NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile carrier in Japan is going to use Google search and email, calendaring and other services on its handsets that use the iMode network, according to a story that ran on the AP news wire. AP item is based on a Nikkei report.

If true, this is a big shot in the arm for Google, that has been looking for a tier one mobile partner for its services. The company has several deals including a partnership with T-Mobile Germany, but snagging NTT DoCoMo is akin to Captain Ahab capturing Moby Dick.