I wouldn't be suprised if Japan had such a fast national network...considering their country is about the size of California. It's probably T1 or T3, Fiber-Optics can go way faster. Most colleges and universities have T1/T3 internet connections. Japan has way more than just Sony and cell phones. Matsushita? Panasonic? NEC Mitsubishi? There are a whole slew of Japanese countries that provide tons of technological products to us.
Speaking of internet connections...some future technologies that will rock your socks:
802.16e:
WiMAX promises to bring high-speed wireless broadband Internet access to the masses, and 802.16e promises to give you more than a 1Mbps connection from your car or moving vehicle.
802.20:
Much like 802.16e, 802.20 brings WiMAX to mobile users. The difference? It's designed to deliver a connection even if you're moving as fast as 155 mph, so now you'll be able to shop online from your private helicopter.
BPL (Broadband over Power Line):
Forget using your phonelines or Co-Axial Cable plugs to get Internet, you can recieve High-speed Internet access from any power outlet in the house...awesome, huh?
HomePlug AV:
Nothing new, the HomePlug concept is pretty old, but AV now allows up to 200Mbps to be networked through your power outlets.
The future is looking good.