From my perspective this is all because Panasonic pulled-out of the smartphone races. NTT Docomo has been a reliable safe-hold for Japanese electronics companies and Docomo would have had a decent lineup for fall if Panasonic would have committed.

Panasonic's R&D was firmly centered around Japanese flip phones and the jump to Smartphone put them in an awkward position.

And so it seems, iPhone's pull was too great for Docomo in the end. I cannot wait for the official announcements.