With the runaway success of virtual worlds like Second Life, Softbank Japan and Gemini Mobile are both seeking to capitalize on modern smartphones' advanced data features, and subscribers' increasing willingness to use them.

Softbank's S! TOWN runs on a platform called eXplo, which was developed by Gemini to "power mobile communities." According to the press release, Gemini expects to be able to offer eXplo to other service providers.

If S! TOWN does catch on, I'm sure that even more people will give up real-life social interaction; they'll probably be walking around looking at their screens.