The role of mobile phone for the people in Europe and some parts of U.S.. As far as I know, most of the Europeans do not even have a mobile phone. Even if they do, the models are most likely outdated. Users have to pay for 30 Euros per month for 150 mins call and 50 SMS. Personally speaking, I didn't send a single message when I was in Europe for 1 month.
Unlike Asian, especially people in Japan, China, Singapore and Taiwan, we rely so much on mobile phones to call and message each other. SMS can hit up to 1000 per month or calls up to 500 mins (simply outgoing).
In short, the market demand is low in Europe and U.S.. How can the Japanese sell their thick & heavy phones with the English interface which nobody understands?