GaijinPot

Internet Service Providers

Japan offers a huge variety of internet solutions from providers the length and breadth of the country; from high-speed ‘hikari’ telephone services and cable TV companies. If you are staying at a Guesthouse you might already have internet access. If you have moved in to an older apartment you could be limited to your choice of internet (broadband/ADSL etc).

To get started you call one of the service providers and commit to an agreement where after installation (if necessary) will be conducted. After that you are good to go, just remember to pay your bill. Another alternative is to go down to one of the major appliance stores where you’ll find counters for most of the major Internet Service Providers. You will need show identification, such as your Alien Registration Card when you sign up.

International Compatibility

Whether bringing a computer with you from abroad or buying in Japan, you’re going to have to be aware of compatibility issues and how to resolve them if you want to get the best out of your computer.

Japan runs on 100 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Most modern laptops as well as some desktops usually have a universal voltage supply which means that you will be able to use them anywhere in the world. If you do not have a universal voltage supply you will need a voltage adapter. You may also need a plug adapter. Both can be found at larger appliances stores but the voltage adapters can be very expensive.

If your planning on buying a computer in Japan and want it to work once you get home there are products that are made especially for use outside Japan. You can find these appliances in special sections aimed towards tourists in larger appliances stores.

If you buy an computer in Japan it will come with a Japanese operating system. You will normally be able to install western systems on top of the Japanese operating system but it will most likely run slower than on a western computer. It is possible to buy a computer set for usage in Japan with an English operating system but your choices will be more limited and you will normally need to turn to smaller companies targeting this specific market.

Wireless/WiFi

Don’t want your computer to be chained to the wall? Whether it be a wireless PCMIA card or using a wireless router at home, there are ways to make your computer even more mobile. The scope of services can vary significantly and it’s always best to make an informed decision. Depending on your service provider there are hotspots in Japan; in Tokyo you can find hotspots in the subway as well as in some chain restaurants and cafe’s. A map, listing free spots in Japan, is available at Free Spot.

IP Telephone

Many ISP offers IP telephone service either as part of a package or as a separate service. ADSL provider Yahoo! BB includes IP telephone service at no extra charge. That service, called BBPhone, sends phone calls over the internet at greatly reduced prices. For example, the rate for calling the U.S. is only 2.5 yen/minute. No special equipment is needed to use BBPhone, not even a computer–the calls are made using your regular phone. NTT has a similar service, but at higher rates. The savings from phone calls may even exceed the cost of the internet access service!

English Computer Support

A number of specialist companies serving the foreign community in Japan offer a vast selection of products in English as well as experienced support in a number of languages. The first step if you need English computer support is to see if is any international support center you can use for the purchased product. If you purchased the computer (or item) in Japan you can also try going down to the shop you purchased the item at. Another alternative is to turn to companies specializing in bilingual help with computers.