WebProNews

Over 53 million people in Japan use a mobile device to access the Internet, according to comScore.

That is almost equal to the 53.7 million who went online at work or home on a pc.

Mobile Web is a significant opportunity," said Maru Sato, managing director of comScore, Japan. "Advertisers can now reach 53 million consumers online. The mobile audience is especially important to marketers trying to reach younger audiences."

Seventy-five percent of mobile Web users checked their email by phone. More than 50 percent accessed news and information and an equal number searched or got directions from their mobile device.

Japanese consumers still spend less time surfing on their mobile phones than on PCs. Mobile phone Internet usage averages 8.1 hours per month compared to 18.9 hours by PC.

Internet users under age 34 accounted for 64 percent of mobile Web users and 45 percent of PC Web users.

comScore surveyed 3,100 Internet users age 15 and over.