For Apple, Next Stop Japan

Updated from 10:50 AM EST

SAN FRANCISCO -- Following much fanfare in Europe's largest consumer markets, Apple (AAPL Quote) is laying the groundwork to launch its iPhone in Asia.

The company is reportedly talking to Japan's top tier telecom carriers about selling its popular multimedia phone for use on their networks. A report by The Wall Street Journal says Apple has approached NTT DoCoMo (DCM Quote), Japan's largest carrier, and Softbank, currently the No. 3 player.

Apple will likely to pursue exclusive deals with these carriers, as it has in the U.S. and Europe, and seek to share the sale and service revenue from each device. The company did not respond to a request for confirmation. ...