Opera Software today announced the BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) -based Casio W21CA mobile phone with the Opera browser has shipped and is now available in Tokyo stores. This is the first phone deployed since Opera's agreement with KDDI in August, fulfilling their promise to deliver Opera's Web browser to KDDI's 3G network in Japan. The Casio W21CA, shipped today, makes Opera the first full Web browser active on the Japanese 3G network.

KDDI is the second largest mobile operator in Japan with over seven million BREW phones shipped as of the end of November 2004. KDDI is providing next generation services and has chosen Opera to fulfill the promise of 3G capabilities.

"Today a superior mobile phone is available to one of the world's most technologically advanced markets, Japan," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. "With Opera's highly developed full Internet browser running on KDDI's 3G network, Casio W21CA phone users can surf the Internet fast and efficiently, powered by next generation technologies."

"The Casio W21CA with the Opera browser has been eagerly awaited by the Japanese market," says Mr. Toshio Maki, Vice President & General Manager, "au" Service & Product Planning Division, "au" Business Sector, KDDI. "Opera's speed, usability and SSR (Small-Screen Rendering) technology make it the perfect mobile Web application, utilizing the versatility of a 3G mobile phone. Casio W21CA users are now embarking on the future of mobile communication technology."