With most homes in Japan not yet ready for high-speed access to the Internet, more and more "broadband cafes" are sprouting up to offer firsthand experience with the latest Internet services.
Download Station K.K. plans to open its second broadband cafe in Osaka's Chuo Ward next month, following its first outlet launched in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward in October.
"We are operating spaces in which people can experience the information technology that will be spreading six months from now, and now it's broadband," said Chiaki Tanabe, marketing director of the company.