US iPhone for use in Japan with Softbank?

I`m thinking about purchasing a US iphone to use with Softbank in Japan. Is this possible? I`d also like to use it in the US with Verizon once I return.

Possible, but maybe not practical. It partially depends on how long you'll be staying in Japan.

I`ll be in Japan for five more months, possibly longer. I already have a contract with Softbank, but need a new phone.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to. You'll probably have to buy an unlocked iPhone directly from Apple (or T-Mobile) for ~$700+ or second hand.

I think you can buy unlocked in Japan too, but I heard it's difficult to get at the moment (iPhone 6). Another downside is you can't silence the camera if you buy it here (at least not without jailbreaking it).

In that case I'd consider getting an unlocked verizon iphone and using that in Japan and then the US when you return. As long as it is unlocked it will work on both networks. Also I understand that verizon tends to be picky with allowing devices on their network so I've seen it recommended to get a verizon device if you ever plan to use verizon's network. It will work on other networks too.

I dont think Verizon's iPhones come unlocked though, do they?

Check out this page. Seems many verizon phones are either easily unlocked or come unlocked out of the box:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/aboutus/commitment/safety-security/devi...