is to reduce the standard Japanese Enterprise Tax rates based on the size of income as well as levy an additional Japanese Enterprise Tax based on the size of the business. It will be effective for the year beginning April 1, 2004. As a consequence, the combined statutory income tax rate will be lowered to approximately 40.7% for deferred tax

 

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assets and liabilities expected to be settled or realized commencing April 1, 2004. The effect of the change in rates on net deferred tax assets was a reduction of ¥18,213 million and was charged to income taxes in the year ended March 31, 2003.

 

Equity in net losses of affiliates, net of taxes, decreased to ¥324,241 million in fiscal 2002 from ¥643,962 million in fiscal 2001, mainly because write-downs of investments in affiliates decreased to ¥319,564 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥225,535 million, in fiscal 2002 from ¥624,644 million, net of deferred taxes of ¥453,235 million, in fiscal 2001.

 

EITF 01-09 requires that reduction of revenue and corresponding expenses be recognized at the time of equipment sales to the agent resellers, instead of the date of sale to the end-user customer. Consequently, the cumulative effect of this accounting change was recognized and net income decreased by ¥35,716 million, net of taxes. See “Accounting Developments” below.

 

As a result of the foregoing, we recorded net income of ¥212,491 million in fiscal 2002 compared to net loss of ¥116,191 million in fiscal 2001.

 

Segment Information

 

General

 

We conform to SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” SFAS No. 131 requires us to report about our operating segments in our financial statements. In applying SFAS No. 131, we currently have four primary business segments: mobile phone business, PHS business, Quickcast business and miscellaneous business. As required by SFAS No. 131, we present our business segment information in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as it is presented in reports to our management.

 

Our chief operating decision maker monitors and evaluates the performance of our segments based on the information that follows, as derived from our management reports. From fiscal 2002, we changed our disclosure of consolidated financial information in Japan from Japanese GAAP to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, our management reports, which were prepared in accordance with Japanese GAAP in previous years, are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP from fiscal 2002. Segment information in accordance with Japanese GAAP continues to be presented for fiscal 2001 in Note 14 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements, but we have also included U.S. GAAP information in Note 14 to provide comparability of the segment information and for the convenience of the users of the financial statements.

 

Our mobile phone business segment includes:

 

  mova services,

 

  FOMA services,

 

  packet communications services,

 

  satellite mobile communications services,

 

  in-flight telephone services, and

 

  equipment sales related to these services.

 

We ceased providing in-flight telephone services on March 31, 2004.

 

Our Personal Handyphone System, or PHS, business segment includes PHS service and related equipment sales. Our Quickcast business segment includes Quickcast service and related equipment sales. Our

 

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miscellaneous business segment includes international dialing and roaming service and other miscellaneous services, which in the aggregate are not significant.

 

Mobile phone business segment

 

In fiscal 2003, our operating revenues increased 5.0% to ¥5,048,065 million, our operating expenses increased 5.1% to ¥3,945,147 million and our operating income increased 4.4% to ¥1,102,918 million.

 

Operating revenues from our mobile phone business segment increased 5.3% to ¥4,937,666 million. Cellular (mova) service revenues, which are revenues from voice traffic of mova services decreased because of rate reductions, increase in subscribers using discounted plans, wider penetration into lower usage subscriber segments, increased subscribers using i-mode e-mails instead of voice calls, and migration of subscriber base from mova to FOMA. The decrease was more than offset by the growth of FOMA revenues and the continued growth of i-mode services. In addition, introduction of new mova series handsets with better data communication capabilities, and improved FOMA series handsets with comparable battery life and weight with mova handsets, that offer enhanced application handling capabilities together with high speed data access, showed strong sales. As a result, associated service revenues contributed to the increase in the mobile phone business segment revenues. Revenues from our mobile phone business segment represented 97.8% of total wireless service revenues in fiscal 2003, up slightly from 97.5% in fiscal 2002. Operating expenses in our mobile phone business segment increased 5.4% to ¥3,798,785 million primarily due to increased subscriber retention costs primarily related to our point service program. As a result, operating income from our mobile phone business segment increased 4.8% to ¥1,138,881 million from 1,087,187 million in fiscal 2002.

 

We expect that FOMA will become an increasingly important component of the mobile phone business segment in the years to come. The migration of our subscriber base to FOMA showed steady progress and the number of subscribers for FOMA grew more than expected to 3.05 million at Mar. 31, 2004. For fiscal 2003, FOMA service operating revenues, excluding FOMA handset sales, increased to ¥153.0 billion from ¥13.6 billion in fiscal 2002, thus covering the decrease of mova service revenues. We believe the increase in FOMA subscribers is due to improvements in the FOMA handsets, as can be seen from the popularity of FOMA 900i series handsets and the construction of a network with a service area that is almost the same as the service area for mova services covering 99% of the population as of March 31, 2004. We believe FOMA revenues will be able to cover FOMA service costs as a result of continuous growth of FOMA revenues in the near future.

 

PHS business segment

 

Operating revenues in our PHS business segment decreased by 11.0% to ¥75,702 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥85,038 million in fiscal 2002, primarily due to a decrease in the number of PHS subscribers. Operating expenses in the PHS business segment decreased by 1.9% to ¥111,224 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥113,332 million in fiscal 2002. The introduction of data-card-type PHS terminals for @FreeD, a fixed-fee service for data communications, led to an increase in sales commissions for new subscriber additions, and it offset a decrease in depreciation and amortization due to reduced capital expenditures for PHS business facilities and our cost reduction efforts. Our PHS business segment operating loss increased by 25.5% to ¥35,522 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥28,294 million in prior fiscal year. As the number of PHS subscribers in the Japanese market continues to decrease, the number of PHS subscribers as of March 31, 2004, decreased to 1.59 million (down 5.7% year-on-year). However, we saw a net increase in the number of data-card-type PHS subscribers as a result of our initiatives to focus on an increase in usage of a fixed-fee service for data communications. We will focus on the data communications and continue our efforts to streamline our PHS business operation.

 

Quickcast business segment

 

Operating revenues in our Quickcast business segment decreased by 26.1% to ¥5,981 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥8,088 million in fiscal 2002 as a result of the continuing decline of Quickcast subscribers and lower levels

 

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of usage as the market for pager services in Japan continued to shrink. Operating revenues from the Quickcast business segment now represent only 0.1% of total operating revenues. Operating expenses decreased by 46.2% to ¥7,832 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥14,546 million in fiscal 2002 due to our cost reduction efforts for communication network charges and other costs. Our operating loss from our Quickcast business segment decreased from ¥6,458 million in the prior year by 71.3% to a loss of ¥1,851 million. We continuously strive for cost reduction regarding our Quickcast business. At the same time, we are considering to replacing the service with the other services we provide.

 

Miscellaneous business segment

 

Operating revenues from our miscellaneous business increased by 12.5% to ¥28,716 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥25,518 million in fiscal 2002. The increase was mainly due to an increase in international dialing and roaming services revenues. Operating expense from our miscellaneous business increased by 28.6% to ¥27,306 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥21,234 million in fiscal 2002, because the costs and expenses of new services such as our wireless LAN service increased. As a result, operating income from our miscellaneous business decreased by 67.1% to ¥1,410 million in fiscal 2003 from ¥4,284 million in fiscal 2002.

 

Accounting Developments

 

In May 2003, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 150, “Financial Statement on Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity that, under previous guidance, could be classified as equity, by now requiring those instruments to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the statement of financial position. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. SFAS No. 150 is generally to be applied to all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 does not have any impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

In November 2002, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21 (“EITF 00-21”), “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” This Issue provides guidance on when and how to separate elements of an arrangement that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and rights to use assets into separate units of accounting. The guidance in the consensus is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The transition provision allows either prospective application or a cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption. The adoption of EITF 00-21 does not have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

In May 2003, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 01-08 (“EITF 01-08”), “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease.” This Issue provides guidance on how to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease that is within the scope of SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases.” The guidance in the consensus is effective for arrangements entered into, agreed to, modified or acquired in business combinations in fiscal periods beginning after May 28, 2003. We are in the process of determining the impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF 01-08 will have on its results of operations and financial position.

 

In March 2004, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 03-01 (“EITF 03-01”), “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” This Issue provides guidance which should be used to determine the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” certain debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit-Organization,” and equity securities that are not subject to the scope of SFAS 115 and not accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The guidance also requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. We

 

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applied the new disclosure requirement as of March 31, 2004. The recognition and measurement guidance in the consensus should be applied to other-than-temporary impairment evaluations in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004 and the disclosure requirement for cost method investments are effective for annual financial statements for the years ending after June 15, 2004. We are in the process of determining the impact, if any, that adoption of this guidance will have on its result of operations and financial position.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates about expected future cash flows and other matters that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements in accordance with accounting policies established by our management. Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Certain accounting policies are particularly sensitive because of their significance to our reported results and because of the possibility that future events may differ significantly from the conditions and assumptions underlying the estimates used and judgments relating thereto made by our management in preparing our financial statements. Our senior management have discussed the selection and development of the accounting estimates and the following disclosure regarding the critical accounting policies with our independent public accountants as well as our corporate auditors. The corporate auditors attend meetings of the Board of Directors and certain executive meetings to express their opinion and are under a statutory duty to oversee the administration of our affairs by our Directors and to examine our financial statements. Our critical accounting policies are as follows.

 

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment, internal use software and other intangible assets

 

The values of our property, plant and equipment, such as the base stations, antennas, switching centers and transmission lines used by our cellular, PHS and Quickcast businesses, our internal use software and our other intangible assets are recorded in our financial statements at acquisition or development cost, and are depreciated or amortized over their estimated useful lives. We estimate the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, internal use software and other intangible assets in order to determine the amount of depreciation and amortization expense to be recorded in each fiscal year. Our total depreciation and amortization expenses in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 were ¥720,997 million, ¥749,197 million and ¥640,505 million, respectively. We determine the useful lives of our assets at the time the assets are acquired and base our determinations on expected use, experience with similar assets, established laws and regulations as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. The estimated useful lives of our wireless telecommunications equipment are generally set at six to 15 years. The estimated useful life of our internal use software is set at five years. If technological or other changes were to occur more rapidly or in a different form than anticipated or new laws or regulations are enacted or the intended use changes, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense or losses in future periods.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

We perform an impairment review for our long-lived assets to be held and used, including fixed assets, such as our property, plant and equipment, and certain identifiable intangibles, such as software for telecommunications network, internal-use software, and rights to use telecommunications facilities of wireline carriers, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. This analysis is separate from our analysis of the useful lives of our assets, but it is affected by some similar factors. Factors that we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, the following trends or conditions related to the business that utilizes a particular asset:

 

  significant decline in the market value of an asset;

 

  current period operating cash flow loss;

 

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  introduction of competing technologies and services;

 

  significant underperformance of expected or historical cash flows;

 

  significant or continuing decline in subscribers;

 

  changes in the manner of use of an asset; and

 

  other negative industry or economic trends.

 

When we determine that the carrying amount of specific assets may not be recoverable based on the existence or occurrence of one or more of the above or other factors, we estimate the future cash inflows and outflows expected to be generated by the assets over their expected useful lives. We estimate the sum of expected undiscounted future net cash flows based upon historical trends adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future net cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, we record an impairment loss based on the fair values of the assets. Such fair values may be based on established markets, independent appraisals and valuations or discounted cash flows. If actual market and operating conditions under which assets are used are less favorable or subscriber numbers are less than those projected by management, resulting in reduced cash flows, additional impairment charges for assets not previously written-off may be required.

 

No write-downs of our long-lived assets have been recorded in the last three fiscal years. We are monitoring our Quickcast (paging) business operation due to a previous impairment charge, decline in subscribers and decline in cash flows. We are also monitoring our PHS business operations due to current and historical operating losses. We currently estimate that the carrying values for paging assets, which were approximately ¥11.7 billion as of March 31, 2004, and PHS assets, which were approximately ¥112.3 billion as of March 31, 2004, will be recoverable.

 

Impairment of Goodwill

 

We review goodwill for impairment based on the requirements of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under this standard, an impairment testing process for goodwill is required to be performed at least annually or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the asset might be impaired. These events or circumstances include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business and other factors.

 

Our goodwill totaled ¥133,354 million as of March 31, 2004, and was recorded, based on valuation results, primarily as a result of the acquisition of minority interests in our eight regional subsidiaries through share exchanges in November 2002. The impairment test requires us to first compare the fair value of the reporting units to which our goodwill is assigned with their carrying amounts. The estimate of the fair value of the reporting units is primarily based on a present value technique using discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used in our cash flow projections include, among others, market growth and market share, churn rates, ARPU (average monthly revenue per unit) and capital expenditures for our mobile phone business. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment compares the implied fair value of goodwill of that reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

 

The use of different estimates or assumptions in our discounted cash flows may result in different values for our goodwill and any related impairment charge.

 

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Impairment of investments in affiliates

 

We have made investments in certain entities, which are accounted for on the equity method, the total carrying value for which was ¥324,155 million as of March 31, 2004. Equity method accounting requires that we assess if a decline in value of any such investment has occurred and, if so, whether such decline is other than temporary. We perform a review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recoverable. Factors that we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  significant or continuing declines in the market values of telecommunications industry companies;

 

  current period operating cash flow losses of the investee;

 

  significant underperformance of historical cash flows of the investee;

 

  significant impairment losses or write-downs recorded by the investee;

 

  significant changes in the quoted market price of public investee affiliates;

 

  negative results of competitors of investee affiliates; and

 

  other negative industry or economic trends.

 

In performing our evaluations, we utilize various information including cash flow projections, independent valuations and, if applicable, stock price analysis. Such projections and valuations necessarily require estimates involving, among other things, demographics such as population, penetration rates and churn rates, technology changes, capital expenditures, market growth and share, ARPU and terminal values.

 

Because of the economic and financial environment surrounding the telecommunication industry and resultant significant declines in equity values of telecommunications companies on a global basis in recent years, we review the business outlook of our affiliates in order to determine if the value of any of our investments in them have suffered a decline that was other than temporary. We utilize cash flow projections, independent valuations and other financial information and, as applicable, stock price analysis in performing our reviews and estimating investment values.

 

As a result of such evaluations, we determined that there were other than temporary declines in the values of several of our investee affiliates and recorded impairment charges aggregating ¥624,644 million, net of deferred income taxes of ¥453,235 million, for the year ended March 31, 2002. The gross impairment charges were ¥664,493 million for AT&T Wireless, ¥320,481 million for KPN Mobile N.V. (“KPNM”), ¥36,461 million for KGT and ¥56,444 million for Hutchison H3G UK Holdings Limited (“H3G UK”). We also recorded impairment charges aggregating ¥319,564 million, net of deferred income taxes of ¥225,535 million, for the year ended March 31, 2003. The gross impairment charges were ¥284,078 million for AT&T Wireless, ¥117,898 million for KPNM, ¥9,619 million for KGT, ¥123,245 million for H3G UK and ¥10,259 million for DoCoMo AOL, Inc. The impairment charges are included in equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates in our income statement. For the year ended March 31, 2004, we determined that there was no other than temporary declines in the values of our investee affiliates. While we believe the remaining carrying values of our affiliate investments are realizable, actual results or changes in circumstances, including cash flow projections or valuations, could require additional charges to be recorded.

 

Deferred tax assets

 

We record deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the estimated future tax effects of carryforwards and temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and the amount reported in the balance sheet. In determining the amount of the deferred tax asset or liability, we have to estimate the tax rates expected to be in effect during the carryforward periods or when the temporary differences reverse. We also may need to record a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets to reflect the likelihood that the

 

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future tax benefits will be realized. In determining the valuation allowance, we must estimate expected future taxable income and the timing for claiming and realizing tax deductions, and assess available tax planning strategies. If future taxable income is lower than expected or tax planning strategies are not available as anticipated, the valuation allowance may need to be recorded in the future in the period such determination is made.

 

Pension liabilities

 

We sponsor a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan which covers almost all of our employees. Calculation of the amount of pension cost and liabilities for retirement allowances requires us to make various judgments and assumptions including the discount rate, long-term rate of return on funded assets, long-term rate of salary increases and expected remaining service lives of our plan participants. We believe the most significant of these assumptions in the calculations are the discount rates and the expected long-term rate of return on funded assets. We determine an appropriate discount rate based on current market interest rates on high-quality, fixed-rate debt securities for maturity periods that match the remaining service lives of our plan participants. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, we consider the current and projected asset allocations, as well as expected long-term investment returns and risks for each category of the plan assets based on analysis of historical results. The rates are reviewed annually, and if an event occurs that would have significant influence on the rates or the investment environment changes dramatically, we review the assumptions, as necessary.

 

     Fiscal

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Discount rate

   2.5 %   2.0 %   2.0 %

Long-term rate of return on funded assets

   3.0     2.5     2.5  

 

We also participate in a contributory defined benefit welfare pension plan sponsored by NTT. The amount of our total projected benefit obligations for both of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plan and the contributory defined benefit welfare pension plan as of the end of the fiscal 2002 and 2003 were ¥283.5 billion and ¥289.2 billion, respectively. The amount is subject to change due to differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions, and the effect of such differences can be substantial. The differences between estimates and the actual benefit obligations are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of participants. For example, our projected benefit obligation in fiscal 2002 increased by ¥22.5 billion as a result of our changing the discount rate from 2.5% to 2.0%, which contributed to the increase in unrecognized actuarial losses during the year. We believe that if there is a similar change of the discount rate in the future with no other changes, it would have the same level of impact on the amount of our total projected benefit obligations.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Beginning April 1, 2000, we revised our revenue recognition policy to defer upfront activation fees and to recognize them as revenues over the expected term of the customer relationship, which ranges from two to seven years depending on the type of service. Related direct costs, to the extent of the activation fee amount, are also being deferred and amortized over the same periods. While this policy does not have any material impact on net income, the reported amounts of revenue and cost of services are affected by the level of activation fees and related direct costs and the estimated length of the customer relationship period over which such fees and costs are amortized. Factors that affect our estimate of the customer relationship period over which such fees and costs are amortized include subscriber churn rates, newly introduced or anticipated competing products, services and technologies. The current amortization periods are based on an analysis of historical trends and our experience. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, we amortized deferred activation fees of ¥3,982 million, ¥3,945 million and ¥4,409 million, respectively, as well as corresponding amounts of related deferred costs. As of March 31, 2004, remaining unamortized deferred activation fees were ¥121,265 million.

 

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Reconciliations of the Disclosed Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the Most Directly Comparable GAAP Financial Measures

 

Capital expenditures

 

We define capital expenditures as purchases of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets on an accrual basis which reflects the effects of timing differences between acquisition dates and payment dates. We have included the information concerning capital expenditures because our management uses this accrual basis measure to manage our capital expenditures and believes that it is useful to investors to present accrual basis capital expenditures in addition to the cash basis information in our consolidated cash flow statement. Capital expenditures, as we have defined it, may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of capital expenditures to purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible and other assets.

 

     Fiscal

 
     1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

 
     (millions of yen)  

Capital expenditures

   ¥ 876,058     ¥ 1,012,795     ¥ 1,032,256     ¥ 853,956     ¥ 805,482  

Effects of timing difference between acquisition dates and payment dates

     62,533       (55,319 )     30,445       10,750       (2,553 )
    


 


 


 


 


Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (745,002 )     (803,397 )     (863,184 )     (700,468 )     (625,284 )

Purchases of intangible and other assets

     (193,589 )     (154,079 )     (199,517 )     (164,238 )     (177,645 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Requirements

 

Our cash requirements for fiscal 2004, include money needed to make payments related to interest bearing liabilities and other contractual obligations, to expand our 3G FOMA infrastructure around Japan and to invest in other facilities. The sources of our funds are cash from current and future operations as well as future borrowings from banks and other financial institutions and the issuance of debt or equity securities in the capital markets. We believe that available cash reserves and expected cash from operations and future borrowings or issuance of debt or equity securities will provide sufficient financial resources to meet our currently anticipated capital and other expenditure requirements and to satisfy our debt service requirements. We also expect to obtain external financing if necessary for other opportunities, such as new business activities, acquisitions, joint ventures or other investments, through additional borrowing or the issuance of additional debt or equity securities. However, if we have underestimated our capital or other expenditure requirements or overestimated future cash flows, additional debt, equity or other financing may be required. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms or in a timely manner.

 

Long-term Debt and other Contractual Obligations

 

As of March 31, 2004, we had ¥1,091,596 million in long-term debt, including current maturities, primarily in loans from banks and other financial institutions and corporate bonds, while we had ¥1,338,368 million of long-term debt as of March 31, 2003. We did no long-term financing in fiscal 2003, while we actively reduced our long-term debt and repaid ¥245,411 million of long-term debt. In fiscal 2002, we issued five-year euro-dollar bonds in the aggregate amount of $100 million (¥11.8 billion at issuance) in March 2003, four-year domestic straight corporate bonds in the aggregate amount of ¥50 billion in January 2003 and five-year domestic straight corporate bonds in the aggregate amount of ¥100 billion in April 2002, for the purpose of refinancing existing

 

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long-term debt. In fiscal 2001 we issued long-term debt with an aggregate face amount of ¥397,000 million. In fiscal 2002 and 2001, we made payments for the settlement of long-term debt of ¥212,934 million and ¥177,686 million, respectively.

 

Of our long-term debt at March 31, 2004, ¥330,537 million, including current portion, was unsecured indebtedness to banks, insurance companies and others at fixed interest rates of 0.5% - 4.9% and with maturities currently from fiscal 2004 through fiscal 2012. As of March 31, 2004, we also had ¥761,059 million in unsecured bonds due from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2011 with coupon rates of 0.3%-3.5%. For information about our debt servicing schedule, see Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” We have been seeking to level out our repayment requirements.

 

The following table summarizes our long-term debt and lease payment obligations (including current portion) over the next several years.

 

Long Term Debt, Lease Obligations and other Contractual Obligations

 

          Payments Due by Period

Category of Obligations


   Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3 years

   4-5 years

   After 5 years

     (millions of yen)

Long-Term Debt

                                  

Unsecured Bonds

   ¥ 761,059    ¥ 8,000    ¥ 266,200    ¥ 157,969    ¥ 328,890

Unsecured Loans

     330,537      128,642      77,866      47,029      77,000

Capital Leases

     8,855      4,015      4,090      705      45

Operating Leases

     27,053      1,424      2,848      2,848      19,933

Other Contractual Obligations

     192,925      191,329      1,596      —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   ¥ 1,320,429    ¥ 333,410    ¥ 352,600    ¥ 208,551    ¥ 425,868

 

Our other contractual obligations as of March 31, 2004, principally consisted of commitments to purchase property and equipment for our cellular network, and commitments to purchase inventories, mainly handsets. As of March 31, 2004, we had committed ¥89,371 million for property and equipment, ¥40,993 million for inventories and ¥62,561 million for the other purchase commitments.

 

In addition to our existing commitments, we expect to make significant capital expenditures on an ongoing basis for our 3G and 2G networks and for other purposes. See “Capital Expenditures” below. Also, we consider potential opportunities to enter new areas of business, make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures, equity investments or other arrangements primarily in wireless communications businesses from time to time. Currently, we have no contingent liabilities related to litigation or guarantees that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

The wireless telecommunications industry is highly capital intensive and significant capital expenditures are required for the construction of wireless telecommunications networks. Our capital requirements for our networks are determined by the timing and requirements of new systems, such as the 3G system, the nature and the area of coverage desired, the number of subscribers served in an area and the expected traffic. Network construction costs depend on the number of cells in the service area, the number of radio channels in the cell and the switching equipment required. Capital expenditures are also required for such areas as information technology, research and development for 4G services and for servers for Internet-related services.

 

Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2003 decreased from fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2003, we reduced our capital expenditures for the 2G network and actively made capital expenditures for the 3G (FOMA) network to make it more

 

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efficient, while in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000, we made capital expenditures for expansion of the 2G network and for construction of the 3G (FOMA) network. Specifically, in fiscal 2002, we made capital expenditures to further build the 3G (FOMA) network in order to expand the FOMA service area nationwide and to further improve communication quality in existing service areas. We also tried to make network expenditures more efficient by introducing smaller and less expensive base station equipment and decreasing equipment acquisition costs.

 

Total capital expenditures on an accrual basis were ¥805,482 million for fiscal 2003, ¥853,956 million for fiscal 2002 and ¥1,032.3 billion for fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2003, 48.6% of capital expenditures were used for construction of our 3G (FOMA) network, 23.8% for general capital expenditures, 10.5% for construction of the 2G network, 8.9% for construction of transmission lines and 6.6% for i-mode related expenditures. By comparison, in fiscal 2002, 40.1% of capital expenditures were used for construction of our 3G network, 28.6% for general capital expenditures, 10.8% for construction of the 2G network, 10.7% for construction of transmission lines and 8.8% for i-mode related expenditures.

 

In fiscal 2004, we expect total capital expenditures to be approximately ¥796.0 billion (on an accrual basis), of which approximately 59% will be for construction of our 3G (FOMA) network, approximately 22% for general capital expenditures, approximately 9% for construction of transmission lines, approximately 6% for construction of the 2G network and approximately 4% for i-mode related expenditures, which we expect to finance with internal cash flows. These capital investments will take place in Japan. Our 3G population coverage was approximately 99% of Japan as of the end of March 2004, and according to our current 3G construction schedule we will not only expand outdoor coverage efficiently but also reinforce indoor coverage roll-out. For example, we expanded the coverage area of FOMA to all subway stations in Tokyo in June 2004.

 

We currently expect capital expenditures for each of the next few fiscal years will be at approximately the same level as this fiscal year primarily because increased capital expenditures relating to expanding, maintaining and upgrading our 3G (FOMA) system will be largely offset by decreasing capital expenditures related to our current 2G network.

 

Our level of capital expenditures may vary significantly from expected levels for a number of reasons. Capital expenditures for expansion and enhancement of our existing cellular network may be influenced by the growth in subscribers and traffic, which is difficult to predict with certainty, the ability to identify and procure suitably located base station sites on commercially reasonable terms, competitive environments in particular regions and other factors. The nature, scale and timing of capital expenditures to reinforce our 3G network may be materially different from current plans due to demand (either higher or lower than anticipated) for the services, delays in the construction of the network or in the introduction of services and changes in the variable costs of components for the network. We expect that these capital expenditures will be affected by market demand for our mobile multimedia services, including i-mode, and other data transmission services, and by schedule of ongoing expansion of the existing networks to meet the demand.

 

Sources of Cash

 

As described above, we will continue to require significant capital expenditures to further develop our operations, including further construction of our 3G network. We will also require funds for repayment of our debt. Our primary source of funds to finance our capital expenditures and other capital requirements has been cash flow from operating activities and financing activities.

 

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The following table sets forth certain information about our cash flows during fiscal 2003, fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001:

 

     Fiscal

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 
     (millions of yen)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   ¥ 1,341,088     ¥ 1,584,610     ¥ 1,710,243  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,125,093 )     (871,430 )     (847,309 )

Net cash used in financing activities

     (33,372 )     (333,277 )     (705,856 )
    


 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     182,623       379,903       157,079  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     118,425       301,048       680,951  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   ¥ 301,048     ¥ 680,951     ¥ 838,030  
    


 


 


 

For fiscal 2003, our net cash provided by operating activities was ¥1,710,243 million, an increase of 7.9% over ¥1,584,610 million for fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to a slight increase in operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, and a decrease in income tax payments and increase in tax refunds, owing to realization of deferred tax asset from the impairment of investment in KPNM.

 

For fiscal 2002, our net cash provided by operating activities was ¥1,584,610 million, an increase of 18.2% over fiscal 2001. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2002 was primarily due to higher operating income, excluding depreciation and amortization, despite an increase in income taxes, and telephone bill receivables totaling approximately ¥244.0 billion for fiscal 2001 which were collected in fiscal 2002 because the last day of fiscal 2001 coincided with a bank holiday.

 

In fiscal 2003, net cash used in investing activities was ¥847,309 million, a decrease of 2.8%, compared to ¥871,430 million in the prior fiscal year. Although we used ¥38,242 million as a shareholder loan against H3G UK, net cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. We expect to continue to make significant capital expenditures in our networks and for other purposes and expect to fund such expenditures primarily from net cash provided by operating activities.

 

In fiscal 2002, net cash used in investing activities was ¥871,430 million, a decrease of 22.5%, compared to ¥1,125,093 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was due primarily to a decrease in capital expenditures for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, and intangible and other assets as well as a decrease in purchase of investments.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was ¥705,856 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of 111.8%, compared to ¥333,277 million in fiscal 2002. We paid dividend of ¥49,813 million and repurchased our own shares totaling ¥394,903 million to increase our capital efficiency, and reduced interest bearing liabilities totaling ¥255,411 million to strengthen our financial position.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was ¥333,277 million in fiscal 2002 compared to ¥33,372 million in fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2002, we paid dividend of ¥10,036 million, repurchased our own shares totaling ¥234,462 million, which we mostly used to acquire the remaining minority interests in our eight regional subsidiaries in share exchanges, and a reduced ¥81,710 million in interest bearing liabilities to strengthen our financial position.

 

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2004, amounted to ¥838,030 million, representing an increase of ¥157,079 million from ¥680,951 million at March 31, 2003.

 

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2003, amounted to ¥680,951 million, representing an increase of ¥379,903 million from ¥301,048 million at March 31, 2002.

 

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As for our sources of cash for fiscal 2004, we expect our cash flow from operating activities to decrease from the prior year, because of a decrease in operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, and an increase in corporate tax payment compared to the prior year when there was less tax payment due to the realization of deferred tax asset from the impairment of our investment in KPNM. On the other hand, if the sale of our AT&T Wireless shares took place and approximately US$6,495 million of cash flow from investing activities realized, there will be a net positive effect on our total cash flow compared to the prior year.

 

Hedging Activities

 

Derivative Transactions

 

We enter into certain interest rate swap contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on our debt. We employ foreign currency forward transactions to hedge risks related to foreign currency denominated transactions which exceed a certain amount. We had no foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding at March 31, 2004 or March 31, 2003. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. We enter into derivative transactions only with major financial institutions. We maintain and comply with an internal regulation that specifies the type of derivative transactions we can enter into and the procedures to approve and monitor such transactions . Our participation in such transactions has not had, and our management believes that it will not have, a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

The total notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at March 31, 2004 to which we were a party was ¥51,500 million.

 

Other Hedging Activities

 

We are also subject to foreign exchange rate risk with respect to our foreign investments because those investments are denominated in foreign currencies. On March 5, 2003, we issued $100 million in unsecured corporate bonds in order to hedge a portion of our investment in AT&T Wireless. This financial instrument is effective as a hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Translation gains or losses from this instrument, which offset translation gains or losses on the investment in AT&T Wireless, are recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss). The translation loss as of March 31, 2004, from this instrument was ¥712 million and was recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment for fiscal 2003.

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

Our research and development activities embrace three key efforts: development of new products and services such as handsets and applications for 3G systems, research and development related to fourth-generation systems and upgrading the functions of 2G systems. Research and development expenses are charged to income as incurred. We spent ¥124,514 million, ¥126,229 million and ¥99,454 million as research and development in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Beginning in the second half of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, we have been investing in the development of FOMA phones being developed by various handset manufacturers. The amounts of our investment in the development of FOMA phones during fiscal 2003 and 2002, were ¥23.5 billion and ¥17.5 billion, respectively.

 

See “Research and Development” in Item 4.B. for further information on our research and development.

 

D. Trend Information.

 

The competition in the Japanese mobile communications market became increasingly harsh in fiscal 2003, with each carrier introducing new price plans and handsets equipped with highly advanced features to respond to

 

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the diversification of customer needs as the penetration rate of cellular phones continued to rise. As the downtrend in the average revenue per unit (ARPU) of our subscribers continues, we are expecting a decline in our operating revenues and operating income in fiscal 2004, because we have decided to lower our service charges to strengthen our competitiveness and propel growth in the future, e.g., by expanding our “Family Discount” package and introducing flat-rate charges for packet access via FOMA, and also due to the projected increase in revenue-linked expenses associated with our efforts to accelerate subscribers’ migration to FOMA.

 

In fiscal 2003, aggregate ARPU declined from the previous fiscal year and we believe that it will continue to decline in fiscal 2004. Voice ARPU in fiscal 2003, declined from the previous fiscal year and will continue to decline in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. Packet ARPU in fiscal 2003, continued to grow at a slower pace than in previous years, and we expect that it will decline in fiscal 2004.

 

We base our expectations on the following assumptions:

 

  the number of subscribers as of March 31, 2005, will increase to approximately 47.7 million (of which approximately 43.4 million will also be subscribers to i-mode) including approximately 10.6 million FOMA subscribers and approximately 37.1 million mova subscribers, representing a lower annual growth rate as compared with the growth rates for previous years as we enter a period of stable growth;

 

  handset sales revenues are expected to increase slightly during fiscal 2004 as compared with handset sales revenues for fiscal 2003, resulting in slightly higher operating revenues from equipment sales;

 

  aggregate ARPU will decrease as a result of the following:

 

  Voice ARPU will further decrease because of (i) lower voice communication rate, due to the rate reduction that took place in April 2004, (ii) full-year impact of rate reduction that took place after April 2003, (iii) an increase in subscribers using their most appropriate tariff plans, and (iv) reduction in minutes of usage due to an increase in the proportion of lower usage subscribers.

 

  i-mode ARPU will decrease due to discounts and introduction of flat rate services; and

 

  we will continue to implement efforts to control operating expense increases.

 

Although we expect an increase in our income before income taxes in fiscal 2004, due to our possible sale of AT&T Wireless shares to Cingular, it is only a one-time effect and is not indicative of our future financial condition.

 

Further information regarding trend information is contained elsewhere in this Item 5.

 

The discussion above includes forward-looking statements based on management’s assumptions and beliefs as to the factors set forth above, as to market and industry conditions and as to our performance under those conditions and are subject to the qualifications set forth in “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” which can be found immediately following the table of contents. Our actual results could vary significantly from these projections and could be influenced by a number of factors and uncertainties, including changes in the market and industry conditions, competition, the continuing success of i-mode and other factors and risks as discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D. Additionally, unanticipated events and circumstances may affect our actual financial and operating results. As a result, no representation can be or is made with respect to the accuracy of the foregoing projections.

 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

Not applicable.

 

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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.

 

See Item.5.B.

 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.

 

A. Directors and Senior Management.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Auditors

 

The following table sets forth our Directors (who include the executive officers) and Corporate Auditors and certain other information:

 

Name


  

Position


  

Responsibility


  

Date of Birth


  

Current
Term
Expires


   Shares
Owned (1)


  

Initial
Appointment
Date


Directors:

                             

Masao Nakamura (2)

   President and Chief Executive Officer       Nov. 11, 1944    June 2006    47    June 1998

Masayuki Hirata (2)

   Senior Executive Vice President    Managing Director of Global Business Division    Jul. 30, 1947    June 2006    41    June 2000

Kunio lshikawa (2)

   Senior Executive Vice President    Managing Director of Network Division    Sep. 2, 1948    June 2006    38    June 1999

Seijiro Adachi (2)

   Senior Executive Vice President       Jul. 8, 1944    June 2006    5    June 2004

Kei-ichi Enoki

   Executive Vice President   

Managing Director of Products & Services Division

Managing Director of i-mode Business Division

Managing Director of i-mode Business Department

Managing Director of Mobile Multimedia Division

   Mar. 15, 1949    June 2006    57    June 2000

Yasuhiro Kadowaki

   Executive Vice President    Managing Director of General Affairs Department    Apr. 30, 1948    June 2006    32    June 2001

Takanori Utano

   Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer    Managing Director of Research and Development Division    Sep. 20, 1949    June 2006    24    June 2001

Kiyoyuki Tsujimura

   Executive Vice President    Managing Director of Corporate Strategy & Planning Department    Jan. 11, 1950    June 2006    50    June 2001

Shunichi Tamari

   Executive Vice President    General Manager, Chiba Branch    Jan. 10, 1949    June 2006    28    June 2002

Takashi Sakamoto

   Executive Vice President    Managing Director of Marketing Division    Jan. 13, 1949    June 2006    15    June 2002

Shuro Hoshizawa

   Executive Vice President    Managing Director of Corporate Marketing Division    Jun. 17, 1949    June 2006    10    June 2002

Yoshiaki Ugaki

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    Managing Director of Accounts and Finance Department    Nov. 23, 1949    June 2006    6    June 2004

 

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Name


  

Position


  

Responsibility


  

Date of Birth


  

Current
Term
Expires


   Shares
Owned (1)


  

Initial
Appointment
Date


Hideki Niimi

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Procurement and Supply Department    Feb. 26, 1951    June 2006    12    June 2002

Yojiro Inoue

   Senior Vice President    General Manager, Marunouchi Branch    Mar. 25, 1949    June 2006    12    June 2003

Harunari Futatsugi

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Personnel Development Department    Nov. 23, 1951    June 2006    11    June 2003

Bunya Kumagai

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Sales Promotion Department, Marketing Division    Oct. 13, 1952    June 2006    29    June 2003

Seiji Tanaka

   Senior Vice President    Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Marketing Division    Nov. 16, 1942    June 2006    8    June 2004

Hiroaki Nishioka

   Senior Vice President    General Manager, Kanagawa Branch    Jan. 30, 1949    June 2006    7    June 2004

Fumio Nakanishi

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of DIG Promotion Office, General Affairs Department    Jan. 22, 1950    June 2006    10    June 2004

Akio Ooshima

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Corporate Marketing Department II    Jun. 23, 1951    June 2006    6    June 2004

Masatoshi Suzuki

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Public Relations Department    Oct. 30, 1951    June 2006    5    June 2004

Fumio Iwasaki(3)

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Network Planning Department, Network Division    Feb. 28, 1953    June 2006    8    June 2004

Tsuyoshi Nishiyama

   Senior Vice President    Managing Director of Radio Access Network Engineering Department, Network Division    Dec. 24, 1953    June 2006    10    June 2004

Keiji Tachikawa

   Senior Vice President    Corporate Advisor    May 27, 1939    June 2006    142    June 1997

Masayuki Yamamura

   Senior Vice President       Mar. 30, 1953    June 2006    5    June 2002

Keisuke Nakasaki (4)

   Corporate Auditor       Oct. 10, 1941    June 2007    38    June 2000

Shinichi Nakatani (4)

   Corporate Auditor       Aug. 31, 1943    June 2007    14    June 2002

Satoshi Fujita (4)

   Corporate Auditor       Mar. 3, 1944    June 2007    5    June 2003

Shoichi Matsuhashi (4)

   Corporate Auditor       Nov. 15, 1943    June 2008    5    June 2004

Michiharu Sakurai

   Corporate Auditor       Mar. 4, 1937    June 2007    13    June 2003

(1) DoCoMo shares owned as of June 19, 2004. No Director or Corporate Auditor owns more than 0.0003% of DoCoMo’s shares of common stock.
(2) Representative Director.
(3) Also Chairman of In-Tunnel Cellular Association.
(4) Full-time Corporate Auditor.

 

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Masao Nakamura joined NTT Public Corporation in 1969. He became a General Manager of the Saitama Branch of NTT in 1996. He also became a Senior Vice President of our company in 1998 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 1999 and a Senior Executive Vice President of our company in 2002. He has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of our company since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 1998.

 

Masayuki Hirata joined NTT Public Corporation in 1970. He became an Executive Manager of Department IV of NTT in 1999 and a Senior Vice President of our company in 2000 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2001 and a Senior Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Executive Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Global Business Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2000.

 

Kunio Ishikawa joined NTT Public Corporation in 1971. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 1999 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2002 and a Senior Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Executive Vice President of our company since 2004 and as a Managing Director of the Network Division since 2002 and as a Director of our company since 1999.

 

Seijiro Adachi joined the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1968. He became a Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for the Policyholders of Postal Office Life Insurance in 2002. He became a Senior Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Executive Vice President of our company since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Kei-ichi Enoki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1974. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2000 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2003. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company since 2003 and as a Managing Director of the i-mode Business Division and as a Managing Director of the i-mode Business Department since 2001 and as a Managing Director of Products & Services Division and as a Managing Director of the Mobile Multimedia Division since 2004. He has also served as a Director of our company since 2000.

 

Yasuhiro Kadowaki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1971. He became an Executive Manager of the General Affairs Department of NTT West in 1999. He also became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2001 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2003. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company since 2003 and as a Managing Director of the General Affairs Department since 2002 and as a Director of our company since 2001.

 

Takanori Utano joined NTT Public Corporation in 1974. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2001 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as an Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of our company and as a Managing Director of the Research and Development Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2001.

 

Kiyoyuki Tsujimura joined NTT Public Corporation in 1975. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2001 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company since 2004 and as a Managing Director of the Corporate Strategy & Planning Department since 2002 and as a Director of our company since 2001.

 

Shunichi Tamari joined NTT Public Corporation in 1971. He became a Senior Vice President of NTT DoCoMo Hokuriku in 1999 and an Executive Vice President of the company in 2001. He also became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2002 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company and as a General Manager, Chiba Branch since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2002.

 

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Takashi Sakamoto joined NTT Public Corporation in 1973. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2002 and an Executive Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Marketing Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2002.

 

Shuro Hoshizawa joined NTT Public Corporation in 1973. He became a Senior Manager of the Corporate Strategy Planning Department of NTT East in 1999. He also became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2002 and as an Executive Vice President in 2004. He has served as an Executive Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Corporate Marketing Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2002.

 

Yoshiaki Ugaki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1972. He became a Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Accounts and Finance Department of NTT DoCoMo Kansai in 2002. He has served as an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of our company and as a Managing Director of the Accounts and Finance Department of our company since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Hideki Niimi joined NTT Public Corporation in 1976. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2002. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company since 2002 and as a Managing Director of the Procurement and Supply Department of our company since 2003 and as a Director of our company since 2002.

 

Yojiro Inoue joined the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1972. He became a Vice President of the Satellite Information Foundation for Horse Racing Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries in 2000. He also became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2003. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company since 2003 and as a General Manager, Marunouchi Branch since 2004. He has also served as a Director of our company since 2003.

 

Harunari Futatsugi joined NTT Public Corporation in 1976. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2003. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company since 2003 and as a Managing Director of the Personnel Development Department since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2003.

 

Bunya Kumagai joined NTT Public Corporation in 1975. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2003. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Sales Promotion Department, Marketing Division of our company since 2003. He has also served as a Director of our company since 2003.

 

Seiji Tanaka joined the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1968. He became a Director General, University of the Air Foundation in 2001. He became an Advisor of our company in 2003 and a senior vice president of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Deputy Managing Director of the Corporate Marketing Division since 2004 and also as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Hiroaki Nishioka joined NTT Public Corporation in 1971. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a General Manager, Kanagawa Branch since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Fumio Nakanishi joined the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1972. He became an Advisor of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in 2003. He became a Senior Vice president of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the DIG Promotion Office, General Affairs Department since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

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Akio Ooshima joined NTT Public Corporation in 1974. He became a Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Corporate Strategy & Planning Department of NTT DoCoMo Kyushu in 2002. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of Corporate Marketing Department II since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Masatoshi Suzuki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1975. He became a General Manager, Miyagi Branch of NTT East in 2002. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of Public Relations Department since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Fumio Iwasaki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1977. He became a Senior Vice President and a Managing Director of Corporate Strategy & Planning Department of NTT DoCoMo Chugoku in 2002. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Network Planning Department, Network Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004. He has also served as the Chairman of In-Tunnel Cellular Association since 2004.

 

Tsuyoshi Nishiyama joined NTT Public Corporation in 1978. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2004. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company and as a Managing Director of the Radio Access Network Engineering Department, Network Division since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 2004.

 

Keiji Tachikawa joined NTT Public Corporation in 1962. He became a Senior Executive Vice President of NTT in 1996. He also became a Senior Executive Vice President of our company in 1997 and the President and Chief Executive Officer of our company in 1998. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of our company from 1998 to 2004. He has served as a Corporate Advisor of our company since 2004 and as a Director of our company since 1997.

 

Masayuki Yamamura joined NTT Public Corporation in 1978. He became a Senior Vice President of our company in 2002. He has served as a Senior Vice President of our company since 2002 and as a General Manager of Department I of NTT since 1999 and as a Director of our company since 2002.

 

Keisuke Nakasaki joined NTT Public Corporation in 1965. He became the President and Chief Executive Officer of NTT America, Inc. in 1998. He also became a full-time Corporate Auditor in 2000.

 

Shinichi Nakatani joined NTT Public Corporation in 1966. He became a Senior Vice President and a Director of our company in 1995 and an Executive Vice President of NTT Advanced Technology Corporation since 1998. He also became a full-time Corporate Auditor in 2002.

 

Satoshi Fujita joined NTT Public Corporation in 1969. He became an Executive Vice President of NTT Communications Corporation in 2002. He also became a full-time Corporate Auditor of our company in 2003.

 

Michiharu Sakurai became a professor of Accounting at Senshu University in 1979. He became a Corporate Auditor of our company in 2003.

 

Shoichi Matsuhashi joined NTT Public Corporation in 1969. He became the President of DoCoMo Engineering Tohoku in 2002. He became a full-time Corporate Auditor of our company in 2004.

 

Our Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our Articles of Incorporation provide for a maximum of 43 Directors. Directors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders from among those candidates nominated by the Board of Directors. The candidates may also be nominated by shareholders. The normal term of office of Directors is two years, although they may serve any number of

 

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consecutive terms. The Board of Directors elects from among its members one or more Representative Directors, who have the authority individually to represent us. From among its members, the Board of Directors also elects the President and may elect a Chairman and one or more Senior Executive Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents.

 

Our Articles of Incorporation provide for not more than five Corporate Auditors. Under the Commercial Code of Japan and related law, the Corporate Auditors collectively constitute the Board of Corporate Auditors. Corporate Auditors, at least one of whom must be from outside our company, are elected at a general meeting of shareholders from among those candidates nominated by the Board of Directors with the prior consent of our Board of Corporate Auditors. The candidates may also be nominated by shareholders. The Board of Corporate Auditors may, by its resolution, request that the Board of Directors submit to a general meeting of shareholders an item of business concerning election of Corporate Auditors and/or proposed candidates of Corporate Auditors. The normal term of office of a Corporate Auditor is four years, although they may serve any number of consecutive terms. Corporate Auditors are under a statutory duty to oversee the administration of our affairs by our Directors, to examine our financial statements and business reports to be submitted by our Board of Directors to the general meetings of our shareholders and to report to the shareholders regarding any actions by our Board of Directors that are seriously unreasonable or which are in violation of laws, ordinances or the Articles of Incorporation of our company. They are obliged to attend meetings of the Board of Directors and to express their opinions if they deem necessary, but they are not entitled to vote. The Board of Corporate Auditors has a statutory duty to prepare and submit an audit report to the Board of Directors each year. A Corporate Auditor may note his opinion in the audit report if his opinion is different from the opinion expressed in the audit report. The Board of Corporate Auditors is empowered to establish audit principles, the methods of examination by Corporate Auditors of our affairs and financial position and other matters concerning the performance of the Corporate Auditors’ duties.

 

In addition to Corporate Auditors, we must appoint independent public accountants who have statutory duties to examine the financial statements to be submitted by the Board of Directors to the general meetings of shareholders, reporting thereon to the Corporate Auditors and the Directors, and examining the financial statements to be filed with the Director of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau of Japan. Since our incorporation, KPMG AZSA& Co., formerly KPMG, has acted as our independent public accountants.

 

B. Compensation.

 

The aggregate compensation we paid to the 29 Directors and six Corporate Auditors during fiscal 2003 was ¥526 million and ¥61 million, respectively. We did not pay bonuses to the Directors and Corporate Auditors out of retained earnings for fiscal 2003. In accordance with customary Japanese business practices, a retiring Director or Corporate Auditor receives a lump-sum retirement payment, which is subject to the approval of the general meeting of shareholders. Total expenses for retirement benefits for three Directors and one Corporate Auditor in fiscal 2003 amounted to ¥40 million and ¥5 million, respectively.

 

C. Board Practices.

 

Information required by this item is set forth in Items 6.A. and 6.B. of this annual report. We do not have any contracts with directors providing for severance benefits upon termination of employment.

 

D. Employees.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 4.B. of this annual report.

 

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E. Share Ownership.

 

Information required by this item is set forth in Item 6.A. of this annual report and below. We have not granted stock options to any of our directors or corporate auditors and we do not currently have any stock option plans approved pursuant to which they may be granted shares or stock options.

 

As of May 31, 2004, our Directors and Corporate Auditors owned 1,091 of our shares. Currently, most of our Directors and Corporate Auditors participate in a director stock purchase plan, pursuant to which a plan administrator makes open market purchases of shares for the accounts of participating directors on a monthly basis.

 

Certain of our employees, our eight regional subsidiaries’ employees and certain other of our subsidiaries’ employees participate in an employee stock purchase plan, pursuant to which a plan administrator makes open market purchases of our shares for the accounts of participating employees on a monthly basis. Such purchases are made out of amounts deducted from each participating employee’s salary. In addition, if the employee chooses to participate in an optional benefit plan, we contribute ¥80 for each ¥1,000 contributed by the employee.

 

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

 

A. Major Shareholders.

 

As of March 31, 2004, NTT owned 30,894,000 shares, or 63.58%, of our outstanding voting shares and, to the best of our knowledge, no other shareholder beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares. The Government of Japan, through the Minister of Finance, owned 45.96% of the voting rights of NTT as of the same date. NTT does not have any special voting rights. For more information regarding our relationship with NTT, see Item 4.B. “Business Overview—Relationship with NTT”.

 

In February 2001, as a result of our issuance of new shares, NTT’s share ownership of our company fell from 67.1% to 64.1%. In August 2002, in connection with a share exchange with our regional subsidiaries in which we repurchased some of our shares from NTT, NTT’s share ownership of our company fell from 64.1% to 63.0%. In September 2003, in response to our repurchase of shares by way of a tender offer, NTT sold a portion of its interest and NTT’s share ownership of our company fell from 63.0% to 61.6%.

 

The ownership and distribution of the shares by category of shareholders according to our register of shareholders and register of beneficial shareholders as at March 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

Category


   Number of
Shareholders


   Number of
Shares Held


   Percentage of
Total
Issued Shares


 

Japanese financial institutions

   344    7,870,547    15.69  

Japanese securities companies

   92    272,418    0.54  

Other Japanese corporations

   3,340    31,671,236    63.12  

Foreign corporations and individuals

   1,079    5,810,766    11.58  

Japanese individuals, treasury shares and others

   355,406    4,555,033    9.07  
    
  
  

Total

   360,261    50,180,000    100.00 %
    
  
  


According to The Bank of New York, depositary for our ADSs, as of March 31, 2004, 125,048 shares of our common stock were held in the form of 12,504,800 ADRs and there were 11 ADR holders of record in the United States. According to our register of shareholders and register of beneficial shareholders, as of March 31, 2004, there were 320,261 holders of common stock of record worldwide. As of March 31, 2004, there were 189 record holders of our common stock with addresses in the United States, whose shareholdings represented

 

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approximately 3.8% of the outstanding common stock on that date. Because some of these ADSs and shares were held by brokers or other nominees, the number of record holders with addresses in the United States may be fewer than the number of beneficial owners in the United States.

 

None of our shares of common stock entitles the holder to any preferential voting rights.

 

We know of no arrangements the operation of which may at a later time result in a change of control.

 

On January 25, 2002, our Board of Directors declared a five-for-one common stock split. The record date for the split was March 31, 2002, and the new shares were distributed on May 15, 2002.

 

B. Related Party Transactions.

 

On December 28, 1999, we lent NTT East ¥7,500 million at an interest rate of 0.68%. The loan matured and was repaid by NTT East on January 11, 2000. On March 24, 2000, we lent NTT East ¥30,000 million at an interest rate of 0.10%. The loan matured and was repaid by NTT East on June 23, 2000. NTT East is a subsidiary of our parent NTT.

 

On March 24, 2000, we lent NTT West ¥10,000 million at an interest rate of 0.10%. The loan matured and was repaid by NTT West on June 23, 2000. NTT West is a subsidiary of our parent NTT.

 

We have entered into cost-sharing and construction and maintenance contracts with In-Tunnel Cellular Association, the Chairman (as of June 24, 2004) of which, Fumio Iwasaki, is also one of our directors. He replaced as Chairman Harunari Futatsugi, is also one of our directors. After a resolution of our Board of Directors, the contracts were entered into on terms similar to those made with third parties. Income from such contracts was ¥11,970 million for the year ended March 31, 2004. The results of these transactions are reported to and approved by our Board of Directors.

 

For information regarding our relationship with NTT, see Item 4.B. “Business Overview—Relationship with NTT”.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Financial Information.

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.

 

Financial Statements

 

The information required by this item is set forth beginning on page F-2 of this annual report.

 

Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

 

The information on legal or arbitration proceedings required by this item is set forth in Item 4.B. of this annual report.

 

Dividend Policy

 

Our basic principles are to strengthen our financial position, maintain internal reserves in order to build a highly advanced network, offer high-quality and stable services and promote mobile multimedia. At the same time, we aim to continue stable dividend payments taking into account our business performance and the

 

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business environment, with the goal to continue to pay regular dividends. We expect to pay an annual dividend of ¥2,000 per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, which will consist of a ¥1,000 interim dividend and a ¥1,000 year-end dividend.

 

B. Significant Changes.

 

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, there has been no significant change in our financial position since March 31, 2004, the date of our last audited financial statements.

 

Item 9. The Offer and Listing.

 

A. Offer and Listing Details.

 

Price Ranges of Shares

 

Since October 1998, our shares have been listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. On June 21, 2004, the closing sale price of our shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was ¥197,000 per share. Our shares are also quoted and traded through the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. The following table indicates the trading price of our shares, the average daily trading volume and the closing levels of the Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX for the periods indicated:

 

   

Tokyo Stock Exchange

Price per share (1)


  Average
daily trading
volume of
shares


  Closing TOPIX

  Closing Nikkei Stock
Average


    High

  Low

    High

  Low

  High

  Low

Fiscal Period

                                   

1998 (from October 22, 1998 to March 31, 1999):

  ¥ 259,200   ¥ 162,000   96,460   1,269.76   1,028.61   ¥ 16,378.78   ¥ 13,232.74

1999:

                                   

First quarter

    344,000     232,400   90,875   1,425.64   1,292.07     17,782.79     15,972.68

Second quarter

    420,000     330,000   49,700   1,535.23   1,420.64     18,532.58     16,821.06

Third quarter

    814,000     414,000   91,170   1,722.20   1,460.23     18,934.34     17,254.17

Fourth quarter

    914,000     610,000   79,140   1,754.78   1,558.15     20,706.65     18,168.27

2000:

                                   

First quarter

    870,000     518,000   82,020   1,732.45   1,504.93     20,833.21     16,008.14

Second quarter

    680,000     502,000   49,065   1,613.89   1,439.43     17,614.66     15,626.96

Third quarter

    674,000     390,000   57,130   1,512.20   1,255.16     16,149.08     13,423.21

Fourth quarter

    514,000     360,000   80,095   1,337.63   1,161.97     14,032.42     11,819.70

2001:

                                   

First quarter

    580,000     392,000   73,745   1,440.97   1,254.19     14,529.41     12,574.26

Second quarter

    438,000     228,000   78,960   1,293.42   990.80     12,817.41     9,504.41

Third quarter

    364,000     278,000   89,275   1,107.83   988.98     11,064.30     9,924.23

Fourth quarter

    369,000     262,000   94,008   1,125.43   922.51     11,919.30     9,420.85

2002:

                                   

First quarter

    373,000     274,000   74,292   1,139.43   984.28     11,979.85     10,074.56

Second quarter

    303,000     201,000   72,296   1,050.14   886.39     10,960.25     9,075.09

Third quarter

    257,000     203,000   57,337   903.37   815.74     9,215.56     8,303.39

Fourth quarter

    258,000     201,000   63,408   865.43   770.62     8,790.92     7,862.43

2003:

                                   

First quarter

    276,000     225,000   64,097   865.43   770.62     9,137.14     7,607.88

Second quarter

    315,000     260,000   84,490   904.32   773.10     11,033.32     9,265.56

Third quarter

    291,000     216,000   99,485   1075.73   915.91     11,161.71     9,614.60

Fourth quarter

    249,000     213,000   109,584   1105.59   953.19     11,770.65     10,365.40

Calendar Period

                                   

2003:

                                   

December

    246,000     216,000   83,477   1,043.69   980.58     10,676.64     9,910.56

2004:

                                   

January

    249,000     228,000   97,413   1,076.93   1,044.57     11,103.10     10,665.15

February

    237,000     213,000   119,592   1,082.47   1,022.61     11,041.92     10,365.40

March

    239,000     217,000   111,370   1,179.23   1,107.37     11,770.65     11,162.75

April

    241,000     219,000   92,792   1,217.87   1,175.01     12,163.89     11,683.42

May

    217,000     187,000   126,349   1,165.24   1,053.77     11,571.34     10,505.05

June (through June 21, 2004)

    205,000     195,000   80,941   1,167.09   1,119.56     11,641.72     11,027.05

 

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(1) On January 25, 2002, our Board of Directors declared a five-for-one common stock split. The record date for the split was March 31, 2002, and the new shares were distributed on May 15, 2002. Due to this stock split, there are 40,144,000 additional shares issued and 50,180,000 total shares in issue.

 

The table above has been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one common stock split which occurred on May 15, 2002.

 

Since March 2002, our American Depositary Shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange. On June 21, 2004, the closing sale price of American Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange was $18.06 per share. The following table indicates the trading price of our American Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated:

 

      

New York Stock Exchange

Price per share


     Average
daily trading
volume of
shares


           High    

         Low    

    

Fiscal Period:

                        

2003:

                        

First quarter

     $ 23.44      $ 19.03      28,313

Second quarter

       26.83        22.00      46,695

Third quarter

       26.44        20.28      83,409

Fourth quarter

       23.59        20.15      111,153

Calendar Period:

                        

2003:

                        

December

     $ 22.93      $ 20.28      66,136

2004:

                        

January

       23.59        21.50      95,845

February

       22.04        20.23      164,226

March

       22.16        20.15      105,404

April

       22.95        20.10      115,448

May

       20.28        16.64      134,155

June (through June 21, 2004)

       18.79        17.48      43,373

 

The table above has been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one common stock split which occurred on May 15, 2002 and the ADS ratio change which occurred on May 22, 2002.

 

B. Plan of Distribution.

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets.

 

See Item 9.A. of this annual report for information on the markets on which our common stock is listed or quoted.

 

D. Selling Shareholders.

 

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution.

 

Not applicable.

 

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F. Expenses of the Issue.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Additional Information.

 

A. Share Capital.

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.

 

Objects and Purposes in Our Articles of Incorporation

 

Article 2 of our Articles of Incorporation, which are attached as an exhibit to this annual report, states our objects and purposes, which includes engaging in the telecommunications business, other businesses related to the operation of a wireless telecommunications services provider and non-related businesses.

 

Provisions Regarding Our Directors

 

There is no provision in our Articles of Incorporation as to a Director’s power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which a Director is materially interested, but, under the Commercial Code of Japan, a Director is required to refrain from voting on such matters at meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

The Commercial Code provides that compensation for directors is determined at a general meeting of shareholders of a company. Within the upper limit approved by the shareholders’ meeting, the Board of Directors will determine the amount of compensation for each director. The Board of Directors may, by its resolution, leave such decision to the discretion of the company’s president.

 

The Commercial Code provides that the incurrence by a company of a significant loan from a third party should be approved by the company’s Board of Directors. Our Regulations of the Board of Directors have adopted this policy.

 

There is no mandatory retirement age for our Directors under the Commercial Code or our Articles of Incorporation.

 

There is no requirement concerning the number of shares one individual must hold in order to qualify him or her as a Director of DoCoMo under the Commercial Code or our Articles of Incorporation.

 

Holding of Our Shares by Foreign Investors

 

There are no limitations on the rights of non-residents or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares imposed by the laws of Japan or our Articles of Incorporation or our other constituent documents.

 

Rights of Our Shareholders

 

The following section contains certain information relating to the shares, including summaries of certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Share Handling Regulations and of the Commercial Code of Japan relating to joint stock corporations.

 

General

 

At present, our authorized share capital is 191,500,000 shares with no par value of which 50,180,000 shares have been issued. All issued shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Under the Commercial Code, the transfer

 

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of shares is effected by delivery of share certificates, but, in order to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. No temporary documents of title in respect of the shares will be issued. Shareholders are required to file their names, addresses and seal impressions with The UFJ Trust Bank Limited which is our transfer agent for the shares. Foreign shareholders may file a specimen signature in lieu of a seal impression. Non-resident shareholders are required to appoint a standing proxy in Japan or file a mailing address in Japan. Japanese securities firms and commercial banks customarily offer the service of standing proxy, and render related services on payment of their standard fee.

 

Our shares are freely transferable and there are no restrictions on transfer of the shares under the terms of the Commercial Code or our Articles of Incorporation.

 

Our shares are generally held in a certificated form, except that, if a shareholder deposits his share certificate with us we may cancel such share certificate. In the event a shareholder whose share certificate has been cancelled by us wishes to transfer his shares, reissuance of his share certificate by us to such shareholder and delivery to a transferee shall be required. The central clearing system of share certificates under the Law Concerning Central Clearing of Share Certificates and Other Securities in Japan applies to the shares. Holders of shares may deposit certificates for shares with the Japan Securities Depositary Center Inc., the sole depositary under the system, through the participants in the system (which normally will be securities companies). The shares deposited with the Japan Securities Depositary Center Inc. will be registered in the name of the Japan Securities Depositary Center Inc. in our register of shareholders. The beneficial owners of the deposited shares will be recorded in the register of beneficial shareholders which we prepare based on information furnished by the participants and the Japan Securities Depositary Center Inc. Such register of beneficial shareholders will be updated as of record dates as at which shareholders entitled to rights pertaining to the shares are determined. For the purpose of transferring the deposited shares, delivery of share certificates is not required. In general, beneficial shareholders of deposited shares registered in the register of beneficial shareholders will be entitled with respect to such shares to the same rights and benefits as the holders of shares registered in the register of shareholders. The registered beneficial shareholders may exercise the rights attached to the shares such as voting rights and will receive dividends (if any) and notices to shareholders directly from us. The shares held by a person as a registered shareholder and those held by the same person as a registered beneficial shareholder are aggregated for such purposes. New shares issued with respect to deposited shares, including those issued upon a stock split, automatically become deposited shares. The beneficial shareholders will be required to file with our transfer agent the same information as would be required from the registered shareholders principally through the relevant participants. Beneficial shareholders may at any time withdraw their shares from deposit and receive share certificates.

 

Dividends

 

Following shareholders’ approval in June, annual dividends are distributed in cash on a pro rata basis to shareholders or registered pledgees of record as at March 31 in each year. In addition to annual dividends, we may also make cash distributions, or interim dividends, from our retained earnings to shareholders or registered pledgees of record as at September 30 in each year by resolution of our Board of Directors. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that we shall be relieved of our obligation to pay any annual or interim dividends unclaimed for a period of three years after the date on which they first become payable.

 

The Commercial Code provides that, until the aggregate amount of our legal reserve and additional paid-in capital is at least one-quarter of our stated capital, we may not make any distribution of profits by way of dividends in cash unless we have set aside in our legal reserve an amount equal to at least one-tenth of any amount paid out as an appropriation of retained earnings (including any payment by way of annual dividend and bonuses to Directors and Corporate Auditors) or equal to one-tenth of any interim dividend. The Commercial Code permits us to distribute profits by way of dividends out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the aggregate of (i) our stated capital, (ii) our additional paid-in capital, (iii) our accumulated legal reserve, (iv) the legal reserve to be set aside in respect of the dividends concerned and any

 

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other proposed payment by way of appropriation of retained earnings, (v) such other amounts as are set out in the ordinance of Ministry of Justice. In the case of interim dividends, the net assets are calculated by reference to the non-consolidated balance sheet as at the last closing of our accounts, and adjustments are made to reflect any subsequent payment by way of appropriation of retained earnings and the related transfer to legal reserve, any subsequent transfer of retained earnings to stated capital, the aggregate purchase price of shares determined by a resolution of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders authorizing us to acquire our shares, if our Board of Directors resolve the acquisition of our shares, the total amount of purchase price resolved by such Board of Directors and such other amounts as are set out in the ordinance of Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, if we reduces the amount of our stated capital, additional paid-in capital or accumulated legal reserve after the end of the fiscal year-end, the amount so reduced, less the amount paid to shareholders upon such reduction and certain other amounts, and such other amounts as are set out in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, will be added to the amount distributable as interim dividends an described above. Interim dividends may not be paid where there is a risk that at the end of the financial year net assets might be less than the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above.

 

In Japan, the “ex-dividend” date and the record date for any dividends precede the date of determination of the amount of the dividends to be paid.

 

For information as to Japanese taxes on dividends, see “Taxation—Japanese Taxation” below.

 

Capital and Reserves

 

The entire amount of the issue price of new shares is required to be accounted for as stated capital, although we may account for an amount not exceeding one-half of such issue price as additional paid-in capital. We may at any time transfer the whole or any part of our additional paid-in capital and legal reserve to stated capital by resolution of the Board of Directors. The whole or any part of retained earnings which are distributable as annual dividends may also be transferred to stated capital by resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders. We may, by an ordinary resolution of general meeting of shareholders, reduce additional paid-in capital and/or legal reserve, provided that the remainder of the sum of additional paid-in capital and legal reserve after such reduction should not be less than one-quarter of our stated capital. We may, by a special resolution of general meeting of shareholders, reduce stated capital. See “Voting Rights” below.

 

Stock Splits

 

We may at any time split the shares in issue into a greater number of shares by resolution of the Board of Directors. Shareholders will not be required to exchange share certificates for new share certificates, but certificates representing the additional shares resulting from the stock split will be issued to shareholders. We must give public notice of the stock split, specifying a record date therefore, not less than two weeks prior to such record date and, in addition, promptly after the stock split takes effect, give notice to each shareholder specifying the number of shares to which such shareholder is entitled by virtue of the stock split. In conjunction with a stock split, we may increase the number of our authorized shares by the same ratio as the stock split ratio by amending the Articles of Incorporation through a resolution of the Board of Directors without approval of the shareholders.

 

Fractional Shares

 

If we make stock splits or stock consolidations or issue stock acquisition rights, bonds with stock acquisition rights or warrants or rights to subscribe for new shares, fractional shares constituting one-hundredth of one share or any integral multiple thereof will be issued depending on the conditions of such splits, consolidations or issues. Fractional shares will not carry voting rights but, under the Japanese Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation, holders of fractional shares will have the right to receive dividends. Any certificate representing such fractional shares will not be issued and therefore fractional shares are not normally transferable. Holders of

 

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fractional shares will be registered in the register of fractional shares. The registered holders of fractional shares may at any time require us to purchase such shares at the current market price.

 

General Meeting of Shareholders

 

The ordinary general meeting of our shareholders is usually held in June of each year in Tokyo. In addition, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary. Notice of a shareholders’ meeting stating the purpose thereof and a summary of the matters to be acted upon must be dispatched to each shareholder having voting rights (or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his mailing address or proxy in Japan) at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting. The record date for an ordinary general meeting of shareholders is March 31.

 

Any shareholder holding 300 shares or one percent of the total number of voting rights for six months or longer may propose a matter to be considered at a general meeting of shareholders by submitting a written request to a Representative Director at least eight weeks prior to the date of such meeting.

 

Voting Rights

 

A shareholder is entitled to one vote per share, except that a corporate shareholder more than one-quarter of whose voting rights are directly or indirectly owned by us may not exercise its voting rights. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a shareholders’ meeting by the holders of a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting. Shareholders may also exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that a proxy is one of our shareholders or that in the case of a shareholder being the government, local government or juridical person, its proxy may be its employee. Shareholders who intend to be absent from the shareholders’ meeting may exercise their voting rights by electronic means. The Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation provide that the quorum for election of directors and corporate auditors shall not be less than one-third of the total number of the voting rights. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that shares may not be voted cumulatively for the election of Directors.

 

The Commercial Code provides that a quorum of half of the total number of the voting rights and the approval by at least two-thirds of the voting rights represented at the meeting is required for certain corporate actions requiring a vote of the shareholders, including any reduction of the stated capital, any removal of a Director or a Corporate Auditor, dissolution, merger, exchange of shares for shares of an existing or newly-incorporated company, transfer of the whole or an important part of the business, taking over the whole of the business of any other company, a split of the company or any offering of new shares or transfer of treasury shares at a “specially favorable” price or any offering of stock-acquisition rights or of bonds with stock acquisition rights with “specially favorable” conditions as to issue of stock acquisition rights to persons other than shareholders, amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. However, except in certain limited cases prohibited by law and in certain other instances, we can set the quorum at one third of the total number of the voting rights if our articles of incorporation so provide. We have provided for such a quorum of one third for all of the matters described above.

 

The voting rights of holders of ADSs are exercised by the depositary based on instructions from those holders. With respect to voting by holders of ADRs, please see Item 12.D of our registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2002.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of our liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all taxes, liquidation expenses and debts will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the respective number of shares which they hold.

 

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Issue of Additional Shares and Pre-emptive Rights

 

Holders of shares have no pre-emptive rights. Authorized but unissued shares may be issued at such times and upon such terms as the Board of Directors determines, subject to the limitations as to the offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price mentioned above. The Board of Directors may, however, determine that shareholders be given subscription rights to new shares, in which case they must be given on uniform terms to all shareholders as of a record date of which not less than two weeks’ prior public notice must be given. Each of the shareholders to whom such rights are given must also be given at least two weeks’ prior notice of the date on which such rights expire.

 

We may issue stock acquisition rights or bonds with stock acquisition rights in relation to which stock acquisition rights are non-separable. Except where the issue of stock acquisition rights would be on “specially favorable” terms, the issue of stock acquisition rights or of bonds with stock acquisition rights may be authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Upon exercise of stock acquisition rights, a holder of such rights may acquire shares by way of payment of the applicable exercise price or, if so determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, by way of substitute payment in lieu of redemption of the bonds.

 

Dilution

 

It is possible that, in the future, market conditions and other factors might make rights issues to shareholders desirable at a subscription price substantially below their then current market price, in which case shareholders who do not exercise and are unable otherwise to realize the full value of their subscription rights will suffer dilution of their equity interest in us. As of March 31, 2004, we have not issued stock acquisition rights or bond with stock acquisition rights.

 

Report to Shareholders

 

We furnish to our shareholders notices of shareholders’ meetings, annual business reports, including financial statements, and notices of resolutions adopted at the shareholders’ meetings, all of which are in Japanese. Such notices as described above may be given by electronic means to those shareholders who have agreed to such method of notice. Furthermore, a company may publish financial statements by electronic means when the Board of Directors decides to adopt such disclosure means.

 

Record Date

 

The record date for annual dividends is March 31 and the record date for interim dividends is September 30. In addition, by a resolution of the Board of Directors and after giving at least two weeks’ prior public notice, we may at any time set a record date in order to determine shareholders who are entitled to certain rights pertaining to the shares.

 

Repurchase by Us of Shares and Treasury Shares

 

We may repurchase shares (i) through the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. or other stock exchange on which the shares are listed or by way of tender offer (in either case pursuant to an ordinary resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders or a resolution of the Board of Directors as we have amended the Articles of Incorporation provides that we may acquire our shares pursuant to such resolution), (ii) from a specific party (pursuant to a special resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders), or (iii) from our own subsidiary (pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors).

 

When such repurchase is made by us from a specific party other than our own subsidiary any shareholder may make a demand to a representative director, five days or more prior to the relevant shareholders’ meeting, that we also repurchase the shares held by that shareholder. Any repurchase of shares must satisfy certain

 

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requirements, including, in the case of repurchase on a stock exchange or by way of tender offer, that the total amount of the repurchase price may not exceed the amount of the retained earnings available for annual dividend payments after taking into account any reduction, if any, of the stated capital, additional paid-in capital or legal reserve (if such reduction of the stated capital, additional paid-in capital or legal reserve has been authorized pursuant to a resolution of the relevant ordinary general meeting of shareholders), minus the amount to be paid by way of appropriation of retained earnings for the relevant fiscal year and the amount to be transferred to stated capital. In the case of a purchase of shares by us pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors mentioned in the preceding paragraph, however, the total amount of the purchase price of such shares may not exceed the amount distributable as interim dividends, as described in “Dividends” above. If it is anticipated that the net assets on the balance sheet as at the end of the relevant fiscal year will be less than the aggregate amount of the stated capital, additional paid-in capital and other items as described in (i) through (v) in “Dividends” above, we may not repurchase shares. We may hold the shares acquired in compliance with the provisions of the Commercial Code as treasury shares, and may generally dispose of or cancel such shares by a resolution of the board of directors, subject to the limitation as to the disposal of such shares held by us at a “specially favorable” price mentioned above.

 

Shareholders of Unknown Location

 

We are not required to send a notice to a shareholder if a notice to such shareholder fails to arrive at the registered address of the shareholder in the our register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us continuously for five years or more.

 

In addition, We may dispose of the shares at the then market price of the shares and hold or deposit the proceeds for such shareholder, the location of which is unknown, (i) notices to the shareholders fails to arrive continuously for five years or more at the registered address of the shareholder in our register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us, and (ii) the shareholder fails to receive dividends on the shares continuously for five years or more at the address registered in our register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us.

 

The Japan Securities Depositary Center, Inc.

 

The central clearing system of share certificates under the Law Concerning Central Clearing of Share Certificates and Other Securities in Japan applies to the shares. Under this system, holders of shares may deposit certificates for shares with the Japan Securities Depositary Center Inc., the sole depositary under the system, through the participants. See “Rights of Our Shareholders—General”.

 

American Depositary Receipts

 

The current ADS/share ratio is 100 ADSs per each share of common stock.

 

For further information regarding our American Depositary Receipt program, please refer to the our registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F on February 8, 2002.

 

Reporting of Substantial Shareholders

 

The Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and its related regulations require any person who has become, solely or jointly, a holder of more than 5% of the total issued shares of a company that is listed on any Japanese stock exchange, or whose shares are traded on an over-the-counter market in Japan, to file a report with the Director of the competent Local Finance Bureau of the Ministry of Finance within five business days. With certain exceptions, a similar report must also be filed in respect of any subsequent change of 1% or more in the holding or of any change in material matters set out in any previously-filed reports. For this purpose, shares issuable to such person upon exercise of stock acquisition rights are taken into account in determining both the

 

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number of shares held by the holder and the issuer’s total issued share capital. Copies of each report must also be furnished to the issuer of the shares and to all Japanese stock exchanges on which the shares are listed or, in the case of shares traded over-the-counter, to the Japan Securities Dealers Association. These reports are made available to public.

 

Daily Price Fluctuation Limits under Japanese Stock Exchange Rules

 

Share prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges set daily price limits, which limit the maximum range of fluctuation within a single trading day. Daily price limits are set according to the previous day’s closing price or special quote. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell his shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

 

On June 27, 2003, the closing price of our shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was ¥262,000 per share. The following table shows the daily price limit for a stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with a closing price of between ¥200,000 and ¥300,000 per share, as well as the daily price limit if our per share price were to rise to between ¥300,000 and ¥500,000, or fall to between ¥150,000 and ¥200,000.

 

Selected Daily Price Limits

 

Previous Day’s Closing Price or Special Quote


   Maximum Daily
Price Movement


Over

   ¥150,000    Less than    ¥ 200,000    ¥ 30,000

Over

     200,000    Less than      300,000      40,000

Over

     300,000    Less than      500,000      50,000

 

For a history of the trading price of our shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, see Item 9.A.

 

C. Material Contracts.

 

Other than as set forth below, we have not entered into any material contracts, other than in the ordinary course of business.

 

AT&T Wireless Agreements

 

On January 22, 2001, we invested approximately $9.8 billion for shares of a new class of AT&T preferred stock that were convertible into 406,255,889 shares of AT&T Wireless Group tracking stock and which represent approximately 16% of the financial performance and economic value of the AT&T Wireless Group. As part of our investment, we received five-year warrants to purchase the equivalent of an additional 41,748,273 shares of AT&T Wireless Group tracking stock at $35 per share, which would represent approximately an additional 1.3% of AT&T Wireless. The split-off converted DoCoMo’s warrants to purchase AT&T preferred stocks equivalent to 41,748,273 shares of AT&T Wireless Group tracking stock into warrants to purchase the same number of shares of AT&T Wireless common stock. At the time of AT&T Wireless’ acquisition of TeleCorp PCS, Inc., we exercised our preemptive rights to purchase additional shares to maintain our approximately 16% share ownership in AT&T Wireless.

 

In December 2001 and December 2002, we amended the Investor Agreement. The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Warrant Agreement and the Investor Agreement, as amended, among us, AT&T Wireless and AT&T. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of these documents, which have been filed as exhibits to this annual report. If the expected merger between AT&T Wireless and

 

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Cingular Wireless LLC is completed, we will receive cash for our shares and the following provisions, with the exception of the non-competition provisions, will expire.

 

Our Investment Rights and Obligations

 

We have the following rights and obligations under the agreements.

 

Transfer restrictions. We may not transfer any warrants or any shares of AT&T Wireless common stock that we receive on conversion of wireless tracking stock for a period of 18 months following our investment without the consent of AT&T Wireless unless any of the following events occur:

 

  a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or business of AT&T Wireless or merger or other business combination unless AT&T Wireless stockholders continue to own two-thirds of the successor corporation;

 

  AT&T Wireless’ acquisition or acquisitions of business or assets, other than radio spectrum rights, totaling more than $25 billion; or

 

  a tender offer or exchange offer approved by the board of directors of AT&T Wireless.

 

In addition, subject to a limited exception, we may not transfer, without the consent of AT&T Wireless, any securities of AT&T Wireless to any person if after the transfer the recipient’s interest in AT&T Wireless would exceed 6%, or exceed 10% in the case of recipients, principally financial institutions, who are eligible to report their interest on Schedule 13G under the Securities Exchange Act.

 

If we do transfer the shares, we cannot transfer our rights under the Investor Agreement except that we may transfer the demand registration rights described below to any transferee of more than $1 billion of the shares, and we may also transfer one demand registration right to a transferee of the warrants.

 

Repurchase obligations of AT&T Wireless. We may require AT&T Wireless to repurchase the warrants and the stock that we hold if by December 31, 2004, AT&T Wireless:

 

  does not launch services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, technology using an aggregate of no less than 1,000 new or existing cell sites in Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, California, San Diego, California and Dallas, Texas, or certain other specified substitute markets; or

 

  abandons W-CDMA as its primary technology for third-generation services.

 

The repurchase price will be our original purchase price plus interest of a predetermined rate. If we require repayment, AT&T Wireless has the right to cause us to sell any portion of our shares in a registered sale, but they have to pay us the difference between the repurchase price and the proceeds from the registered sales. AT&T Wireless also has the right to pay the portion of the repurchase price attributable to the warrants with shares of its common stock.

 

Registration rights. We are entitled, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, to require AT&T Wireless to register shares of its common stock on up to six occasions, with each demand involving not less than $500 million worth of shares. We cannot exercise more than one demand right in any seven and a half month period. We also are entitled to require AT&T Wireless to register securities for resale in an unlimited number of incidental registrations, commonly known as piggy-back registrations. We will cease to be entitled to these registration rights if we own less than $1 billion of AT&T Wireless securities or, as the case may be, securities reflecting less than 2% of the financial performance and economic value of AT&T Wireless.

 

Board representation. We are entitled to nominate two representatives to the board of directors of AT&T Wireless for so long as our economic interest in AT&T Wireless is at least 13.5%. Our nominees for these board

 

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seats must be either a senior officers of DoCoMo or an individual unaffiliated with DoCoMo with credentials appropriate to a large publicly-traded U.S. corporation, and in both cases such person must be reasonably acceptable to AT&T Wireless. In addition, we are entitled to choose one member of the four person Technology Committee of the board, which will consider all important matters relating to the deployment of W-CDMA service in the United States and make recommendations to the full AT&T Wireless board of directors with respect to such matters.

 

In general, we will lose these board representation rights if our economic interest falls below 10% for 60 consecutive days. However, as long as we retain 62.5% of the shares of our original investment or shares of its common stock, we will lose our board representation rights only if our economic interest falls below 8% for 60 consecutive days.

 

Management rights. We can appoint between two and five of our employees as AT&T Wireless employees, including the Manager-Finance and Director of Technology. We will lose these rights under the same circumstances as we would lose board representation rights.

 

Right to approve specified actions. AT&T Wireless may not take any of the following actions without our prior approval:

 

  change the scope of its business such that AT&T Wireless businesses (including those in its business plan) cease to constitute our primary businesses; or

 

  enter into a strategic alliance with another wireless operator so that the wireless operator would own more than 15% but less than 50% of the economic interest in AT&T Wireless.

 

We will lose these approval rights under the same circumstances as we would lose board representation rights.

 

Consultation rights. We are entitled to be notified by AT&T Wireless if a proposed transaction will be seriously pursued which would, if completed, result in:

 

  any person or entity owning more than a 15% economic interest in AT&T Wireless;

 

  our having less than a 10% interest in AT&T Wireless (if our interest is more than 12% prior to the transaction); or

 

  a person or group of persons having governance rights more favorable than or in addition to our rights.

 

In addition, AT&T Wireless must keep us informed of material developments in the terms of the proposed transaction. We will lose these consultation rights under the same circumstances as we would lose board representation rights.

 

Preemptive rights. We have preemptive rights that entitle us to maintain our ownership interest by purchasing shares in new equity issuances of AT&T Wireless. In the event of a new equity issuance of the type covered by the preemptive right, then:

 

  if we hold 12% or more of the economic interest at the time of the new issuance, we may purchase a number of additional shares that would bring our economic interest back up to 16%; and

 

  if we hold less than 12% of the economic interest at the time of the new issuance, we may purchase a number of additional shares that would maintain our economic interest at the level it was at just before the new issuance.

 

In most cases, the purchase price for these additional shares will be the issuance price. We will lose these preemptive rights under the same circumstances as we would lose board representation rights.

 

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Strategic Alliance

 

In connection with our investment, we and AT&T Wireless formed a strategic alliance to develop the next generation of mobile multimedia service on a global-standard, high-speed wireless network. AT&T Wireless has created a new, wholly owned subsidiary to provide multimedia content, applications and services offerable over its current network, as well as on new high-speed wireless networks built to global standards for third-generation services. AT&T Wireless will contribute, among other things, the rights to content and applications used in its PocketNet service to the new multimedia subsidiary. Both we and AT&T Wireless plan to provide technical resources and support staffing. In addition, AT&T Wireless will be able to license from DoCoMo certain rights to our “i-mode” service and related technology.

 

Non-competition

 

We and AT&T Wireless have agreed to certain non-competition commitments that restrict each other’s ability to provide mobile wireless services in the United States and Japan, respectively. We and AT&T Wireless have also agreed to limit the extent to which we and AT&T Wireless will be able to participate in certain mobile multimedia activities and investments in each other’s home territory. We and AT&T Wireless will generally be bound by the non-competition commitments until we lose our board representation and management rights, either due to any of the events described under “—Board Representation” and “—Management Rights,” or due to our voluntary relinquishment of such rights. In such case, we will generally be bound by the non-competition commitments until one year after the triggering event.

 

Warrants

 

We acquired 83,496.546 warrants, each of which are exercisable for 500 shares of AT&T Wireless’ common stock, or a total of 41,748,273 shares, at an exercise price of $35 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The warrants are subject to the transfer restriction described under “—Our Investment Rights and Obligations”.

 

D. Exchange Controls.

 

There are no laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation which materially affect our ability to import or export capital for our use or our ability to pay dividends to nonresident holders of our shares.

 

E. Taxation.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

This section describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of owning shares or ADSs. It applies to you only if you are a U.S. holder (as defined below) and hold your shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including:

 

  a dealer in securities,

 

  a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for its securities holdings,

 

  a tax-exempt organization,

 

  a life insurance company,

 

  a person liable for alternative minimum tax,

 

  a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of our voting stock,

 

  a person that holds shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction, or

 

  a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

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This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect, as well as on the Convention Between the United States of America and Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (the “Treaty”). These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of The Bank of New York as depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

In general, and taking into account this assumption, for United States federal income tax purposes, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the shares represented by those ADRs. Exchanges of shares for ADRs, and ADRs for shares, generally will not be subject to United States federal income or to Japanese tax.

 

You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs and you are for United Sates federal income tax proposes:

 

  a citizen or resident of the United States,

 

  a domestic corporation,

 

  an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or

 

  a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

 

You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state and local and the Japanese and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares and ADSs in your particular circumstances.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Under the United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder, the gross amount of any dividend paid by us out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) is subject to United States federal income taxation. If you are a noncorporate US holder, dividends paid to you in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002, and before January 1, 2009, that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that you hold the ordinary shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 120 day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meet other holding period requirements. Dividends paid by us with respect to our shares or ADSs will be qualified dividend income. You must include any Japanese tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though you do not in fact receive it. The dividend is taxable to you when you, in the case of shares, or the depositary, in the case of ADSs, receive the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the Japanese yen payments made, determined at the spot Japanese yen/U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Japanese tax withheld in accordance with the Treaty and paid over to Japan will be creditable against your United States federal income tax liability. To the extent a refund of the tax withheld is available to you under Japanese law or under the Treaty, the amount of tax that is refundable will not

 

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be eligible for credit against your United States Federal income tax liability. In addition, special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate. Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States, but generally will be “passive income” or “financial services income” which is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you.

 

Distributions of additional shares or ADSs to you with respect to shares or ADSs that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax. Your basis in the new shares or ADSs received will be determined by allocating your basis in the shares or ADSs you held at the time of the distribution between the new shares or ADSs and the shares or ADSs you held at the time of the distribution based on their relative fair market value on the date of the distribution.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder and you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares or ADSs, you will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount that you realize and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in your shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder that is recognized on or after May 6, 2003 and before January 1, 2009 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the property is held for more than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

We do not expect our shares and ADSs to be treated as stock of a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC”, for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as capital gain. Unless you elect to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the shares or ADSs, as a U.S. Holder, you would generally be subject to special rules known as “excess distributions.” Under these rules, all or part of certain distributions (“excess distributions”) or gain on sale or other disposition of your shares or ADSs would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for applicable prior taxable years to the extent that the gain or excess distribution are allocated to such prior years, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to such prior years. In addition, dividends that you receive from us will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if we are a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

If you own shares or ADSs during any year that we are a PFIC, you must file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621.

 

Japanese Taxation

 

The following is a summary of the principal Japanese tax consequences to owners of our shares or ADSs who are non-resident individuals or non-Japanese corporations without a permanent establishment in Japan to which income from our shares is attributable. The tax treatment is subject to possible changes in the applicable Japanese laws or double taxation conventions occurring after that date. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations that may apply to a particular investor. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisers as to:

 

  the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs, including specifically the tax consequences under Japanese law;

 

  the laws of the jurisdiction of which they are resident; and

 

  any tax treaty between Japan and their country of residence.

 

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Generally, a non-resident holder of shares or ADSs is subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by us. In the absence of any applicable tax treaty, convention or agreement reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by us to non-resident holders is 7% for dividends to be paid on or before March 31, 2008, and 15% thereafter, except for dividends paid to any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the issued shares of the Company. Japan has income tax treaties, conventions or agreements whereby the maximum withholding tax rate for dividend payment is set at, in most cases, 15% for portfolio investors, with, among other countries, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. In case of the Japan-US tax treaty, however, as a result of a recent amendment, the maximum withholding tax rate will be reduced, generally, to 10% for portfolio investors effective from July 1, 2004. Japanese tax law provides in general that if the Japanese statutory rate is lower than the maximum rate applicable under tax treaties, conventions or agreements, the Japanese statutory rate shall be applicable.

 

Non-resident holders who are entitled to a reduced rate of Japanese withholding tax on payments of dividends on the shares by us are required to submit an Application Form for the Income Tax Convention regarding Relief from Japanese Income Tax on Dividends in advance through us to the relevant tax authority before the payment of dividends. A standing proxy for non-resident holders may provide the application. With respect to ADSs, this reduced rate is applicable if the depositary or its agent submits two Application Forms for Income Tax Convention (one prior to payment of dividends, the other within eight months after our fiscal year-end). To claim this reduced rate, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be required to file proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable) and to provide other information or documents as may be required by the depositary. Non-resident holders who do not submit an application in advance will generally be entitled to claim a refund from the relevant Japanese tax authority of withholding taxes withheld in excess of the rate of an applicable tax treaty.

 

Gains derived from the sale of shares or ADSs outside Japan, or from the sale of shares within Japan by a nonresident holder, generally are not subject to Japanese income or corporation taxes.

 

Japanese inheritance and gift taxes at progressive rates may be payable by an individual who has acquired shares or ADSs as a legatee, heir or donee, even if the individual is not a Japanese resident.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents.

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts.

 

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display.

 

We have filed with the SEC this annual report on Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the shares and ADSs.

 

You may review a copy of the annual report and other information without charge at the SEC’s public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also get copies of all or any portion of the annual report from the public reference room. For information regarding the procedures of the public reference room, please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders.

 

I. Subsidiary Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Our earnings and cash flows may be negatively impacted by fluctuating interest and foreign exchange rates. We enter into interest rate swap and foreign currency forward contracts to manage these risks. These derivative financial instruments are executed with creditworthy financial institutions, and our management believes there is little risk of default by these counterparties.

 

Interest rate and swap agreements

 

Although most of our debt carries a fixed rate of interest, a small portion carries floating rates. We enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk on these floating rate liabilities. These interest rate swap agreements exchange floating rate interest payments for fixed rate interest payments.

 

The following table below provides information about our market sensitive financial instruments:

 

     Expected maturity dates Year Ended March 31

     2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    2009

    Thereafter

    Total
3/31/04


   Fair Value
3/31/04


     (Millions of yen)

DEBT

                                             

Unsecured corporate bonds

   8,000     137,000     129,200     108,769     49,200     328,890     761,059    771,014

Weighted average Interest rate-fixed

   2.7 %   0.8 %   0.4 %   0.9 %   1.0 %   1.3 %         

Unsecured indebtedness to banks, insurance companies, and others

   128,642     13,324     64,542     21,019     26,010     77,000     330,537    335,325
                                        
  

Weighted average Interest rate-fixed

   0.9 %   3.0 %   1.0 %   1.0 %   0.9 %   1.3 %         

Long-term debt, including current portion

                                       1,091,596    1,106,339
                                        
  

INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

                                             

Contract Notional amounts

   500     1,000           —             50,000     51,500    25

Floating rate received by DoCoMo

   0.3 %   0.5 %         —             —             

Fixed rate received by DoCoMo

   —       —       —       —             1.49 %         

Floating rate paid by DoCoMo

   —       —       —       —             0.1 %         

Fixed rate paid by DoCoMo

   2.3 %   3.6 %         —             —             

 

     Expected maturity dates

     2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    2009

    Thereafter

    Total
3/31/04


  

Fair Value

3/31/04


     (Thousands of U.S. dollars)

DEBT

                                             

Unsecured corporate bonds

   76,790     1,315,032     1,240,161     1,044,049     472,260     3,156,939     7,305,231    7,400,787

Weighted average Interest rate-fixed

   2.7 %   0.8 %   0.4 %   0.9 %   1.0 %   1.3 %         

Unsecured indebtedness to banks and insurance companies

   1,234,805     127,894     619,524     201,757     249,664     739,105     3,172,749    3,218,708
                                        
  

Weighted average Interest rate-fixed

   0.9 %   3.0 %   1.0 %   1.0 %   0.9 %   1.3 %         

Long-term debt, including current portion

                                       10,477,980    10,619,495
                                        
  

INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

                                             

Contract Notional amounts

   4,799     9,599           —       —       479,939     494,337    864

Floating rate received by DoCoMo

   0.3 %   0.5 %         —       —       —             

Fixed rate received by DoCoMo

   —       —       —       —       —       1.49 %         

Floating rate paid by DoCoMo

   —       —       —       —       —       0.1 %         

Fixed rate paid by DoCoMo

   2.3 %   3.6 %         —       —       —             

 

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Investment price risk

 

The fair value of certain of our investments, primarily in marketable securities, exposes us to equity price risks. In general, we have invested in highly-liquid and low-risk instruments, which are not held for trading purposes. These investments are subject to changes in the market prices of the securities. The following table below provides information about our market sensitive marketable securities and constitutes a “forward-looking statement”.

 

     March 31, 2004

   March 31, 2004

     Carrying
Amounts


   Fair
Value


   Carrying
Amounts


   Fair Value

     (Millions of yen)    (Thousands of U.S.
dollars)

Equity securities available-for-sale

   ¥ 21,972    ¥ 21,972    $ 210,904    $ 210,904

Debt securities available-for-sale:

                           

Due after 1 year through 5 years

     423      423      4,060      4,060

Due after 5 years through 10 years

     —        —        —        —  

Debt securities held-to-maturity:

                           

Due after 1 year through 5 years

     20      20      192      192

Due after 5 years through 10 years

     —        —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

Total

   ¥ 22,415    ¥ 22,415    $ 215,156    $ 215,156
    

  

  

  

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

We have used foreign exchange forward contracts for the purpose of mitigating the risk of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. However, we had no foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding at March 31, 2003 or 2004. On March 5, 2003, we issued $100 million in unsecured corporate bonds in order to hedge a portion of our investment in AT&T Wireless. This financial instrument is effective as a hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Translation gains or losses from this instrument, which offset translation gains or losses on the investment in AT&T Wireless, are recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss). The translation gain as of March 31, 2003, from this instrument was ¥712 million and was recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment for fiscal 2002.

 

Concentrations of credit risk

 

As of March 31, 2004, we did not have any significant concentration of business transacted with an individual counterparty or groups of counterparties that could, if suddenly eliminated, severely impact our operations.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.

 

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures.

 

Management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2004 pursuant to Exchange Act rules. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2004.

 

Management also carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended March 31, 2004. Based upon that evaluation, there was no change that occurred during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Our Board of Corporate Auditors has determined that Mr. Keisuke Nakasaki and Dr. Michiharu Sakurai are “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics.

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other senior officers in order to promote honesty, integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in such persons’ performance of their management responsibilities. Our code of ethics is attached to this annual report on Form 20-F as exhibit 11.1.

 

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Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Fees Paid to the Independent Auditor

 

The Company and its subsidiaries engaged KPMG AZSA & Co. (formerly,KPMG) to perform an annual audit of the Company’s financial statements. The following table presents information concerning fees paid to KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates for the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2004.

 

     Year ended March 31,

       2003  

     2004  

     (in millions)

Audit fees (1)

   ¥ 565    ¥ 519

Audit-related fees

     —        —  

Tax fees (2)

     123      128

All other fees (3)

     108      23
    

  

Total

   ¥ 796    ¥ 670
    

  


(1) These are fees for professional services performed by KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates for the audit of the Company and its subsidiaries’ annual financial statements and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
(2) These are fees for professional services performed by KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates tax division except those related to the audit and includes tax returns and tax consultations.
(3) These are fees for all other services received from KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates including consultations relating to an environmental matter and excluding those separately defined above.

 

Pre-Approval of Services Provided by KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have adopted policies and procedures for the Company’s Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors’ pre-approving all non-audit work performed by KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates. Specifically, the policies and procedures prohibit KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates from performing any services for the Company or its subsidiaries without the prior approval of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors.

 

All of the services provided by KPMG AZSA & Co. and its affiliates since Rule 2-01(c)(7) of Regulation S-X became effective were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the Board of Corporate Auditors pursuant to the approval policies described above, and none of such services were approved pursuant to the procedures described in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X, which waives the general requirement for pre-approval in certain circumstances.

 

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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 17. Financial Statements.

 

In lieu of responding to this item, we have responded to Item 18 of this annual report.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements.

 

The information required by this item is set forth beginning on page F-2 of this annual report.

 

Separate consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries are being filed pursuant Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X. See Exhibit 15.1 to this annual report. In addition, also pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X, we currently expect to file separate consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited as amendments to this annual report no later than September 30, 2004, upon receipt of financial statements appropriate for the purpose of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Item 19. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description


1.1      Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (English translation)
1.2      Share Handling Regulations of the registrant (English translation)
1.3      Regulations of the Board of Directors of the registrant (English translation)
1.4      Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the registrant (English translation)
2.1      Specimen common stock certificates of the registrant*
2.2      Form of Deposit Agreement among the registrant, The Bank of New York as Depositary and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-9694) filed on May 15, 2002)
4.1      Investor Agreement by and among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 20, 2000*
4.2      Warrant Agreement by and among AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., the registrant and AT&T Corp. dated December 20, 2000*
4.3      Amended and Restated Investor Agreement among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 20, 2001**
4.4      Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Investor Agreement among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 26, 2002**
8.1      List of Subsidiaries
11.1      Code of Ethics
12.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
13.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
15.1      Consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries from the AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on March 5, 2004

* Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2002 and herein incorporated by reference.
** Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 3, 2003 and herein incorporated by reference.

 

We have not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to our long-term debt. The amount of debt authorized under each such debt instrument does not exceed 10% or our total assets. We agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 

     Page

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

   F-2

Consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2003 and 2004

   F-3

Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

   F-5

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

   F-6

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

   F-7

Notes to consolidated financial statements

   F-8

Financial statement schedule for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004:
Schedule II—Valuation and qualifying accounts

   F-47

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (a Japanese corporation) and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain commissions paid to agents as required by Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products),” effective April 1, 2002.

 

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The supplementary information included in Schedule II is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements, and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the readers. We have recomputed the translation and, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements, expressed in Japanese yen, have been translated into United States dollars on the basis set forth in Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

/s/    KPMG AZSA & Co.

 

Tokyo, Japan

June 18, 2004

 

F-2


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

MARCH 31, 2003 and 2004

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2003

    2004

    2004

 
ASSETS                         

Current assets:

                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 680,951     ¥ 838,030     $ 8,044,058  

Accounts receivable

                        

Third parties

     587,897       606,731       5,823,873  

Related parties

     51,113       32,368       310,693  
    


 


 


Sub-total

     639,010       639,099       6,134,566  

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (21,511 )     (22,968 )     (220,465 )
    


 


 


Total accounts receivable, net

     617,499       616,131       5,914,101  

Inventories

     67,315       127,269       1,221,626  

Deferred tax assets

     58,501       92,662       889,441  

Tax refunds receivable

     106,308       —         —    

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

                        

Third parties

     98,399       93,764       900,020  

Related parties

     10,046       17,461       167,604  
    


 


 


Total current assets

     1,639,019       1,785,317       17,136,850  
    


 


 


Property, plant and equipment:

                        

Wireless telecommunications equipment

     3,792,361       4,109,818       39,449,203  

Buildings and structures

     546,267       619,501       5,946,449  

Tools, furniture and fixtures

     565,601       580,099       5,568,238  

Land

     185,031       188,717       1,811,451  

Construction in progress

     151,419       169,562       1,627,587  
    


 


 


Sub-total

     5,240,679       5,667,697       54,402,928  

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,564,551 )     (2,965,192 )     (28,462,200 )
    


 


 


Total property, plant and equipment, net

     2,676,128       2,702,505       25,940,728  

Non-current investments and other assets:

                        

Investments in affiliates

     381,290       324,155       3,111,490  

Marketable securities and other investments

     21,131       62,191       596,957  

Intangible assets, net

     487,816       506,777       4,864,436  

Goodwill

     133,196       133,354       1,280,035  

Other assets

     150,272       195,406       1,875,657  

Deferred tax assets

     569,155       552,561       5,303,907  
    


 


 


Total non-current investments and other assets

     1,742,860       1,774,444       17,032,482  
    


 


 


Total assets

   ¥ 6,058,007     ¥ 6,262,266     $ 60,110,060  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)

MARCH 31, 2003 and 2004

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2003

    2004

    2004

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                        

Current liabilities:

                        

Current portion of long-term debt

   ¥ 126,741     ¥ 136,642     $ 1,311,595  

Short-term borrowings

     10,000       —         —    

Accounts payable, trade

                        

Third parties

     528,196       555,693       5,333,970  

Related parties

     110,474       111,145       1,066,856  

Accrued payroll

     45,367       43,142       414,110  

Accrued interest

     2,893       1,975       18,958  

Accrued taxes on income

     131,845       318,011       3,052,515  

Other current liabilities

                        

Third parties

     92,339       121,118       1,162,584  

Related parties

     4,485       3,912       37,550  
    


 


 


Total current liabilities

     1,052,340       1,291,638       12,398,138  
    


 


 


Long-term liabilities:

                        

Long-term debt

     1,211,627       954,954       9,166,385  

Employee benefits

     149,700       133,954       1,285,794  

Other long-term liabilities

                        

Third parties

     164,137       173,886       1,669,092  

Related parties

     4,214       3,078       29,545  
    


 


 


Total long-term liabilities

     1,529,678       1,265,872       12,150,816  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     2,582,018       2,557,510       24,548,954  
    


 


 


Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     475       61       586  
    


 


 


Commitments and contingencies

                        

Shareholders’ equity:

                        

Common stock, without a stated value—

                        

Authorized—191,500,000 shares

                        

Issued—50,180,000 shares

                        

Outstanding—50,170,406 and 48,596,364 shares at March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively

     949,680       949,680       9,115,761  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,306,128       1,311,013       12,584,114  

Retained earnings

     1,159,354       1,759,548       16,889,499  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     62,937       81,355       780,908  

Treasury stock, 9,594 and 1,583,636 shares at March 31, 2003 and 2004, at cost, respectively

     (2,585 )     (396,901 )     (3,809,762 )
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     3,475,514       3,704,695       35,560,520  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   ¥ 6,058,007     ¥ 6,262,266     $ 60,110,060  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 

Operating revenues:

                                

Wireless services

                                

Third parties

   ¥ 4,130,761     ¥ 4,326,205     ¥ 4,450,030     $ 42,714,820  

Related parties

     22,698       24,656       37,882       363,621  

Equipment sales

                                

Third parties

     497,227       441,417       541,387       5,196,650  

Related parties

     8,568       16,810       18,766       180,131  
    


 


 


 


       4,659,254       4,809,088       5,048,065       48,455,222  
    


 


 


 


Operating expenses:

                                

Cost of services (exclusive of items shown separately below)

                                

Third parties

     411,988       480,688       478,706       4,594,989  

Related parties

     298,317       226,565       233,865       2,244,817  

Cost of equipment sold (exclusive of items shown separately below)

     927,483       950,699       1,094,332       10,504,243  

Depreciation and amortization

     640,505       749,197       720,997       6,920,685  

Selling, general, and administrative

                                

Third parties

     1,181,933       1,105,731       1,141,190       10,954,022  

Related parties

     198,141       239,489       276,057       2,649,808  
    


 


 


 


       3,658,367       3,752,369       3,945,147       37,868,564  
    


 


 


 


Operating income

     1,000,887       1,056,719       1,102,918       10,586,658  
    


 


 


 


Other (income) expense:

                                

Interest expense

     17,229       16,870       13,216       126,857  

Interest income

     (154 )     (100 )     (1,917 )     (18,401 )

Other, net

     27,421       (3,019 )     (9,504 )     (91,226 )
    


 


 


 


       44,496       13,751       1,795       17,230  
    


 


 


 


Income before income taxes, equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     956,391       1,042,968       1,101,123       10,569,428  

Income taxes:

                                

Current

     453,914       285,606       446,182       4,282,799  

Deferred

     (54,271 )     168,881       (17,066 )     (163,813 )
    


 


 


 


       399,643       454,487       429,116       4,118,986  
    


 


 


 


Income before equity in net losses of affiliates and minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     556,748       588,481       672,007       6,450,442  

Equity in net losses of affiliates (including write-downs of investments in affiliates in 2002 and 2003)

     (643,962 )     (324,241 )     (21,960 )     (210,789 )

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (28,977 )     (16,033 )     (40 )     (384 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

     (116,191 )     248,207       650,007       6,239,269  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         (35,716 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   ¥ (116,191 )   ¥ 212,491     ¥ 650,007     $ 6,239,269  
    


 


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss):

                                

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     (1,418 )     (668 )     12,678       121,693  

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)

     (718 )     (59 )     (440 )     (4,223 )

Revaluation of financial instruments

     (90 )     257       (13 )     (125 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     105,147       (39,315 )     (9,862 )     (94,663 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

     (3,398 )     (19,910 )     16,055       154,108  
    


 


 


 


Comprehensive income (loss):

   ¥ (16,668 )   ¥ 152,796     ¥ 668,425     $ 6,416,059  
    


 


 


 


Per share data:

                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic and Diluted (shares)

     50,180,000       49,952,907       49,622,595       49,622,595  

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of accounting change (Yen and U.S. dollars)

   ¥ (2,315.48 )   ¥ 4,968.82     ¥ 13,099.01     $ 125.73  

Basic and diluted cumulative effect per share of accounting change (Yen and U.S. dollars)

     —         (714.99 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (Yen and U.S. dollars)

   ¥ (2,315.48 )   ¥ 4,253.83     ¥ 13,099.01     $ 125.73  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

 

    Number of Shares

    Millions of yen

 
    Issued
Common
Stock


  Treasury
Stock


    Common
stock


 

Additional
paid-in

capital


    Retained
earnings


   

Accumulated

other com-
prehensive

income (loss)


   

Treasury
stock,

at cost


   

Total

Shareholders’

Equity


 

Balance at March 31, 2001

  10,036,000   —       ¥ 949,680   ¥ 1,262,672     ¥ 1,083,126     ¥ 23,109     ¥ —       ¥ 3,318,587  

Cash dividends declared and paid (¥200 per share)

                            (10,036 )                     (10,036 )

Net loss

                            (116,191 )                     (116,191 )

Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

                                    (2,136 )             (2,136 )

Net revaluation of financial instruments

                                    (90 )             (90 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                                    105,147               105,147  

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                                    (3,398 )             (3,398 )

Five-for-one stock split

  40,144,000                                                    
   
 

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2002

  50,180,000   —       ¥ 949,680   ¥ 1,262,672     ¥ 956,899     ¥ 122,632     ¥ —       ¥ 3,291,883  

Purchase of treasury stock for acquisition of minority interests

      870,034                                     (234,470 )     (234,470 )

Share exchanges

      (860,440 )           43,456                       231,885       275,341  

Cash dividends declared and paid (¥200 per share)

                            (10,036 )                     (10,036 )

Net income

                            212,491                       212,491  

Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

                                    (727 )             (727 )

Net revaluation of financial instruments

                                    257               257  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                                    (39,315 )             (39,315 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                                    (19,910 )             (19,910 )
   
 

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2003

  50,180,000   9,594     ¥ 949,680   ¥ 1,306,128     ¥ 1,159,354     ¥ 62,937     ¥ (2,585 )   ¥ 3,475,514  

Purchase of treasury stock

      1,576,222                                     (394,903 )     (394,903 )

Share exchanges

      (2,180 )           (14 )                     587       573  

Increase in additional paid-in capital of an affiliate

                    4,899                               4,899  

Cash dividends declared and paid (¥1,000 per share)

                            (49,813 )                     (49,813 )

Net income

                            650,007                       650,007  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

                                    12,238               12,238  

Net revaluation of financial instruments

                                    (13 )             (13 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                                    (9,862 )             (9,862 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                                    16,055               16,055  
   
 

 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

  50,180,000   1,583,636     ¥ 949,680   ¥ 1,311,013     ¥ 1,759,548     ¥ 81,355     ¥ (396,901 )   ¥ 3,704,695  
   
 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

    Thousands of U.S. dollars

 
    Common
stock


 

Additional
paid-in

capital


    Retained
earnings


   

Accumulated

other com-
prehensive

income (loss)


   

Treasury
stock,

at cost


   

Total

Shareholders’

Equity


 

Balance at March 31, 2003

  $ 9,115,761   $ 12,537,224     $ 11,128,374     $ 604,118     $ (24,813 )   $ 33,360,664  

Purchase of treasury stock

                                  (3,790,584 )     (3,790,584 )

Share exchanges

          (134 )                     5,635       5,501  

Increase in additional paid-in capital of an affiliate

          47,024                               47,024  

Cash dividends declared and paid (¥1,000 per share)

                  (478,144 )                     (478,144 )

Net income

                  6,239,269                       6,239,269  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

                          117,470               117,470  

Net revaluation of financial instruments

                          (125 )             (125 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                          (94,663 )             (94,663 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                          154,108               154,108  
   

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

  $ 9,115,761   $ 12,584,114     $ 16,889,499     $ 780,908     $ (3,809,762 )   $ 35,560,520  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                                

Net income (loss)

   ¥ (116,191 )   ¥ 212,491     ¥ 650,007     $ 6,239,269  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities—

                                

Depreciation and amortization

     640,505       749,197       720,997       6,920,685  

Deferred taxes

     (524,549 )     (57,569 )     (12,539 )     (120,359 )

Loss on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment

     39,204       30,348       35,005       336,005  

Equity in net losses of affiliates (including write-downs of ¥1,077,879 million, ¥545,099 million and nil in investments in affiliates in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively)

     1,114,240       550,691       17,433       167,335  

Minority interests in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     28,977       16,033       40       384  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         35,716       —         —    

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

                                

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, trade

     42,336       229,061       (90 )     (864 )

(Decrease) increase in allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1,874 )     (1,744 )     1,458       13,995  

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     11,404       28,685       (59,954 )     (575,485 )

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, trade

     (99,689 )     27,820       19,577       187,915  

Increase in other current liabilities

     8,483       10,131       28,866       277,078  

Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes on income

     89,594       (161,565 )     186,166       1,786,965  

Increase (decrease) in liability for employee benefits

     18,933       43,972       (15,746 )     (151,142 )

(Increase) decrease in tax refunds receivable

     —         (106,308 )     106,308       1,020,426  

Other, net

     89,715       (22,349 )     32,715       314,024  
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,341,088       1,584,610       1,710,243       16,416,231  
    


 


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                                

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (863,184 )     (700,468 )     (625,284 )     (6,001,958 )

Purchases of intangible and other assets

     (199,517 )     (164,238 )     (177,645 )     (1,705,174 )

Purchases of investments

     (68,189 )     (10,312 )     (12,787 )     (122,739 )

Loan advances

     —         (161 )     (38,307 )     (367,700 )

Other, net

     5,797       3,749       6,714       64,446  
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,125,093 )     (871,430 )     (847,309 )     (8,133,125 )
    


 


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                                

Issuance of long-term debt

     395,238       202,274       —         —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (177,686 )     (212,934 )     (245,411 )     (2,355,644 )

Payments to acquire treasury stock

     —         (234,470 )     (394,903 )     (3,790,584 )

Principal payments under capital lease obligations

     (8,418 )     (6,908 )     (5,716 )     (54,867 )

Dividends paid

     (10,036 )     (10,036 )     (49,813 )     (478,144 )

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

     957,619       339,912       155,300       1,490,689  

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     (1,190,769 )     (410,962 )     (165,300 )     (1,586,677 )

Other, net

     680       (153 )     (13 )     (123 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (33,372 )     (333,277 )     (705,856 )     (6,775,350 )
    


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     0       0       1       9  
    


 


 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     182,623       379,903       157,079       1,507,765  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     118,425       301,048       680,951       6,536,293  
    


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   ¥ 301,048     ¥ 680,951     ¥ 838,030     $ 8,044,058  
    


 


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                                

Cash received during the year for:

                                

Tax refunds

   ¥ —       ¥ —       ¥ 107,200     $ 1,028,988  

Cash paid during the year for:

                                

Interest

     20,165       19,874       16,384       157,266  

Income taxes

     364,321       558,084       259,883       2,494,557  

Noncash investing and financing activities:

                                

Purchase of minority interests of consolidated subsidiaries through share exchanges

     —         275,341       439       4,214  

Assets acquired through capital lease obligations

     5,376       4,001       4,469       42,897  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Nature of operations:

 

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “DoCoMo”) is a joint stock corporation that was incorporated under the laws of Japan in August 1991 as the wireless telecommunications arm of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (“NTT”). NTT, which is 45.96% owned by the Japanese government, owns 61.57% of DoCoMo’s outstanding stock as of March 31, 2004.

 

DoCoMo provides subscribers with wireless telecommunications services such as mova (2G wireless services), FOMA (3G wireless services), packet communications services (2G wireless data communications services using packet switching), Personal Handyphone System (“PHS”) services (a wireless data and voice platform that enables customers to access the internet, as well as to make calls), Quickcast (paging) services, satellite mobile communications services and in-flight telephone services, primarily on its own nationwide networks. In addition, DoCoMo sells handsets, pagers and related equipment primarily to agent resellers who in turn sell such equipment to end user customers.

 

DoCoMo ceased providing in-flight telephone services on March 31, 2004.

 

2. Summary of significant accounting and reporting policies:

 

DoCoMo maintains its books and records, and prepares statutory financial statements in conformity with the Japanese Telecommunications Business Law and the related accounting regulations and accounting principles generally accepted in Japan (“Japanese GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and, therefore, reflect certain adjustments to DoCoMo’s books and records.

 

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

 

(1) Adoption of new accounting standards

 

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Effective April 1, 2003, DoCoMo adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 requires that legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets be recorded as a liability and measured at fair value when those obligations are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Upon initially recognizing a liability for an asset retirement obligation, an entity must capitalize the cost by recognizing an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. DoCoMo’s asset retirement obligations subject to SFAS No. 143 primarily relate to its obligations to restore certain leased land and buildings used for DoCoMo’s wireless telecommunications equipment to their original state. DoCoMo estimates the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation as the amount at which that liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing parties. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 did not have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of DoCoMo.

 

Amendment of SFAS No. 133 on derivative instruments and hedging activities

 

Effective July 1, 2003, DoCoMo adopted SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively

 

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Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of DoCoMo.

 

Revision of Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits

 

In December 2003, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and 106.” This new SFAS No. 132 retains all of the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132; however, it also requires additional annual disclosures describing types of plan assets, investment strategy, measurement date(s), expected employer contributions, plan obligations, and expected benefit payments of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. In accordance with the transition provisions of new SFAS No. 132, DoCoMo expanded its foot notes to include the new disclosures required as of March 31, 2004.

 

Accounting for Variable Interest Entities

 

In December 2003, FASB revised Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46-R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”).” FIN 46-R retains many of the basic concepts introduced in FIN 46; however, it also introduces a new scope exception for certain types of entities that qualify as a “business” as defined in FIN 46-R, revises the method of calculating expected losses and residual returns for determination of the primary beneficiary, includes new guidance for assessing variable interests, and codifies certain FASB Staff Positions (“FSPs”) on FIN 46. FIN 46-R is to be applied no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. DoCoMo has adopted the provisions of FIN 46 effective from April 1, 2003 and also adopted FIN 46-R, effective from April 1, 2003. At March 31, 2004, DoCoMo had no VIEs to be consolidated or disclosed; therefore, the adoption of this interpretation had no impact on the result of operations or the financial poison of DoCoMo.

 

Accounting for the Transfer to the Japanese Government of the Substitutional Portion of Employee Pension Fund Liabilities

 

DoCoMo adopted Emerging Issue Task Force No. 03-02 (“EITF 03-02”), “Accounting for the Transfer to the Japanese Government of the Substitutional Portion of Employee Pension Fund Liabilities.” This Issue provides a consensus that Japanese employers should account for the entire separation process as a single settlement event upon completion of the transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of the benefit obligations and related plan assets. Under the Law Concerning Defined-Benefit Corporate Pension Plans, NTT/Employee Pension Fund, in which DoCoMo participates, applied to the Japanese government for permission that NTT/Employee Pension Fund be released from future obligation to disburse the NTT Plan benefits covering the substitutional portion, and the application was approved on September 1, 2003. However, in accordance with EITF 03-02, no accounting should occur until the completion of the entire transfer. It is undetermined when the transfer of the benefit obligations and related plan assets will take place and what the net settlement will be.

 

(2) Significant accounting policies

 

Principles of consolidation—

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DoCoMo and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Use of estimates—

 

The preparation of DoCoMo’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. DoCoMo has identified the following areas where it believes estimates and assumptions are particularly critical to the financial statements. These are determination of useful lives of property, plant and equipment, internal use software and other intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of goodwill, other than temporary impairment of investments in affiliates, realization of deferred tax assets, pension liabilities and revenue recognition.

 

Cash and cash equivalents—

 

DoCoMo considers cash in banks and short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts—

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts is principally computed based on the historical bad debt experience plus the estimated uncollectable amount based on the analysis of certain individual accounts, including claims in bankruptcy.

 

Inventories—

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of equipment sold is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Inventories consist primarily of handsets and accessories. DoCoMo evaluates its inventory for obsolescence on a periodic basis and records adjustments as required. Due to the rapid technological changes associated with the wireless communications business, DoCoMo disposed of obsolete handsets during the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 totaling ¥9,527 million, ¥22,383 million and ¥5,295 million ($50,825 thousand), respectively, which are included in “cost of equipment sold” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

Property, plant and equipment—

 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and includes interest cost incurred during construction in progress periods, as discussed below in “Capitalized interest.” Depreciation is computed by the declining-balance method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the respective assets with the exception of buildings that are depreciated on a straight-line basis. Useful lives are determined at the time the asset is acquired and are based on expected use, experience with similar assets and anticipated technological or other changes. If technological or other changes occur more or less rapidly or in a different form than anticipated or the intended use changes, the useful lives assigned to these assets are adjusted, as appropriate.

 

The estimated useful lives of major depreciable assets are as follows:

 

Major wireless telecommunications equipment

   6 to 15 years

Steel towers and poles for antenna equipment

   30 to 40 years

Reinforced concrete buildings

   38 to 50 years

Tools, furniture and fixtures

   4 to 15 years

 

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Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was ¥540,762 million, ¥606,233 million, and ¥570,324 million ($5,474,409 thousand), respectively.

 

When depreciable telecommunications equipment is retired or abandoned in the normal course of business, the amount of such telecommunications equipment is deducted from the respective telecommunications equipment and accumulated depreciation accounts. Any remaining balance is charged to expense immediately.

 

Expenditures for replacements and betterments are capitalized, while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Assets under construction are not depreciated until placed in service.

 

Capitalized interest—

 

DoCoMo capitalizes interest related to the construction of property, plant and equipment over the period of construction. DoCoMo also capitalizes interest associated with the development of internal-use software. DoCoMo amortizes such capitalized interest over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Total interest costs incurred amounted to ¥20,285 million, ¥19,545 million, and ¥15,466 million ($148,454 thousand) of which ¥3,056 million, ¥2,675 million, and ¥2,250 million ($21,597 thousand) was capitalized during the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

Investments in affiliates—

 

The equity method of accounting is applied to investments in affiliates where DoCoMo owns an aggregate of 20% to 50% and/or is able to exercise significant influence over the affiliate. Under the equity method of accounting, DoCoMo records its share of earnings and losses of the affiliate and adjusts its investment amount. For investments of less than 20%, DoCoMo periodically reviews the facts and circumstances related thereto to determine whether or not it can exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate and, therefore should apply the equity method of accounting to such investments. Investments of less than 20% in which DoCoMo does not have significant influence are recorded using the cost method of accounting if they are non-marketable securities. For investees accounted for under the equity method whose year end is December 31, DoCoMo records its share of income or losses of such investees on a three months lag basis in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

DoCoMo evaluates its investments in affiliates for impairment due to declines in value considered to be other than temporary. In performing its evaluations, the Company utilizes various information, as available, including cash flow projections, independent valuations and, as applicable, stock price analysis. In the event of a determination that a decline in value is other than temporary, a charge to earnings is recorded for the loss, and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

 

Marketable securities—

 

Marketable securities consist of debt and equity securities. DoCoMo accounts for such investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” Management determines the appropriate classification of its investment securities at the time of purchase.

 

Equity securities held by DoCoMo, whose fair values are readily determinable, are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of applicable taxes, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Equity securities, whose fair values are not readily determinable, are carried at cost. Other than temporary declines in value are charged to earnings. Realized gains and losses are determined using the average cost method and are reflected in earnings.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

For debt securities classified as held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2003 and 2004, DoCoMo has the intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost and are reduced to fair value by a charge to earnings for other than temporary declines in fair value below cost.

 

DoCoMo did not hold or transact activity in any trading securities during the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets—

 

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Other intangible assets primarily consist of software for telecommunications network, internal-use software, customer related assets and rights to use certain telecommunications assets of wireline carriers.

 

DoCoMo accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Accordingly, DoCoMo does not amortize both goodwill, including embedded goodwill created through the acquisition of investments accounted for under the equity method, and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life, but instead, (1) goodwill, excluding goodwill related to equity method investments, and (2) intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives, consisting primarily of software for telecommunications network, internal-use software, customer related assets and rights to use telecommunications facilities of wireline are amortized over their useful lives.

 

Goodwill related to equity method investments is tested for other than temporary impairment in accordance with existing standards under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.” See Note 5.

 

DoCoMo capitalizes the cost of internal-use software which has a useful life in excess of one year in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” Computer software acquired to be used in the manufacture of handsets is capitalized if the technological feasibility of the handset to be ultimately marketed has been established at the time of purchase in accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” Subsequent costs for additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that the software is able to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Capitalized computer software costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 5 years.

 

Customer related assets principally consist of contractual customer relationships in the mobile phone business of ¥47,411 million and ¥38,919 million ($373,575 thousand) as of March 31, 2003 and 2004 that were recorded in the year ended March 31, 2003 in connection with the acquisition of minority interests of the regional subsidiaries in November 2002 through the process of identifying separable intangible assets apart from goodwill. The customer related assets are amortized over the expected term of customer relationships in mobile phone business, which is 6 years.

 

Amounts capitalized related to rights to use certain telecommunications assets of wireline carriers, primarily NTT, are being amortized over 20 years.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets—

 

DoCoMo’s long-lived assets other than goodwill, including property, plant and equipment, software and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Recoverability of assets to be held and used is evaluated by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset with future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value as measured by discounted cash flows, salvage value or expected net proceeds, depending on the circumstances.

 

Information relating to goodwill is disclosed in “Goodwill and other intangible assets”.

 

Hedging activities—

 

DoCoMo uses derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swap, foreign exchange forward contracts and non-derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. These financial instruments are effective in meeting the risk reduction objectives of DoCoMo by generating either cash flows which offset the cash flows related to the underlying position in respect of amount and timing or transaction gains and losses which offset transaction gains and losses of the hedged item. DoCoMo does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Interest rate swap contracts are designated as hedges of the financial risk associated with market interest rate changes. Foreign currency risk associated with certain foreign investment was hedged through non-derivative financial instruments.

 

DoCoMo accounts for derivative instruments and other hedging activities in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 138 and No. 149. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, with the change in the fair value recognized either in other comprehensive income (loss) or in net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes, and if so, the nature of hedging activity. Exchange rate gains and losses on non-derivative financial instruments designated to hedge the foreign currency risk of a net investment in a foreign operation are reported, net of applicable income taxes, in other comprehensive income (loss) in the same manner as the translation adjustments of the hedged investment, to the extent of effectiveness.

 

Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows under the same categories as the cash flows from the related assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions.

 

Employee benefit plans—

 

Pension benefits earned during the year as well as interest on projected benefit obligations are accrued currently. Prior service costs and credits resulting from changes in plan benefits are amortized over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive benefits.

 

Revenue recognition—

 

DoCoMo primarily generates its revenues from two sources—wireless services and equipment sales. These revenue sources are separate and distinct earnings processes. Wireless service is sold to the ultimate subscriber directly or through third-party retailers who act as agents, while equipment, including handsets, are sold principally to primary distributors.

 

DoCoMo sets its wireless services rates in accordance with the Japanese Telecommunications Business Law and government guidelines, which currently allow wireless telecommunications operators to set their own tariffs without government approval. Wireless service revenues primarily consist of base monthly service, airtime and fees for activation.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Base monthly service and airtime are recognized as revenues as service is provided to the subscribers. DoCoMo’s monthly rate plans for cellular (FOMA and mova) services generally include a certain amount of allowances (free minutes and/or packets), and the used amount of the allowances is subtracted from total usage in calculating the airtime revenue from a subscriber for the month. Prior to November 1, 2003, the total amount of the base monthly charges was recognized as revenues in the month they were charged as the subscribers could not carry over the unused allowances to the following months. On November 1, 2003, DoCoMo introduced a new billing arrangement, called “Nikagetsu Kurikoshi” (two-month carry over), in which the unused allowances are automatically carried over up to the following two months. This arrangement was available to substantially all existing subscribers of cellular (FOMA and mova) services. With the introduction of this new billing arrangement, DoCoMo has started to defer revenues based on the portion of unused allowances that are estimated to be utilized prior to expiration. As the arrangement has just been established and DoCoMo does not have sufficient empirical evidence to reasonably estimate such amounts, DoCoMo currently deducts and defer all unused allowances from revenues. The deferred revenues are recognized as revenues as the subscribers make calls or data communications, similar to the way airtime revenues are recognized.

 

Effective April 1, 2002, DoCoMo adopted EITF 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).” The adoption has resulted in the reclassification of certain amounts of commissions paid to agent resellers, previously included in selling, general and administrative expenses, as a reduction of equipment sales. EITF 01-09 also requires that reduction of revenue and corresponding expenses for such commissions be recognized at the time of equipment sales to the agent instead of the date of resale to the end user customer. Consequently, net equipment sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 2003 were decreased by ¥558,923 million and ¥571,223 million, respectively. As required, selling, general and administrative expenses, amounting to ¥507,884 million for the year ended March 31, 2002 have been reclassified as a reduction of equipment sales. The adoption also resulted in an adjustment as of April 1, 2002 for the cumulative effect of accounting change in DoCoMo’s statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) of ¥(35,716) million, net of taxes of ¥25,852 million, related to the timing of recognizing the commissions to be paid. The pro forma effects of retroactive application change have not been provided because the necessary information was not previously maintained.

 

Non-recurring upfront fees such as activation fees are deferred and recognized as revenues over the estimated average period of the customer for each service. The related direct costs are deferred only to the extent of the upfront fee amount and are amortized over the same period.

 

Deferred revenue and deferred charges as of March 31, 2003 and 2004 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Current deferred revenue

   ¥ 49,459    ¥ 81,724    $ 784,450

Long-term deferred revenue

     67,822      71,841      689,585

Current deferred charges

     49,459      49,424      474,410

Long-term deferred charges

     67,822      71,841      689,585

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses—

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include commissions paid to agents for new service contracts, expenses associated with DoCoMo’s customer loyalty programs, advertising costs, as well as other expenses such as payroll and related benefit costs of personnel not directly involved in the operations and maintenance process. Commissions paid to agents for new service contracts represent the largest portion of selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Property tax, city planning tax and road occupation fee, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses before April 1, 2003, are recognized by DoCoMo as costs to maintain its telecommunication services, and are reclassified in cost of services in this financial statement for the year ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004. The reclassification amounted to ¥25,905 million, ¥29,313 million and ¥31,374 million ($301,152 thousand) for the year ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

Income taxes—

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Earnings (loss) per share—

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock. DoCoMo has no dilutive securities outstanding at March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and therefore there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

 

Foreign currency translation—

 

All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into Japanese yen at appropriate year-end current rates and all income and expense accounts are translated at rates that approximate those rates prevailing at the time of the transactions. The resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Foreign currency receivables and payables of DoCoMo are translated at appropriate year-end current rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are included in earnings currently.

 

DoCoMo transacts limited business in foreign currencies. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations from the initial transaction date to the settlement date are recorded as exchange gain or loss in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

(3) Recent accounting pronouncements—

 

In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Financial Statement on Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity that, under previous guidance, could be classified as equity, by now requiring those instruments to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the statement of financial position. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. SFAS No. 150 is generally to be applied to all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 does not have any impact on DoCoMo’s results of operations and financial position.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In November 2002, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21 (“EITF 00-21”), “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” This Issue provides guidance on when and how to separate elements of an arrangement that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and rights to use assets into separate units of accounting. The guidance in the consensus is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The transition provision allows either prospective application or a cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption. The adoption of EITF 00-21 does not have a significant impact on DoCoMo’s results of operations and financial position.

 

In May 2003, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 01-08 (“EITF 01-08”), “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease.” This Issue provides guidance on how to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease that is within the scope of SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases.” The guidance in the consensus is effective for arrangements entered into, agreed to, modified or acquired in business combinations in fiscal periods beginning after May 28, 2003. DoCoMo is in the process of determining the impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF 01-08 will have on its results of operations and financial position.

 

In March 2004, EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 03-01 (“EITF 03-01”), “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” This Issue provides guidance which should be used to determine the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” certain debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit-Organization,” and equity securities that are not subject to the scope of SFAS 115 and not accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The guidance also requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. DoCoMo applied the new disclosure requirement as of March 31, 2004. The recognition and measurement guidance in the consensus should be applied to other-than-temporary impairment evaluations in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004 and the disclosure requirements for cost method investments are effective for annual financial statements for the years ending after June 15, 2004. DoCoMo is in the process of determining the impact, if any, that adoption of this guidance will have on its result of operations and financial position.

 

(4) Reclassifications—

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the presentation used for the year ended March 31, 2004.

 

3. U.S. dollar amounts:

 

The consolidated financial statements are stated in Japanese yen. Translations of the Japanese yen amounts into U.S. dollars are included solely for the convenience of readers by using the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March 31, 2004, which was ¥104.18 to U.S. $1. The convenience translations should not be construed as representations that the Japanese yen amounts have been, could have been, or could in the future be, converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate of exchange.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

4. Inventories:

 

Inventories as of March 31, 2003 and 2004 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Telecommunications equipment to be sold

   ¥ 65,910    ¥ 125,007    $ 1,199,914

Materials and supplies

     512      499      4,790

Other

     893      1,763      16,922
    

  

  

Total

   ¥ 67,315    ¥ 127,269    $ 1,221,626
    

  

  

 

5. Investments in affiliates:

 

DoCoMo’s investments in the following entities are accounted for on the equity method as of March 31, 2003 and 2004 except for KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd. and DoCoMo AOL, Inc. as explained below for 2004:

 

     Ownership Percentage

 

Company name


     2003  

      2004  

 

AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (“AT&T Wireless”)

   15.97 %   15.89 %

Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited (“H3G UK”)

   20.00 %   20.00 %

Hutchison Telephone Company Limited (“HTCL”)

   24.10 %   24.10 %

Hutchison 3G HK Holdings Limited (“H3G HK”)

   24.10 %   24.10 %

KG Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (“KGT”)

   21.42 %   N.A.  

DoCoMo AOL, Inc. (“DoCoMo AOL”)

   43.23 %   N.A.  

 

All of the above investments are privately held companies with the exception of AT&T Wireless. DoCoMo’s recorded investment in AT&T Wireless was ¥252,077 million ($2,419,629 thousand) as of March 31, 2004 and based on quoted market prices at that date, the related market value was ¥613,933 million ($5,893,000 thousand).

 

AT&T Wireless—

 

On July 9, 2001, AT&T Corp. (“AT&T”) completed the planned split-off of its wireless group (“AT&T Wireless Group”). In connection with the split-off, all the assets and liabilities of AT&T Wireless Group were transferred to AT&T Wireless, a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. The split-off was then effected by redeeming all the outstanding shares of AT&T Wireless Group tracking stock in exchange for shares of AT&T Wireless common stock and distributing additional shares of AT&T Wireless common stock to holders of AT&T common stock, resulting in AT&T Wireless becoming an independent, publicly-traded company. DoCoMo’s investment in AT&T Wireless preferred tracking stock was converted into AT&T Wireless common stock resulting in approximately 16% voting interest in AT&T Wireless. DoCoMo accounts for its common stock investment in AT&T Wireless using the equity method due to its ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies primarily through board representation, appointment of key management positions, approval rights and rights to require repurchase of the investment under certain circumstances.

 

Under terms of the investment agreement, amended on December 26, 2002, in certain circumstances, if AT&T Wireless fails to launch 3G wireless services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, or W-CDMA, technology in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and Dallas, or certain other specified substitute

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

markets in the United States by December 31, 2004, DoCoMo may require the repurchase of its investment in stock and warrants (See Note 6) at original purchase price plus interest at a predetermined rate.

 

In its agreements with AT&T Wireless, the Company has a preemptive right to acquire additional shares of AT&T Wireless in order to maintain its current ownership interest, if such interest would otherwise be diluted. In December 2001, AT&T Wireless announced its intention to acquire a U.S. regional wireless operator, TeleCorp PCS, Inc. (TeleCorp), through an exchange of shares. In connection therewith, on December 28, 2001, the Company agreed, subject to the completion of the TeleCorp acquisition, to exercise its preemptive right to maintain its 16% ownership in AT&T Wireless at a price of $14.28 per share. The purchase of approximately 26.7 million additional shares of AT&T Wireless common stock for approximately $382 million was completed in February 2002.

 

On February 17, 2004, AT&T Wireless entered into a merger agreement with Cingular Wireless LLC (“Cingular”), a mobile operator in the United States of America, and certain of its affiliates. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cingular agreed to acquire all the outstanding shares of common stock of AT&T Wireless for $15 per share in cash. On May 19, 2004, shareholders of AT&T Wireless approved the company’s merger agreement with Cingular in its Annual Shareholder Meeting.

 

If the transaction is consummated pursuant to the merger agreement, DoCoMo would receive approximately $6,495 million in cash and cease the equity method of accounting for its investment in AT&T Wireless. The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities, and other closing conditions and therefore its impact on DoCoMo’s result of operations is currently not determinable.

 

H3G UK—

 

On May 27, 2004, DoCoMo agreed to sell its entire 20% shareholding in H3G UK to Hutchison Whampoa Limited (“HWL”) for a total consideration of £120 million in a Sale and Purchase Agreement signed between DoCoMo and HWL. DoCoMo will receive payment in three installments either in cash, or subject to the listing of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited (“HTIL”), a subsidiary company of HWL that has applied for a listing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, in shares of HTIL. The third and final installment will be made in December 2006. DoCoMo’s right to receive £120 million as of the time of completion of the transaction in February 2007 is secured by the Sale and Purchase Agreement. As a result of the agreement, DoCoMo waived certain of its minority shareholder’s rights, including voting right and supervisory board representation. As we no longer have the ability to exercise significant influence over H3G UK, we ceased to account for our investment in H3G UK using the equity method at that time.

 

No recognition of gain or loss should occur until the completion of the entire transaction. In addition, the share price of HTIL and the related currency-exchange rates on a day of the completion are unforeseeable. Therefore, the impact of the transaction on DoCoMo’s result of operations is currently not determinable.

 

As part of the agreement, the £200 million shareholder loan provided by DoCoMo to H3G UK in May 2003 was transferred for value to Hutchison Europe Telecommunications S.à r.l., a HWL subsidiary company, on the same day, and the payment was completed.

 

KGT—

 

On October 7, 2003, KGT entered into a stock purchase agreement with Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (“FET”), a mobile operator in Taiwan, by which KGT agreed to become a wholly owned subsidiary of FET. Simultaneously, DoCoMo signed a memorandum of understanding with FET to collaborate on the promotion of third-generation (3G) mobile phone business and i-mode business in Taiwan.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, KGT merged into a subsidiary of FET and ceased to exist on January 1, 2004. DoCoMo ceased the equity method of accounting for its investment in KGT at that time. On April 29, 2004, the entire transaction was completed and the former shareholders of KGT received 0.46332 FET shares plus NT$6.72 for each KGT share they owned. As a result, DoCoMo became an approximately 5% shareholder of FET, and received approximately NT$2.5 billion (approximately ¥8 billion). The transaction did not have a material impact on DoCoMo’s results of operations.

 

DoCoMo AOL—

 

On December 17, 2003, DoCoMo entered into a stock sales agreement with America Online, Inc. (“AOL”). Pursuant to the stock sales agreement, DoCoMo sold all the shares it owned and ceased the equity method of accounting for its investment in DoCoMo AOL at that time.

 

KPNM—

 

On November 15, 2002, DoCoMo was requested by KPN Mobile N.V. (“KPNM”) to subscribe for additional shares of KPNM as DoCoMo had a right to subscribe for additional shares of KPNM for maintaining its portion of voting right. In December 2002, DoCoMo decided not to exercise its right to subscribe for additional shares of KPNM. As a result, DoCoMo’s ownership interest in KPNM decreased from 15% to approximately 2.2% and DoCoMo lost certain of its minority shareholder’s rights under the shareholders’ agreement, including supervisory board representation. As a result, DoCoMo no longer has the ability to exercise significant influence over KPNM, and ceased to account for its investment in KPNM using the equity method.

 

Because of the economic and financial environment surrounding the telecommunications industry and resultant significant declines in equity values of telecommunications companies on a global basis in recent years, the Company reviewed the business outlook of its affiliates in order to determine if any decline in investment values was other than temporary. The Company utilized cash flow projections, independent valuations and other financial information and, as applicable, stock price analysis in performing its reviews and estimating investment values. As a result of such evaluations, the Company determined that there were other than temporary decline in values of certain investments and has recorded impairment charges aggregating ¥624,644 million, net of deferred income taxes of ¥453,235 million, for the year ended March 31, 2002. The gross impairment charges were ¥664,493 million for AT&T Wireless, ¥320,481 million for KPNM, ¥56,444 million for H3G UK and ¥36,461 million for KGT. The Company also recorded impairment charges aggregating ¥319,564 million, net of deferred income taxes of ¥225,535 million, for the year ended March 31, 2003. The gross impairment charges were ¥284,078 million for AT&T Wireless, ¥117,898 million for KPNM, ¥123,245 million for H3G UK, ¥9,619 million for KGT and ¥10,259 million for DoCoMo AOL, Inc. The Company did not record impairment charges for the year ended March 31, 2004. The impairment charges are included with equity in net losses of affiliates in the accompanying statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company believes the estimated fair values of its investments in affiliates at March 31, 2004 equal or exceed the related carrying values.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following represents summarized financial information for DoCoMo’s investments in equity method investees for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004. All affiliates are included in each of the fiscal years disclosed except for KPNM for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 and 2004, and DoCoMo AOL and KGT for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 as they are no longer equity method investees. The investee information for 2004 is presented in total below, as there was no individual significant investee.

 

     Millions of yen

 
     2002

 
     AT&T
Wireless


    KPNM

    H3G UK

    KGT

   Others

 

Balance sheet data:

                                       

Current assets

   ¥ 830,889     ¥ 100,660     ¥ 14,477     ¥ 37,221    ¥ 57,722  

Noncurrent assets

     4,674,329       4,034,564       930,574       176,125      127,493  

Current liabilities

     452,852       1,649,764       25,503       44,836      55,934  

Noncurrent liabilities

     1,490,903       1,192,530       84,332       55,891      138,561  

Minority interest

     6,070       —         —         —        —    

Mandatorily redeemable common stock

     1,011,265       —         —         —        —    

Income statement data:

                                       

Revenues

   ¥ 1,655,499     ¥ 506,330     ¥ —       ¥ 56,726    ¥ 109,652  

Operating income (loss)

     72,740       (28,304 )     (9,621 )     2,887      (15,645 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     24,328       100,252       (10,422 )     2,634      (6,929 )

Net income (loss)

     (107,893 )     84,468       (10,422 )     2,488      (7,914 )

 

     Millions of yen

 
     2003

 
     AT&T
Wireless


    H3G UK

    KGT

    Others

 

Balance sheet data:

                                

Current assets

   ¥ 633,192     ¥ 34,100     ¥ 26,695     ¥ 60,757  

Noncurrent assets

     4,858,948       1,100,016       170,634       125,832  

Current liabilities

     370,851       64,214       35,156       62,515  

Noncurrent liabilities

     1,816,845       269,100       62,358       116,330  

Minority interest

     5,755       —         —         —    

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

     18,105       —         —         —    

Mandatorily redeemable common stock

     918,914       —         —         —    

Income statement data:

                                

Revenues

   ¥ 1,956,689     ¥ —       ¥ 78,982     ¥ 97,959  

Operating income (loss)

     (32,296 )     (31,498 )     (3,584 )     (8,595 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (276,022 )     (37,474 )     (6,422 )     1,373  

Net income (loss)

     (290,918 )     (37,474 )     (4,332 )     787  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2004

    2004

 
     Total

    Total

 

Balance sheet data:

                

Current assets

   ¥ 987,955     $ 9,483,154  

Noncurrent assets

     5,486,170       52,660,491  

Current liabilities

     501,898       4,817,604  

Noncurrent liabilities

     2,287,029       21,952,668  

Minority interest

     3,214       30,850  

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

     18,962       182,012  

Mandatorily redeemable common stock

     821,044       7,881,014  

Income statement data:

                

Revenues

   ¥ 2,028,519     $ 19,471,290  

Operating income (loss)

     (26,211 )     (251,593 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (126,921 )     (1,218,286 )

Net income (loss)

     (126,921 )     (1,218,286 )

 

DoCoMo’s share of undistributed earnings of affiliates included in consolidated retained earnings were ¥1,930 million, ¥3,369 million and ¥2,532 million ($24,304 thousand) as of March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Dividends received from affiliates were ¥20 million, ¥20 million and ¥20 million ($192 thousand) for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. DoCoMo does not have significant business transactions with its affiliates.

 

The total carrying value of DoCoMo’s investments in affiliates in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2003 and 2004 was lower than its aggregate underlying equity in net assets of such affiliates as of the date of the most recent available financial statements of the investees by ¥341,710 million and ¥304,085 million ($2,918,842 thousand), respectively.

 

6. Marketable securities and other investments:

 

Marketable securities and other investments as of March 31, 2003 and 2004 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Marketable securities:

                    

Available-for-sale

   ¥ 5,524    ¥ 22,395    $ 214,964

Held-to-maturity

     20      20      192

Other investments

     15,587      39,776      381,801
    

  

  

Total

   ¥ 21,131    ¥ 62,191    $ 596,957
    

  

  

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The aggregate fair value, gross unrealized holding gains and losses and cost by type of marketable security at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

     March 31, 2003

     Cost / Amortized
cost


   Gross unrealized
holding gains


   Gross unrealized
holding losses


   Fair value

Available-for-sale:

                           

Equity securities

   ¥ 4,384    ¥ 1,354    ¥ 767    ¥ 4,971

Debt securities

     500      53      —        553

Held-to-maturity:

                           

Debt securities

     20      0      —        20
     Millions of yen

     March 31, 2004

     Cost / Amortized
cost


   Gross unrealized
holding gains


   Gross unrealized
holding losses


   Fair value

Available-for-sale:

                           

Equity securities

   ¥ 4,546    ¥ 17,476    ¥ 50    ¥ 21,972

Debt securities

     400      23      —        423

Held-to-maturity:

                           

Debt securities

     20      0      —        20
     Thousands of U.S. dollars

     March 31, 2004

     Cost / Amortized
cost


   Gross unrealized
holding gains


   Gross unrealized
holding losses


   Fair value

Available-for-sale:

                           

Equity securities

   $ 43,636    $ 167,748    $ 480    $ 210,904

Debt securities

     3,839      221      —        4,060

Held-to-maturity:

                           

Debt securities

     192      0      —        192

 

The proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) from the sale of available-for-sale securities and other investments for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2002

    2003

    2004

   2004

Proceeds

   ¥ 2,718     ¥ 2,278     ¥ 1,831    $ 17,575

Gross realized gains

     1,369       103       1,444      13,861

Gross realized losses

     (0 )     (2 )     —        —  

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Maturities of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity at March 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

       Millions of yen

   Thousands of U.S. dollars

       2004

   2004

       Carrying
amounts


     Fair value

   Carrying
amounts


   Fair value

Due after 1 year through 5 years

     ¥ 20      ¥ 20    $ 192    $ 192

Due after 5 years through 10 years

       —          —        —        —  
      

    

  

  

Total

     ¥ 20      ¥ 20    $ 192    $ 192
      

    

  

  

 

Maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

       Millions of yen

   Thousands of U.S. dollars

       2004

   2004

       Carrying
amounts


     Fair value

   Carrying
amounts


   Fair value

Due after 1 year through 5 years

     ¥ 423      ¥ 423    $ 4,060    $ 4,060

Due after 5 years through 10 years

       —          —        —        —  
      

    

  

  

Total

     ¥ 423      ¥ 423    $ 4,060    $ 4,060
      

    

  

  

 

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

Gross unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities and the fair value of the related securities at March 31, 2004, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:

 

    Millions of yen

    March 31, 2004

   

Less than

12 months


 

12 months

or longer


  Total

    Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


  Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


  Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


Available-for-sale:

                                   

Equity securities

  ¥ 1,710   ¥ 47   ¥ 14   ¥ 3   ¥ 1,724   ¥ 50

Debt securities

    —       —       —       —       —       —  

Held-to-maturity:

                                   

Debt securities

    —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Thousands of U.S. dollars

    March 31, 2004

   

Less than

12 months


 

12 months

or longer


  Total

    Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


  Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


  Fair value

  Gross unrealized
holding losses


Available-for-sale:

                                   

Equity securities

  $ 16,414   $ 451   $ 134   $ 29   $ 16,548   $ 480

Debt securities

    —       —       —       —       —       —  

Held-to-maturity:

                                   

Debt securities

    —       —       —       —       —       —  

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Other investments includes long-term investments in various privately held companies and, as discussed below, warrants in AT&T Wireless.

 

On January 22, 2001, DoCoMo invested $9.8 billion (¥1,142.5 billion) in AT&T Wireless Group. The $9.8 billion cost was allocated based on estimated fair values at date of investment to AT&T preferred tracking stock $9.5 billion (¥1,111.8 billion) and warrants $0.3 billion (¥30.7 billion) and were accounted for on the cost basis. As discussed in Note 5, on July 9, 2001 upon the split-off of AT&T Wireless and automatic conversion of its investment into AT&T Wireless common stock and warrants, DoCoMo began to account for its investment in AT&T Wireless common stock on the equity method, while the warrants began to be carried on a mark to market basis. Market Value of the warrants was computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing methodology through the year ended March 31, 2003. In February 2004, AT&T Wireless entered into a merger agreement with Cingular and its subsidiaries. Under the terms of the merger agreement, per share purchase price of the outstanding common stock of AT&T Wireless is $15 and is below the exercise price of the warrant of $35 per share. In addition, the price movement of AT&T Wireless shares shows that capital market expects that the merger will go through, although transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities, and other closing conditions. Consequently, DoCoMo reduced the book value of the warrant as of March 31, 2004 to zero. In this regard, a market value write-down of ¥28,534 million, ¥599 million and ¥1,706 million ($16,376 thousand) has been included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

7. Goodwill and other intangible assets:

 

Goodwill—

 

On November 1, 2002, DoCoMo purchased all the remaining minority interests in its eight regional subsidiaries through share exchanges and made these subsidiaries wholly owned. On August 1, 2003, DoCoMo also made its subsidiary wholly owned through the same processes. These share exchanges were accounted for using the purchase method, in accordance with SFAS No. 141. In accordance therewith, the acquisition costs of the subsidiaries’ stocks which exceed the net assets of each of the subsidiaries are assigned to DoCoMo’s pro rata share of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair value at the date of the share exchanges, and deferred tax liabilities or assets are recognized for differences between the assigned values and the tax bases of the recognized assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The aggregate amount of acquisition costs that exceed the related determinable assets including intangible assets less liabilities is recorded as goodwill, which is exclusively attributable to the mobile phone business segment, on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which is all related to the mobile phone segment, for the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     For the year ended
March 31, 2003


   For the year ended
March 31, 2004


  

For the year ended

March 31, 2004


Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 5,312    ¥ 133,196    $ 1,278,518

Goodwill acquired during the year

     127,884      158      1,517
    

  

  

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 133,196    ¥ 133,354    $ 1,280,035
    

  

  

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Other intangible assets—

 

The following table displays the intangible assets, all of which are subject to amortization, at March 31, 2003 and 2004.

 

     Millions of yen

     March 31, 2003

     Gross carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


   Net carrying
amount


Software for telecommunications network

   ¥ 344,741    ¥ 192,792    ¥ 151,949

Internal-use software

     487,939      244,129      243,810

Customer related assets

     50,949      3,538      47,411

Rights to use telecommunications facilities of wireline carriers

     48,290      17,221      31,069

Other

     14,588      1,011      13,577
    

  

  

     ¥ 946,507    ¥ 458,691    ¥ 487,816
    

  

  

 

     Millions of yen

     March 31, 2004

     Gross carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


   Net carrying
amount


Software for telecommunications network

   ¥ 402,686    ¥ 227,747    ¥ 174,939

Internal-use software

     576,121      321,437      254,684

Customer related assets

     50,949      12,030      38,919

Rights to use telecommunications facilities of wireline carriers

     48,366      19,613      28,753

Other

     10,925      1,443      9,482
    

  

  

     ¥ 1,089,047    ¥ 582,270    ¥ 506,777
    

  

  

 

     Thousands of U.S. dollars

     March 31, 2004

     Gross carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


   Net carrying
amount


Software for telecommunications network

   $ 3,865,291    $ 2,186,091    $ 1,679,200

Internal-use software

     5,530,054      3,085,400      2,444,654

Customer related assets

     489,048      115,473      373,575

Rights to use telecommunications facilities of wireline carriers

     464,254      188,261      275,993

Other

     104,866      13,852      91,014
    

  

  

     $ 10,453,513    $ 5,589,077    $ 4,864,436
    

  

  

 

Amortization of intangible assets for the year ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was ¥99,743 million, ¥142,964 million and ¥150,673 million ($1,446,276 thousand), respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years ending March 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is ¥145,618 million, ¥125,348 million, ¥95,540 million, ¥59,419 million, and ¥24,553 million, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period of the intangible assets acquired for the year ended March 31, 2004 is 5.8 years.

 

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NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

8. Other assets:

 

Other assets at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Deposits

   ¥ 69,325    ¥ 68,505    $ 657,564

Deferred customer activation costs

     67,822      71,841      689,585

Loan to an affiliate

     —        38,618      370,685

Other

     13,125      16,442      157,823
    

  

  

     ¥ 150,272    ¥ 195,406    $ 1,875,657
    

  

  

 

Loan to an affiliate represents the loan for H3G UK, an affiliate of DoCoMo.

 

In March 2003, DoCoMo received a funding call notice from H3G UK, seeking a shareholders loan advancement of £200 million from DoCoMo, pursuant to a provision of the H3G UK shareholders agreement between HWL, the parent company of H3G UK, and DoCoMo. In May 2003, DoCoMo advanced H3G UK a 10-year shareholders loan of £200 million. On May 27, 2004, the shareholder loan provided by DoCoMo was transferred for value to Hutchison Europe Telecommunications S.à r.l., a HWL subsidiary company, and the payment was completed (See Note 5). DoCoMo believes the estimated fair value of the loan as of March 31, 2004 approximated to the carrying value.

 

9. Short-term borrowings and long-term debt:

 

DoCoMo’s borrowings are denominated in Japanese yen and U.S. dollars.

 

Short-term borrowings, excluding the current portion of long-term debt, at March 31, 2003 and 2004 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of yen

  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Denominated in Japanese yen:

                    

Unsecured short-term bank loans and commercial paper at March 31, 2003 and 2004, bearing interest at a weighted average rate of 0.17% per annum at March 31 2003

   ¥ 10,000    ¥       —      $     —  

 

As of March 31, 2004, DoCoMo has unused overdraft accounts amounting to ¥407,432 million ($3,910,847 thousand).

 

F-26


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Long-term debt at March 31, 2003 and 2004 is comprised of the following:

 

               Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 
    

Interest rates


   Maturities

   2003

    2004

    2004

 

Debt denominated in Japanese Yen:

                                  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   0.3% - 2.7%    2004 - 2011    ¥ 777,000     ¥ 750,490     $ 7,203,782  

Unsecured indebtedness to banks and insurance companies

   0.5% - 4.9%    2004 - 2012      549,348       330,537       3,172,749  

Debt denominated in U.S. dollars:

                                  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   3.5%    2008      12,020       10,569       101,449  
              


 


 


Sub-total

               1,338,368       1,091,596       10,477,980  

Less: Current portion

               (126,741 )     (136,642 )     (1,311,595 )
              


 


 


Total Long-term debt

             ¥ 1,211,627     ¥ 954,954     $ 9,166,385  
              


 


 


 

Interest rates on most of DoCoMo’s borrowings are fixed in nature. Interest costs related specifically to short-term borrowings and long-term debt for the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2004 totaled ¥19,199 million and ¥15,045 million ($144,414 thousand), respectively.

 

DoCoMo made a shelf registration that DoCoMo may issue up to ¥1,000 billion of general domestic corporate bonds during the two-year period starting April 3, 2002. As of March 31, 2004, DoCoMo had the unused line of credit amounting to ¥850 billion. DoCoMo applied for a shelf registration that DoCoMo may issue up to ¥1,000 billion of general domestic corporate bonds during the two-year period starting April 3, 2004.

 

On November 11, 2003, DoCoMo established a Euro Medium Term Note Program (“EMTN Program”), which permit issuance of Notes up to $10 billion or the equivalent in other currencies. As of March 31, 2004, DoCoMo has the unused line of credit amounting to $10 billion regarding the EMTN Program.

 

The aggregate amounts of annual maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2004, were as follows:

 

Year ending March 31,


   Millions of
yen


  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


2005

   ¥ 136,642    $ 1,311,595

2006

     150,324      1,442,926

2007

     193,742      1,859,685

2008

     129,788      1,245,805

2009

     75,210      721,924

Thereafter

     405,890      3,896,045
    

  

     ¥ 1,091,596    $ 10,477,980
    

  

 

10. Shareholders’ equity:

 

The Commercial Code of Japan (the “Code”) provides that (i) all appropriations of retained earnings, including dividends, require approval at an ordinary general meeting of shareholders, (ii) interim cash dividends can be distributed upon the approval of the board of directors if the articles of incorporation provide for such interim cash dividends, subject to some restrictions in the amount, and (iii) an amount equal to at least 10 percent of cash dividends and other appropriations paid in cash be appropriated as a legal reserve until the aggregated amount of capital surplus and legal reserve equals 25% of stated capital.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The capital surplus and legal reserve, up to 25% of stated capital, are not available for dividends but may be used to reduce a deficit or may be transferred to stated capital. The capital surplus and legal reserve, exceeding 25% of stated capital, are available for distribution upon approval of the shareholders’ meeting.

 

The amount of statutory retained earnings of the Company available for the payments of dividends to shareholders as of March 31, 2004 was ¥1,091,557 million ($10,477,606 thousand).

 

Cash dividends and transfers to the legal reserve charged to retained earnings during the three years ended March 31, 2004 represent dividends paid out during the periods and related appropriations to the legal reserve.

 

Previously the Company had to have pre-approval of the shareholders in order to change the number of authorized shares of capital. However, the Code was amended in October 2001 to permit an increase in the number of authorized shares of capital by resolution of the Board of Directors, if it were a result of a stock split.

 

On January 25, 2002, the DoCoMo Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of authorized shares to 191,500,000 and declared a five-for-one common stock split. The record date for the split was on March 31, 2002, with distribution of the split shares on May 15, 2002. The amount of common stock did not increase by this stock-split. All historical share and per share data included in these financial statements have been adjusted to reflect this stock split.

 

The shareholders’ meeting on June 18, 2004, approved cash dividends of ¥48,596 million ($466,462 thousand), ¥1,000 per share, payable to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2004, which were declared by the Board of Directors on April 22, 2004.

 

Share repurchase and share exchanges for converting subsidiaries into wholly-owned subsidiaries—

 

On May 8, 2002, DoCoMo entered into memoranda of understanding with the eight regional subsidiaries which provide that the eight regional subsidiaries shall become wholly-owned subsidiaries of DoCoMo by way of share exchanges in order to increase the DoCoMo group’s overall value by unifying its business and financing strategies.

 

In July and August 2002, DoCoMo repurchased 870,000 shares of its common stock, or 1.73% of the total issued shares of DoCoMo, for ¥234,462 million in the stock market. In July 2002, 551,000 shares of DoCoMo stock were sold by NTT in the market.

 

On November 1, 2002, DoCoMo completed the share exchanges. The treasury stock amount of ¥234,462 million (870,000 shares), which had been acquired before the share exchanges, was decreased to ¥2,585 million (9,594 shares) as a result of the share exchanges and the subsequent purchase of odd lot equal to ¥8 million (34 shares) from the former minority shareholders of the regional subsidiaries.

 

On May 13, 2003, DoCoMo entered into memorandum of understanding with DoCoMo Sentsu, Inc. (“Sentsu”) which provide that Sentsu shall become wholly-owned subsidiary of DoCoMo by way of share exchanges in order to increase the DoCoMo group’s overall value by unifying its business and financing strategies. On August 1, 2003, DoCoMo completed the share exchange. Treasury stock amount of ¥587 million (2,180 shares) was allocated and transferred for the former minority shareholders of Sentsu as a result of the share exchange.

 

On June 19, 2003, the shareholders’ meeting approved a stock repurchase plan under which DoCoMo may repurchase up to 2,500,000 shares at an aggregate amount not to exceed ¥600,000 million in order to improve capital efficiency and to implement flexible capital policies in accordance with the business environment. Also, DoCoMo repurchased its fractional shares.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Class, aggregate number and price of shares repurchased for the year ended March 31, 2004, were as follows:

 

Class of shares repurchased:

   Shares of common stock of the Company

Aggregate number of shares repurchased:

   1,576,222 shares (3.1% of issued shares)

Aggregate price of shares repurchased:

   ¥ 394,903 million

 

Of the total shares repurchased, 698,000 shares were purchased from NTT.

 

In May 2004, based on a resolution of the Board of Directors on March 24, 2004, DoCoMo repurchased 43,000 shares of its common stock (0.09% of issued shares) for ¥8,447 million in the stock market.

 

On June 18, 2004, the shareholders’ meeting approved a stock repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase up to 2,500,000 shares at an aggregate amount not to exceed ¥600,000 million in order to improve capital efficiency and to implement flexible capital policies in accordance with the business environment.

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

The table that follows presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

    Millions of yen

 
    Unrealized gains
(losses) on available-
for-sale securities


    Net revaluation of
financial
instruments


    Foreign currency
translation
adjustment


    Minimum pension
liability adjustment


    Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)


 

Balance at March 31, 2001

  ¥ 3,335     ¥ —       ¥ 25,621     ¥ (5,847 )   ¥ 23,109  

2002 change

    (2,136 )     (90 )     105,147       (3,398 )     99,523  
   


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2002

  ¥ 1,199     ¥ (90 )   ¥ 130,768     ¥ (9,245 )   ¥ 122,632  

2003 change

    (727 )     257       (39,315 )     (19,910 )     (59,695 )
   


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2003

  ¥ 472     ¥ 167     ¥ 91,453     ¥ (29,155 )   ¥ 62,937  

2004 change

    12,238       (13 )     (9,862 )     16,055       18,418  
   


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

  ¥ 12,710     ¥ 154     ¥ 81,591     ¥ (13,100 )   ¥ 81,355  
   


 


 


 


 


    Thousands of U.S. dollars

 
    Unrealized gains
(losses) on available-
for-sale securities


    Net revaluation of
financial
instruments


    Foreign currency
translation
adjustment


    Minimum pension
liability adjustment


    Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)


 

Balance at March 31, 2003

  $ 4,530     $ 1,603     $ 877,837     $ (279,852 )   $ 604,118  

2004 change

    117,470       (125 )     (94,663 )     154,108       176,790  
   


 


 


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

  $ 122,000     $ 1,478     $ 783,174     $ (125,744 )   $ 780,908  
   


 


 


 


 


 

F-29


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

11. Research and development expenses, and advertising cost:

 

Research and development expenses

 

Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

 

For the year ended March 31, 2003 and 2004, DoCoMo expended funds for research and development of new FOMA 3G handsets manufactured by handset vendors. The move is part of a strategy to promote the rapid development of FOMA handset technology and stimulate market demand for FOMA services. Under the agreements with manufacturers, they are required to develop new FOMA handsets, featuring advanced applications and longer battery life. DoCoMo shares ownership rights for FOMA handset patented technologies and know-how with the manufacturers.

 

The total amount invested by DoCoMo in the development of FOMA handsets by handset manufacturers for the year ended March 31, 2003 and 2004 is ¥17.5 billion and ¥23.5 billion ($225,571 thousand), respectively.

 

Research and development expenses are included primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses, and amounted to ¥99,454 million, ¥ 126,229 million and ¥124,514 million ($1,195,181 thousand) for the year ended March 31, 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively.

 

Advertising costs

 

Advertising costs are also expensed as incurred. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and amounted to ¥63,480 million, ¥58,738 million and ¥58,434 million ($560,895 thousand) for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

12. Other (income) expense:

 

Components of (income) expense included in “other, net” in the financial statement for the year ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 

Realized holding gains (net of losses) on marketable securities and other investments

   ¥ (1,369 )   ¥ (101 )   ¥ (1,444 )   $ (13,861 )

Foreign exchange gains

     (829 )     (228 )     (483 )     (4,636 )

Rental revenue received

     (1,885 )     (2,666 )     (2,744 )     (26,339 )

Write-down of warrants related to AT&T Wireless

     28,534       599       1,706       16,376  

Gain on share-exchange right related to investment in KGT

     —         —         (2,665 )     (25,581 )

Other—net

     2,970       (623 )     (3,874 )     (37,185 )
    


 


 


 


     ¥ 27,421     ¥ (3,019 )   ¥ (9,504 )   $ (91,226 )
    


 


 


 


 

13. Related party transactions:

 

As previously noted, DoCoMo is majority-owned by NTT, which is a holding company for more than 400 companies comprising the NTT group.

 

DoCoMo has entered into a number of different types of transactions with NTT, its other subsidiaries and its affiliated companies in the ordinary course of business. DoCoMo’s transactions with NTT group companies

 

F-30


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

include purchases of wireline telecommunications services (i.e. for DoCoMo’s offices and operations facilities, including its PHS business) based on actual usage, leasing of various telecommunications facilities and sales of DoCoMo’s various wireless communications services.

 

Receivables include primarily customer accounts receivables related to DoCoMo’s sales of wireless communications services to customers, which NTT collects on behalf of DoCoMo. These sales are recorded as revenue from each third-party customer receiving the services and are not included in the amount of sales to related parties. During the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, DoCoMo purchased capital equipment from NTT Group companies in the amount of ¥121,555 million, ¥123,473 million and ¥100,994 million ($969,418 thousand), respectively.

 

DoCoMo has entered into cost-sharing and construction and maintenance contracts with In-Tunnel Cellular Association, chairman of which is also one of DoCoMo’s directors. The contracts were entered into on terms similar to those made with third parties. Income from such contracts was ¥10,552 million and ¥11,970 million ($114,897 thousand) for the year ended March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

14. Business segments:

 

From a resource allocation perspective, DoCoMo views itself as having four primary business segments. The mobile phone business segment includes cellular services, FOMA services, packet communications services, satellite mobile communications services, in-flight telephone services and the equipment sales related to these services. The PHS business segment includes PHS services and the related equipment sales for such service. The Quickcast business segment includes paging services and related equipment sales for such service. The miscellaneous business segment includes international dialing and roaming services and other miscellaneous services, which in the aggregate are not significant. The “Corporate” column in the tables below is not an operating segment but is included to reflect the recorded amounts of common assets which cannot be allocated to any business segment.

 

DoCoMo identified its reportable segments based on the nature of services included, as well as the characteristics of the telecommunications networks used to provide those services. DoCoMo’s chief operating decision maker monitors and evaluates the performance of its segments based on the information that follows as derived from the Company’s management reports. Beginning with the year ended March 31, 2003, DoCoMo has elected to change the basis of the consolidated financial information filed in Japan from Japanese GAAP to U.S. GAAP. Consistent therewith, the Company’s management reports, which were prepared in accordance with Japanese GAAP in the year ended March 31, 2002, have also been changed to a U.S. GAAP basis for the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2004. Therefore, segment information for the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2004 is presented on the basis of U.S. GAAP, while such information for the year ended March 31, 2002 in the tables below are primarily in accordance with Japanese GAAP.

 

Assets by segment are not included in the management reports, however, they are included herein only for the purpose of disclosure. Depreciation and amortization is shown separately, as well as included as part of operating expenses. Corporate assets include primarily cash, deposits, securities, loans and investments in affiliates. With respect to other common assets such as buildings for telecommunications purposes and common facilities, the amounts of such assets and related depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment on a systematic and rational basis.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

[Japanese GAAP basis]

Year ended March 31, 2002


   Millions of yen

   Mobile phone
business


   PHS
business


    Quickcast
business


    Miscellaneous
business


   Corporate

   Consolidated

Operating revenues

   ¥ 5,022,109    ¥ 114,512     ¥ 10,977     ¥ 23,949      —      ¥ 5,171,547

Operating expenses

     3,954,523      173,223       17,370       23,578      —        4,168,694
    

  


 


 

  

  

Operating income (loss)

   ¥ 1,067,586    ¥ (58,711 )   ¥ (6,393 )   ¥ 371      —      ¥ 1,002,853
    

  


 


 

  

  

Assets

   ¥ 4,422,508    ¥ 134,310     ¥ 15,771     ¥ 3,656    ¥ 1,336,337    ¥ 5,912,582
    

  


 


 

  

  

Depreciation and amortization

   ¥ 585,619    ¥ 35,118     ¥ 6,839     ¥ 1,144      —      ¥ 628,720
    

  


 


 

  

  

[U.S. GAAP basis]

Year ended March 31, 2003


   Millions of yen

   Mobile phone
business


   PHS
business


   

Quickcast

business


    Miscellaneous
business


   Corporate

   Consolidated

Operating revenues

   ¥ 4,690,444    ¥ 85,038     ¥ 8,088     ¥ 25,518      —      ¥ 4,809,088

Operating expenses

     3,603,257      113,332       14,546       21,234      —        3,752,369
    

  


 


 

  

  

Operating income (loss)

   ¥ 1,087,187    ¥ (28,294 )   ¥ (6,458 )   ¥ 4,284      —      ¥ 1,056,719
    

  


 


 

  

  

Assets

   ¥ 4,818,323    ¥ 134,900     ¥ 15,653     ¥ 4,823    ¥ 1,084,308    ¥ 6,058,007
    

  


 


 

  

  

Depreciation and amortization

   ¥ 712,726    ¥ 27,668     ¥ 7,934     ¥ 869      —      ¥ 749,197
    

  


 


 

  

  

[U.S. GAAP basis]

Year ended March 31, 2004


   Millions of yen

   Mobile phone
business


   PHS
business


   

Quickcast

business


    Miscellaneous
business


   Corporate

   Consolidated

Operating revenues

   ¥ 4,937,666    ¥ 75,702     ¥ 5,981     ¥ 28,716      —      ¥ 5,048,065

Operating expenses

     3,798,785      111,224       7,832       27,306      —        3,945,147
    

  


 


 

  

  

Operating income (loss)

   ¥ 1,138,881    ¥ (35,522 )   ¥ (1,851 )   ¥ 1,410      —      ¥ 1,102,918
    

  


 


 

  

  

Assets

   ¥ 4,847,982    ¥ 127,224     ¥ 13,531     ¥ 8,644    ¥ 1,264,885    ¥ 6,262,266
    

  


 


 

  

  

Depreciation and amortization

   ¥ 693,102    ¥ 23,508     ¥ 2,643     ¥ 1,744      —      ¥ 720,997
    

  


 


 

  

  

[U.S. GAAP basis]

Year ended March 31, 2004


   Thousands of U.S. dollars

   Mobile phone
business


   PHS
business


   

Quickcast

business


    Miscellaneous
business


   Corporate

   Consolidated

Operating revenues

   $ 47,395,527    $ 726,646     $ 57,410     $ 275,639      —      $ 48,455,222

Operating expenses

     36,463,669      1,067,614       75,177       262,104      —        37,868,564
    

  


 


 

  

  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 10,931,858    $ (340,968 )   $ (17,767 )   $ 13,535      —      $ 10,586,658
    

  


 


 

  

  

Assets

   $ 46,534,671    $ 1,221,194     $ 129,881     $ 82,972    $ 12,141,342    $ 60,110,060
    

  


 


 

  

  

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 6,652,928    $ 225,648     $ 25,370     $ 16,739      —      $ 6,920,685
    

  


 


 

  

  

 

DoCoMo does not disclose geographical segments, since operating revenues generated outside Japan are immaterial.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The tables that follow present reconciliations of segment operating revenues, operating expenses, operating income, assets and depreciation and amortization for the year ended March 31, 2002 from the management reports information shown above, to U.S. GAAP amounts on a consolidated basis.

 

An explanation of the significant reconciling items is as follows:

 

Activation fees—

 

Activation fees were recorded as revenue when billed in the management reports, while related direct incremental acquisition costs were expensed as incurred. Under U.S. GAAP such amounts should be deferred and recognized over the period of the customer relationship (See Note 2).

 

Commissions paid to agent resellers—

 

Commissions paid to agent resellers were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the management reports. Under U.S. GAAP, certain amounts of the commissions are recorded as a reduction of equipment sales. (See Note 2)

 

Classification of loss on inventory writedown—

 

DoCoMo classified the cost of inventory writedowns as part of “other income (expense)” for management reporting purposes. Under U.S. GAAP, such expenses are recorded as operating expenses.

 

Compensated absences—

 

The Company did not specifically account for compensated absences nor does it recognize a related liability in its management reports until such amounts were paid. Under U.S. GAAP, an employer shall accrue a liability for employees’ compensation for future absences if certain conditions are met.

 

Employee retirement benefits—

 

Represents the effect of differences in accounting for costs of employee retirement benefits between U.S. GAAP and management reporting due to actuarial calculations and timing recognition of components thereof including primarily transition adjustment, prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses.

 

Lease transactions—

 

The Company accounted for certain finance leases as operating leases in its management reports. Under U.S. GAAP, such leases are accounted for as capital leases under certain conditions.

 

Capitalization of intangible assets—

 

Amounts paid to acquire indefeasible rights to use certain telecommunications facilities were expensed by the Company as incurred in its management reports. Under U.S. GAAP, amounts paid for such rights to use are to be capitalized in certain circumstances.

 

Capitalized interest—

 

DoCoMo did not capitalize interest costs on borrowings for the construction of facilities in its management reports. Under U.S. GAAP, actual interest costs incurred to bring qualified assets to their intended use that theoretically could have been avoided if the expenditures for the assets had not been made, must be capitalized.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Investments in affiliates—

 

Represents differences in the Company’s management reports for amortization periods and carrying values of equity method goodwill and other miscellaneous accounting items for equity method affiliates.

 

Translation of investments in foreign affiliates—

 

Foreign investments were translated at year end exchange rates for management reporting purposes, except for embedded goodwill which is translated at historical rates. Under U.S. GAAP, investments that are carried at cost are translated at historical rates and investments in equity affiliates are translated at the exchange rate as of the date of the most recent available financial statements of the investee. Translation adjustments for management reporting purposes were reversed for impairment write-downs or sales of the investments. Under U.S. GAAP, reversals of translation adjustments are only reflected for sale or substantial liquidation of the investment.

 

Impairment write-down of investments in affiliates—

 

As noted above, translation adjustments are not reversed for impairment write-downs of investments in affiliates under U.S. GAAP.

 

     Millions of yen

 

Adjustments to reconcile segment operating revenues to U.S.

GAAP operating revenues


   Year ended
March 31, 2002


 

Segment operating revenues

   ¥ 5,171,547  

1) Activation fees

     (4,409 )

2) Commissions paid to agent resellers

     (507,884 )
    


Consolidated operating revenue under U.S. GAAP

   ¥ 4,659,254  
    


     Millions of yen

 

Adjustments to reconcile segment operating expenses to U.S.

GAAP operating expenses


   Year ended
March 31, 2002


 

Segment operating expenses

   ¥ 4,168,694  

1) Activation fees

     (4,409 )

2) Commissions paid to agent resellers

     (507,884 )

3) Classification of loss on inventory writedown

     9,527  

4) Compensated absences

     2,694  

5) Employee retirement benefits

     (14,184 )

6) Lease transactions

     (2,194 )

7) Amortization of intangible assets

     1,368  

8) Depreciation for capitalized interest costs

     2,406  

9) Other

     2,349  
    


Consolidated operating expenses under U.S. GAAP

   ¥ 3,658,367  
    


 

F-34


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Millions of yen

 

Adjustments to reconcile segment operating income to U.S.

GAAP operating income


   Year ended
March 31, 2002


 

Segment operating income

   ¥ 1,002,853  

1) Classification of loss on inventory writedown

     (9,527 )

2) Compensated absences

     (2,694 )

3) Employee retirement benefits

     14,184  

4) Lease transactions

     2,194  

5) Amortization of intangible assets

     (1,368 )

6) Depreciation for capitalized interest costs

     (2,406 )

7) Other

     (2,349 )
    


Consolidated operating income under U.S. GAAP

   ¥ 1,000,887  
    


     Millions of yen

 

Adjustments to reconcile segment

assets to U.S. GAAP assets


  

March 31,

2002


 

Segment assets

   ¥ 5,912,582  

1) Deferred costs related to activation fees

     113,334  

2) Lease transactions

     13,201  

3) Capitalization of intangible assets

     20,192  

4) Capitalized interest

     10,102  

5) Investments in affiliates

     75,999  

6) Translation of investments in foreign affiliates

     222,497  

7) Impairment write-down of investments in affiliates

     (264,983 )

8) Other

     1,776  

9) Deferred taxes related to reconciling items

     (37,475 )
    


Consolidated assets under U.S. GAAP

   ¥ 6,067,225  
    


     Millions of yen

 

Adjustments to reconcile segment depreciation and amortization

to U.S. GAAP depreciation and amortization


   Year ended
March 31, 2002


 

Segment depreciation and amortization

   ¥ 628,720  

1) Lease transactions

     6,224  

2) Amortization of intangible assets

     1,368  

3) Depreciation for capitalized interest costs

     2,406  

4) Other

     1,787  
    


Consolidated depreciation and amortization under U.S. GAAP

   ¥ 640,505  
    


 

F-35


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following supplemental table presents segment information for the year ended March 31, 2002 in accordance with U.S. GAAP adjusted from those in accordance with Japanese GAAP, to provide comparability of the segment information and for the convenience of the users of the financial statements.

 

[U.S. GAAP basis]

Year ended March 31, 2002


   Millions of yen

   Mobile phone
business


   PHS business

   

Quickcast

business


    Miscellaneous
business


   Corporate

   Consolidated

Operating revenues

   ¥ 4,523,989    ¥ 100,186     ¥ 11,130     ¥ 23,949      —      ¥ 4,659,254

Operating expenses

     3,457,554      159,990       17,307       23,516      —        3,658,367
    

  


 


 

  

  

Operating income (loss)

   ¥ 1,066,435    ¥ (59,804 )   ¥ (6,177 )   ¥ 433      —      ¥ 1,000,887
    

  


 


 

  

  

Assets

   ¥ 4,519,389    ¥ 157,642     ¥ 16,214     ¥ 3,698    ¥ 1,370,282    ¥ 6,067,225
    

  


 


 

  

  

Depreciation and amortization

   ¥ 595,372    ¥ 36,967     ¥ 7,019     ¥ 1,147      —      ¥ 640,505
    

  


 


 

  

  

 

15. Employee benefits:

 

DoCoMo participates in a contributory defined benefit welfare pension plan sponsored by the NTT group (“NTT/Employee Pension Fund”). The number of DoCoMo’s employees covered by the contributory plan represented approximately 9.6% and 9.8% of the total people covered by such plan as of March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively. The amount of expense allocated in DoCoMo’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) related to the contributory plan for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was ¥ 7,962 million, ¥8,661 million and ¥7,808 million ($74,947 thousand), respectively. The liability for employees’ benefits covered by such contributory plan was ¥26,149 million and ¥25,499 million ($244,759 thousand) as of March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Such amounts were allocated by NTT and are based on actuarial calculations related to DoCoMo’s covered employees.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

DoCoMo also sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. DoCoMo uses a measurement date of March 31 for its non-contributory pension plan. The following tables present reconciliations of the changes in the non-contributory pension plan’s projected benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets at March 31, 2003 and 2004:

 

     Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 
     2003

    2004

    2004

 

Change in benefit obligations:

                        

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

   ¥ 161,006     ¥ 177,238     $ 1,701,267  

Service cost

     9,354       10,715       102,851  

Interest cost

     3,953       3,631       34,853  

Benefit payments

     (8,478 )     (9,263 )     (88,913 )

Plan amendment

     (3,039 )     (11,774 )     (113,016 )

Transfer of liability from NTT non-contributory funded pension plan

     4,097       5,686       54,578  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     10,345       (3,703 )     (35,544 )
    


 


 


Projected benefit obligation, end of year

   ¥ 177,238     ¥ 172,530     $ 1,656,076  

Change in fair value of plan assets:

                        

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

   ¥ 44,382     ¥ 45,934     $ 440,910  

Actual return on plan assets

     (5,797 )     6,714       64,446  

Employer contributions

     6,728       5,310       50,970  

Benefits payments

     (801 )     (1,233 )     (11,835 )

Transfer of plan assets from NTT non-contributory funded pension plan

     1,422       1,634       15,684  
    


 


 


Fair value of plan assets, end of year

   ¥ 45,934     ¥ 58,359     $ 560,175  

At March 31:

                        

Funded status

   ¥ (131,304 )   ¥ (114,171 )   $ (1,095,901 )

Unrecognized net losses

     62,965       50,110       480,995  

Unrecognized transition obligation

     2,477       1,786       17,143  

Unrecognized prior service cost

     (16,242 )     (25,976 )     (249,338 )
    


 


 


Net amount recognized

   ¥ (82,104 )   ¥ (88,251 )   $ (847,101 )
    


 


 


 

The following table provides the amounts recognized in DoCoMo’s consolidated balance sheets:

 

     Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 
     2003

    2004

    2004

 

At March 31:

                        

Liability for employees’ retirement benefits

   ¥ (123,551 )   ¥ (108,455 )   $ (1,041,035 )

Intangible assets

     790       470       4,512  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     40,657       19,734       189,422  
    


 


 


Net amount recognized

   ¥ (82,104 )   ¥ (88,251 )   $ (847,101 )
    


 


 


Liability for employees’ retirement benefits covered by the NTT Group contributory defined benefit welfare pension plan

   ¥ (26,149 )   ¥ (25,499 )   $ (244,759 )
    


 


 


Total liability for employees’ retirement benefits

   ¥ (149,700 )   ¥ (133,954 )   $ (1,285,794 )
    


 


 


 

F-37


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the non-contributory pension plan was ¥167,671 million and ¥166,454 million ($1,597,754 thousand) at March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

The charges to income for the non-contributory pension plan for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, included the following components:

 

     Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 
     2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 

Service cost

   ¥ 8,567     ¥ 9,354     ¥ 10,715     $ 102,851  

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     4,380       3,953       3,631       34,853  

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,201 )     (1,180 )     (1,181 )     (11,336 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     (1,235 )     (1,217 )     (1,465 )     (14,062 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

     2,413       2,188       3,063       29,401  

Amortization of transition obligation

     633       637       637       6,114  

Other

     411       —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net pension cost

   ¥ 13,968     ¥ 13,735     ¥ 15,400     $ 147,821  
    


 


 


 


 

The assumptions used in determination of the pension plan’s projected benefit obligations at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

    

March 31,

2003


   

March 31,

2004


 

Discount rate

   2.0 %   2.0 %

Long-term rate of salary increases

   2.1     2.1  

 

The assumptions used in determination of the net pension costs for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     2002

    2003

    2004

 

Discount rate

   3.0 %   2.5 %   2.0 %

Long-term rate of salary increases

   3.0     2.1     2.1  

Long-term rate of return on funded assets

   3.0     2.5     2.5  

 

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the non-contributory pension plan considers the current and projected asset allocations, as well as expected long-term investment returns and risks for each category of the plan assets based on analysis of historical results.

 

The non-contributory pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at March 31, 2003 and 2004 by asset category are as follows:

 

    

March 31,

2003


   

March 31,

2004


 

Domestic stocks

   26.6 %   26.4 %

Domestic bonds

   35.8     28.7  

International stocks

   17.4     14.4  

International bonds

   15.5     17.2  

Other

   4.7     13.3  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

F-38


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The non-contributory pension plan’s policy toward plan assets management is formulated with the ultimate objective of ensuring the steady disbursement of pension benefits in future periods. The long-term objective of asset management, therefore, is to secure the total profits deemed necessary to ensure financial soundness of plan assets. To achieve this, DoCoMo selects various investments and takes into consideration their expected returns and risks and the correlation among the investments. DoCoMo then sets a target allocation ratio for the plan assets and endeavors to maintain that ratio. The target ratio is formulated from a mid- to long-term perspective and reviewed annually. In the event that the investment environment changes dramatically, DoCoMo will review the asset allocation, as necessary. The target ratio in March 2004 is: domestic stocks, 25.0%; domestic bonds, 30.0%; international stocks, 15.0%; international bonds, 20.0%; and other financial instruments 10.0%.

 

Domestic stocks include DoCoMo common stocks in the amount of ¥527 million (1.1% of total plan assets) and ¥346 million (0.6% of total plan assets), NTT common stocks in the amount of ¥308 million (0.7% of total plan assets) and ¥314 million (0.5% of total plan assets), and NTT DATA Corporation, a subsidiary of NTT, common stocks in the amount of ¥458 million (1.0% of total plan assets) and ¥164 million (0.3% of total plan assets) at March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

Prior service cost and unrecognized net losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets are being amortized over the expected average remaining service life of employees, while the unrecognized transition obligation is being amortized over 15 years on a straight-line basis.

 

From time to time, employees of NTT transfer to DoCoMo. Upon such transfer, NTT transfers the related vested pension obligation for each employee, along with a like amount of plan assets and cash. Therefore, the difference between the pension obligation and related plan assets transferred from NTT to DoCoMo, included in the above reconciliation, represents cash paid by NTT to DoCoMo, which has not been invested in plan assets.

 

DoCoMo expects to contribute ¥6,623 million ($63,573 thousand) to the non-contributory pension plan in the year ending March 31, 2005.

 

Certain of DoCoMo’s employees participate in an employee stock purchase plan, pursuant to which a plan administrator makes open market purchases of DoCoMo shares for the accounts of participating employees on a monthly basis. Such purchases are made out of amounts deducted from each participating employee’s salary, with a small contribution from DoCoMo. The expense recorded by DoCoMo for contributions made toward employee stocks purchases was not material to its results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

16. Income taxes:

 

Total income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 were allocated as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 
     2002

    2003

    2004

    2004

 

Income from continuing operations

   ¥ 399,643     ¥ 454,487     ¥ 429,116     $ 4,118,986  

Equity in net losses of affiliates

     (470,278 )     (226,450 )     4,527       43,454  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         (25,852 )     —         —    

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                                

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     (1,013 )     (476 )     6,711       64,417  

Less: Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income (loss)

     (520 )     (41 )     (106 )     (1,017 )

Revaluation of financial instruments

     (65 )     176       53       509  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     75,048       (28,779 )     (23,752 )     (227,990 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

     (2,482 )     (13,637 )     11,104       106,584  
    


 


 


 


     ¥ 333     ¥ 159,428     ¥ 427,653     $ 4,104,943  
    


 


 


 


 

Virtually all income or loss before income taxes and income tax expenses or benefit are domestic.

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to a National Corporate Tax of 30%, an Inhabitant Tax of approximately 6% and a deductible Japanese Enterprise Tax of approximately 10%. The Inhabitant Tax rate and the Japanese Enterprise Tax rate vary by local jurisdiction. The aggregate statutory income tax rate was approximately 42% for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004. The effective income tax rate for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was approximately 42%, 44% and 39% respectively. The differences between the effective income tax rates and the statutory income tax rates for the years ended March 31, 2003 was principally related to the effect of enacted income tax rate changes. The difference for the year ended March 31, 2004 is principally related to the special tax treatment applied to IT and research and development investment, which lowered the effective tax rate by 3.0 points.

 

In March 2003, the Japanese government enacted the amendments to the tax law, which was to reduce the standard Japanese Enterprise Tax rates based on the size of income as well as additionally levy Japanese Enterprise Tax based on the size of the business. The new statutory income tax rates are effective for the years beginning after March 31, 2004. As a result of the change in tax laws, with a new combined statutory income tax rate reduced to 40.7%, DoCoMo recalculated deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences scheduled to reverse after March 31, 2004. The effect of the change in the rates on net deferred tax assets was a reduction of ¥18,213 million and was charged to income taxes in the year ended March 31, 2003. During the year ended March 31, 2004, a change to the Japanese Enterprise Tax rates was enacted in the local jurisdictions. The combined statutory income tax rate was raised to approximately 40.9% effective April 1, 2004. The effect of the change in the rates on net deferred tax assets was an increase of net income by ¥3,447 million ($33,087 thousand) in the year ended March 31, 2004.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

   Thousands of
U.S. dollars


     2003

   2004

   2004

Deferred tax assets:

                    

Investments in affiliates

   ¥ 510,190    ¥ 487,234    $ 4,676,848

Property, plant and equipment due to differences in depreciation

     38,513      39,163      375,917

Accrued enterprise tax

     11,637      30,954      297,120

Liability for employee benefits

     52,048      49,484      474,986

Allowance for loyalty programs

     38,144      40,013      384,076

Deferred revenues regarding Nikagetsu Kurikoshi

     —        13,139      126,118

Compensated absences

     6,658      7,415      71,175

Accrued bonus

     5,893      6,648      63,813

Marketable securities and other investments

     15,811      16,382      157,247

Accrued commissions to agent resellers

     20,693      24,886      238,875

Other

     10,578      11,783      113,101
    

  

  

Total gross deferred tax assets

   ¥ 710,165    ¥ 727,101    $ 6,979,276
    

  

  

Deferred tax liabilities:

                    

Intangible assets

     19,272      25,064      240,584

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

     542      6,872      65,963

Property, plant and equipment due to differences in capitalized interest

     4,171      4,056      38,933

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     56,717      38,377      368,372

Other

     1,807      7,509      72,076
    

  

  

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     82,509      81,878      785,928
    

  

  

Net deferred tax assets

   ¥ 627,656    ¥ 645,223    $ 6,193,348
    

  

  

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that DoCoMo will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

 

Other taxes—

 

The consumption tax rate for all taxable goods and services, with minor exceptions, is 5 percent. Consumption tax payable or receivable is determined based on consumption taxes levied on operating revenues offset by consumption taxes directly incurred by the Company when purchasing goods and services.

 

F-41


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

17. Commitments and contingencies:

 

Leases—

 

DoCoMo leases certain facilities and equipment in the normal course of business. Assets covered under capital leases at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

    Thousands of
U.S. dollars


 

Class of property


   2003

    2004

    2004

 

Tools, furniture and fixtures

   ¥ 27,501     ¥ 20,515     $ 196,919  

Computer software

     1,978       1,881       18,055  
    


 


 


       29,479       22,396       214,974  

Accumulated depreciation

     (21,167 )     (15,714 )     (150,835 )
    


 


 


     ¥ 8,312     ¥ 6,682     $ 64,139  
    


 


 


 

Tools, furniture and fixtures are classified as part of property, plant and equipment while computer software is classified as part of intangible assets.

 

Future minimum lease payments by year under capital leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

Year ending March 31,


   Millions of
yen


   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 

2005

   ¥ 4,015     $ 38,539  

2006

     2,888       27,721  

2007

     1,202       11,538  

2008

     536       5,145  

2009

     169       1,622  

Thereafter

     45       432  
    


 


Total minimum lease payments

     8,855       84,997  

Less—Amount representing interest

     (486 )     (4,665 )
    


 


Present value of net minimum lease payments

     8,369       80,332  

Less—Amounts representing estimated executory costs

     (918 )     (8,812 )
    


 


Net minimum lease payments

     7,451       71,520  

Less—Current obligation

     (3,824 )     (36,705 )
    


 


Long-term capital lease obligations

   ¥ 3,627     $ 34,815  
    


 


 

The above obligations are classified as part of other current and long-term liabilities, as appropriate.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year at March 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

Year ending March 31,


   Millions of
yen


  

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


2005

   ¥ 1,424    $ 13,669

2006

     1,424      13,669

2007

     1,424      13,669

2008

     1,424      13,669

2009

     1,424      13,669

Thereafter

     19,933      191,331
    

  

Total minimum future rentals

   ¥ 27,053    $ 259,676
    

  

 

The following schedule shows total rental expense for all operating leases for the years indicated except those with terms of one month or less that were not renewed:

 

     Millions of yen

   Thousands of
U.S. dollars


     2002

   2003

   2004

   2004

Minimum rentals

   ¥ 59,958    ¥ 41,653    ¥ 76,879    $ 737,944
    

  

  

  

 

Collateral pledge of shares of an affiliate—

 

On December 12, 2002, pursuant to a syndicated loan agreement that HTCL had entered into with financial institutions, DoCoMo pledged as collateral certain of HTCL shares owned by DoCoMo. The summary of the share pledge is as follows:

 

(1) Total number of shares pledged

   4,793 (3.8% of the total number of outstanding shares of HTCL)
(2) Carrying value of shares pledged    ¥6,980 million ($66,999 thousand)
(3) Period of pledge    Until full repayment (Scheduled on March 31, 2006)
(4) Enforcement of security    In case of default defined in the loan agreement

 

These shares are included in investments in affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

On May 31, 2004, HTCL terminated the syndicated loan agreement as it made early repayment of the syndicated loan. As a result, the pledge of the HTCL shares to financial institutions was terminated.

 

Litigation—

 

At March 31, 2004, DoCoMo had no litigation or claims outstanding, pending or threatened against it, which in the opinion of management would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or the financial position.

 

Purchase commitments—

 

DoCoMo has entered into various contracts for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and inventories (primarily handsets). Commitments outstanding at March 31, 2004 amounted to ¥89,371 million ($857,852 thousand) (of which ¥9,623 million ($92,369 thousand) are with related parties) for property, plant and equipment and ¥40,993 million ($393,482 thousand) (of which none are with related parties) for inventories.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Guarantees—

 

In November 2002, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 requires that if a company issues or modifies a guarantee on or after January 1, 2003, the company must recognize an initial liability for the fair value of the obligations it has undertaken in issuing and must disclose that information in its financial statements.

 

DoCoMo enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for guarantees of counterparties. These counterparties include customers, related parties and other business partners. Although the most of guarantees provided for customers are for cellular phone handsets DoCoMo sold, DoCoMo is provided the same kind of guarantees by the handset vendors. Though the guarantees or indemnifications provided in other transactions than with the customers are different in each contracts, the likelihood of almost all of the performance of these guarantees or indemnifications are remote and amount of payments DoCoMo could be required is not specified in almost all of the contract. Historically, DoCoMo has not made any significant guarantee or indemnification payments under such agreements. DoCoMo estimates the estimated fair value of the obligations related to these agreements is not significant. Accordingly, DoCoMo has no liabilities recorded for the obligations as of March 31, 2004.

 

18. Fair value of financial instruments:

 

All cash and temporary investments, current receivables, current payables, and certain other short-term financial instruments are short-term in nature, and therefore their carrying amount approximates fair values. Information relating to investments in affiliates and marketable securities and other investments are disclosed in Notes 5, 6 and 8, respectively.

 

Long-term debt, including current portion—

 

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the discounted amounts of future cash flows using DoCoMo’s current incremental borrowings rates for similar liabilities.

 

The carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of long-term debt, including current portion at March 31, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Millions of yen

   Thousands of U.S. dollars

     2003

   2004

   2004

     Carrying
amounts


   Fair value

   Carrying
amounts


   Fair value

   Carrying
amounts


   Fair value

Long-term debt, including current portion

   ¥ 1,338,368    ¥ 1,387,556    ¥ 1,091,596    ¥ 1,106,339    $ 10,477,980    $ 10,619,495

 

Risk management—

 

DoCoMo’s earnings and cash flows may be negatively impacted by fluctuating interest and foreign exchange rates. DoCoMo enters into interest rate swap contracts and uses non-derivative financial instruments to manage these risks. The derivative financial instruments are executed with creditworthy financial institutions, and DoCoMo management believes there is little risk of default by these counterparties.

 

On March 5, 2003, DoCoMo issued $100 million unsecured corporate bonds in order to hedge a portion of its investment in AT&T Wireless. This financial instrument is effective as a hedge against fluctuations in

 

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Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

currency exchange rates. Translation gains or losses from this instrument, which offset translation gains or losses on the investment in AT&T Wireless, are recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss). The translation loss as of March 31, 2004 from this instrument was ¥145 million and ¥712 million ($6,834 thousand) and recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment for the year ended March 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

Interest rate swap agreements—

 

The table below shows the notional principal amounts and fair value of those derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2003 and 2004:

 

           Millions of yen

     
     Weighted average rate

    March 31, 2003

     

Term


   Receive
floating


    Pay
fixed


    Notional
amounts


   Fair
value


     

1995-2005

   0.3 %   2.9 %   ¥ 2,500    ¥ (129 )    

 

                 Millions of yen

   

Thousands of

U.S. dollars


 
     Weighted average rate

    March 31, 2004

    March 31, 2004

 

Term


   Receive
floating


    Pay
fixed


    Notional
amounts


   Fair
value


    Notional
amounts


   Fair
Value


 

1995-2005

   0.4 %   3.2 %   ¥ 1,500    ¥ (66 )   $ 14,398    $ (634 )
     Receive
fixed


    Pay
floating


    Notional
amounts


   Fair
value


    Notional
amounts


   Fair
Value


 

2003-2011

   1.5 %   0.1 %   ¥ 50,000    ¥ 90     $ 479,939    $ 864  

 

The interest rate swap agreements have remaining terms to maturity ranging from 6 months to 7 years and 6 months.

 

The fair value of interest rate swaps was obtained from counterparty financial institutions and represents the amounts that DoCoMo could have settled with the counterparties to terminate the swaps outstanding at March 31, 2003 and 2004.

 

Concentrations of risk—

 

As of March 31, 2004, DoCoMo did not have any significant concentration of business transacted with an individual counterparty or groups of counterparties that could, if suddenly eliminated, severely impact its operations.

 

19. Subsequent events:

 

Revisions in tariffs—

 

DoCoMo made the following revisions in tariffs after March 31, 2004:

 

  DoCoMo offers a billing arrangement, called Family Discount, for families with two or more DoCoMo subscriptions (up to ten) to discount base monthly charges for all subscriptions and dialing charges on calls between the subscribers in each family. From April 1, 2004, DoCoMo raised the discount rates of Family Discount for DoCoMo’s cellular (FOMA and mova) services.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

  DoCoMo offers tariff plans, called “FOMA Packet Pack,” for DoCoMo’s cellular (FOMA) services subscribers to discount per-packet rates by paying certain additional monthly charges (including the same amount of allowances). From May 1, 2004, the additional monthly charges for the plans were revised and lowered.

 

  On June 1, 2004, DoCoMo introduced flat rate tariff plans that offer DoCoMo’s cellular (FOMA) i-mode subscribers unlimited i-mode access, called “Pake-Houdai,” as an additional billing arrangement to certain tariff plans for high-end users.

 

F-46


Table of Contents

NTT DoCoMo, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE YEARS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004

 

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

     Millions of yen

    

Balance at

Beginning of

Year


   Additions

   Deductions

  

Balance at End

of Year


2002

                           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 23,903    ¥ 14,188    ¥ 16,062    ¥ 22,029

2003

                           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 22,029    ¥ 16,170    ¥ 16,688    ¥ 21,511

2004

                           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   ¥ 21,511    ¥ 15,641    ¥ 14,184    ¥ 22,968

 

     Thousands of U.S. dollars

    

Balance at

Beginning of

Year


   Additions

   Deductions

  

Balance at End

of Year


2004

                           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 206,479    $ 150,134    $ 136,148    $ 220,465

 

F-47


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

By

 

        /S/    MASAO NAKAMURA        


    Name:   Masao Nakamura
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: June 28, 2004


Table of Contents

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


1.1      Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (English translation)
1.2      Share Handling Regulations of the registrant (English translation)
1.3      Regulations of the Board of Directors of the registrant (English translation)
1.4      Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the registrant (English translation)
2.1      Specimen common stock certificates of the registrant*
2.2     

Form of Deposit Agreement among the registrant, The Bank of New York as Depositary and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-9694) filed on May 15, 2002)

4.1     

Investor Agreement by and among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 20, 2000*

4.2     

Warrant Agreement by and among AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., the registrant and AT&T Corp. dated December 20, 2000*

4.3     

Amended and Restated Investor Agreement among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 20, 2001**

4.4     

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Investor Agreement among AT&T Corp., AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and the registrant, dated December 26, 2002**

8.1      List of Subsidiaries
11.1      Code of Ethics
12.1     

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

12.2     

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

13.1     

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

13.2     

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

15.1     

Consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries from the AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on March 5, 2004


* Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2002 and herein incorporated by reference.
** Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 3, 2003 and herein incorporated by reference.

 

We have not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to our long-term debt. The amount of debt authorized under each such debt instrument does not exceed 10% or our total assets. We agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.