There are still plenty of people using flip phones in Japan and all over the world. In fact, “dumb phones” and “feature phones” still have a pretty significant market share. And in Japan, such feature phones are still a common sight. Called garake (a combination of Galapagos and keitai, or cell phone), this name refers to the Galapagos Islands, a place where evolution moved at a different speed from the rest of the world.

So, while it might seem outdated, there’s definitely a market for this charming Hello Kitty flip phone!

If you do get a Hello Kitty FIGURINE KT-01, you’ll be able to make phone calls, send SMS messages, store contact information, and… that’s about the extent of the features listed. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a micro USB slot and will also be capable of VoIP in case you don’t have a SIM card for it.

And, since it only has a 1.54-inch screen, we’re guessing the battery won’t die after half a day’s use like most smartphones. We can see this being an excellent “first phone” for a youngster, or anyone you know who likes to complain about how technology is ruining everything.

The Hello Kitty phone will be available for ¥12,000 (about US$102) in April and Ola Inc. is accepting pre-orders now.

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