Can you use Japanese Android phones in the West?

IIRC docomo's were worst than useless outside Japan, but what about those Android phones made by Sharp (to name one)?

Can you use one on a regular GSM network?

 

I'd say as long as it's the same technology (ie. GSM/3G) and frequency, it should work... but I'm not familiar with Japanese phones, so I better shut up

 

It's all a matter of frequency and type of network. You can easily find out which frequency bands your specific phone uses, and then looks the frequencies of the carriers of the country you wish to use it.

Example: In Canada, I use Rogers, which is a GSM network on 850/1900 MHz frequency.


EDIT: and you also need an unlocked phone as well

 

It's hard to find a phone that isn't quad band GSM. There' are those strange ones like Wind and Mobilicity that have odd frequencies (1900MHz and 2100MHz IIRC) that not too many phones have- the only thing that's stopping me from switching plans.
But, you should be fine. I actually once used an import phone for a bit. it was unlocked and it worked fine with Fido.

If it's a fairly recent phone (2006 and newer) then head over to gsmarena.com for detailed info, including frequency support.

EDIT- I've used a Docomo here. Worked fine for me.
Same deal with the Sharp phones. While I haven't used one personally, I know someone who has. Just make sure you ^^

 

My new Sharp 104SH (Softbank) Android will work anywhere. So yeah, the nicer phones will work outside Japan.

 

As long as it can be unlocked (preferably software not hypersim) and it supports your carrier's frequencies then sure. Just make sure you can change the APN so that you can have internet access.