For a reason that remains unknown so far, the Japanese seem to prefer mobile phones with a clamshell form factor, which is why most of the phones released by their mobile operators are flip phones.

The W51SA is an exception to this rule, coming with a slider case, stylish design and a key used for navigation that looks very similar to the controller key of a Gameboy.

One thing this handset is really good at is providing storage space. With 1GB of internal memory and a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 2GB memory cards you can never really say that you don't have enough space where to store your files.

The phone features a 2.6 inch 262k color display with a QVGA resolution, a 2 megapixel camera for taking snapshots, FM tuner, au Music Player and TV receiving capabilities.

For a better TV watching experience, you can switch the screen in landscape mode, and there is also a sliding antenna that ensures a steady reception. Even while watching TV, the phone sports a pretty surprising battery life of 5 hours.

Another typically Japanese thing is releasing a phone in no more and no less than three colors. As a consequence, W51SA by Sanyo comes in Grass Green, Ivory White and Modern Black.

Also, with so many features, don't expect it to be very small and lightweight. The 51SA measures 51x105x21 mm and weighs 146 grams. On one single charge, the phone can be used for 280 minutes of talk time or 290 full hours on standby. Part of KDDI's Spring Collection including ten phones, the W51SA will soon be available for KDDI customers.