iPhone contract?

I know, another dreaded iPhone post!

I will be working in Japan for 1+ year and would like to rent or get a contract for an iPhone. Many of my current connections in Japan gave up smartphones for cheaper options, but I do not want to do that. I enjoy my internet, apps, and texting.

Most posts I have found are for short-term rentals of iPhones or for SIM cards for iPhones people already own. I do not own an iPhone that will work in Japan and will need this iPhone for over a year so a short-term rental would not work.

Are there long-term rentals or prepaid iPhones and if so how expensive is it?

Would getting a contract iPhone be more cost effective?

Are there long-term rentals or prepaid iPhones and if so how expensive is it?

No prepaid iphones, and rentals are very expensive.

Would getting a contract iPhone be more cost effective?

Only if you'll be here the full 26 month period. Otherwise they won't even sell you the phone.

I would instead consider purchasing an unlocked iphone and use it with prepaid service such as b-mobile:

http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/lineup.html

Thank you yllwsmrf! I viewed the English website and it said that you will not be able to send or receive texts. Texting is one of my main concerns. :/ Maybe other information is listed on the Japanese website?

SMS will not work (and no one really uses sms anyway) but you should be able to use email and imessages just fine with a data only plan.