Keeping in Touch in Japan
By Ashley Thompson of "Surviving in Japan"
Expats can rest assured when it comes to keeping in touch in Japan. The island nation is known for its advanced technology, and thus finding ways to communicate with loved ones back home is not difficult. Mobile phones dominate the market as they’re convenient and useful for nearly everything; Internet is widespread and allows real-time chatting online; and of course, there is always old-fashioned letter writing for those that prefer a more traditional approach.
Hundreds of Internet providers exist across Japan, all offering different services. Broadband is by far the most popular choice of service with either fiber optics (Hikari) or ADSL. Though most locations have access to one of these types of high-speed Internet, availability depends on location. Dial-up is also available, although not popular (for obvious reasons pertaining to speed and connectivity). Prices vary by type of service, term of contract, and current promotions.
Most Internet service providers (ISPs) in Japan do not offer English setup or support. However, popular ISPs contract BB Apply to help foreign residents set up Internet, in English, free of charge. Simply visit their website, fill out an availability report, and they help with the rest. (Setup time can range anywhere from 2-6 weeks.)
Otherwise, it’s possible to access Internet via the ubiquitous mobile phone. Cell phones run on a 3G network in Japan, which allows Internet use on your phone if you have an appropriate plan. Many phones have Wi-Fi capabilities, although most Wi-Fi in Japan is secure, can require an account and typically charges for usage.
Softbank, Docomo and AU are the three main mobile providers. Prices and plans vary by company, phone, plan, contract and current promotions. Some store locations have English-speaking staff, but many do not.
Internet cafes can also be found throughout Japan (and can be especially useful while waiting for internet at home). Typically, it costs a few hundred yen an hour, or a set price for so many hours, and you are given a (usually comfortable) booth to work in.
As mentioned, cell phones are useful to keep in touch with people in a variety of ways – e-mail, texting, social media, and, of course, customary phone calls. However, international calls should only be made via a cell phone with an international calling plan (an option when getting a cell phone, but usually for frequent travelers) or via a voice application over Wi-Fi.
As for landline telephone, NTT manages all of the (analog and ISDN) phone lines in Japan. If you struggle with the language and don’t have any fluent friends to help, BB Apply can do the setup for you when you apply for Internet.
Calling cards are the best way to call overseas from a landline. They are easily found at many convenience stores.
If using a regular landline telephone to make international calls and calling cards are a hassle, IP telephone service is available with some ISPs, such as Yahoo BB. If using BB Apply, they will outline all available options. The rate for overseas calls is comparable to Skype rates.
Skype is an easy and cheap way to make calls overseas, or chat for free if both users have a Skype account. Simply sign up for a Skype account online, download the software, purchase some credits, and call landlines or cell phones in the country of your choice. Calls to the US from Japan cost about 3 yen a minute, but are cheaper with subscriptions. Skype also allows you to have a “local” number for people in the country of your choice to contact you. See the website for more details and prices.
Other instant messaging clients allow voice and video chat, such as Apple’s iChat, etc. Social media sites, like Facebook, are also great ways to keep in touch.
Have a letter or package to send? Simply take it to a local post office (Japan Post). International shipping costs are reasonable (generally less expensive than the US). Although most post offices, with the exception of those in large cities or main city offices, close early on weekdays (between 3 and 5pm), and are completely closed on weekends.
Yamato (Kuroneko) is a fast, reliable shipping company with cheap international rates.
Expats can rest assured when it comes to keeping in touch in Japan. The island nation is known for its advanced technology, and thus finding ways to communicate with loved ones back home is not difficult. Mobile phones dominate the market as they’re convenient and useful for nearly everything; Internet is widespread and allows real-time chatting online; and of course, there is always old-fashioned letter writing for those that prefer a more traditional approach.Using Internet in Japan
Hundreds of Internet providers exist across Japan, all offering different services. Broadband is by far the most popular choice of service with either fiber optics (Hikari) or ADSL. Though most locations have access to one of these types of high-speed Internet, availability depends on location. Dial-up is also available, although not popular (for obvious reasons pertaining to speed and connectivity). Prices vary by type of service, term of contract, and current promotions.
Most Internet service providers (ISPs) in Japan do not offer English setup or support. However, popular ISPs contract BB Apply to help foreign residents set up Internet, in English, free of charge. Simply visit their website, fill out an availability report, and they help with the rest. (Setup time can range anywhere from 2-6 weeks.)
Otherwise, it’s possible to access Internet via the ubiquitous mobile phone. Cell phones run on a 3G network in Japan, which allows Internet use on your phone if you have an appropriate plan. Many phones have Wi-Fi capabilities, although most Wi-Fi in Japan is secure, can require an account and typically charges for usage.
Softbank, Docomo and AU are the three main mobile providers. Prices and plans vary by company, phone, plan, contract and current promotions. Some store locations have English-speaking staff, but many do not.
Internet cafes can also be found throughout Japan (and can be especially useful while waiting for internet at home). Typically, it costs a few hundred yen an hour, or a set price for so many hours, and you are given a (usually comfortable) booth to work in.
Using a phone in Japan
As mentioned, cell phones are useful to keep in touch with people in a variety of ways – e-mail, texting, social media, and, of course, customary phone calls. However, international calls should only be made via a cell phone with an international calling plan (an option when getting a cell phone, but usually for frequent travelers) or via a voice application over Wi-Fi.
As for landline telephone, NTT manages all of the (analog and ISDN) phone lines in Japan. If you struggle with the language and don’t have any fluent friends to help, BB Apply can do the setup for you when you apply for Internet.Calling cards are the best way to call overseas from a landline. They are easily found at many convenience stores.
If using a regular landline telephone to make international calls and calling cards are a hassle, IP telephone service is available with some ISPs, such as Yahoo BB. If using BB Apply, they will outline all available options. The rate for overseas calls is comparable to Skype rates.
Using voice and video Chat (via Internet) in Japan
Skype is an easy and cheap way to make calls overseas, or chat for free if both users have a Skype account. Simply sign up for a Skype account online, download the software, purchase some credits, and call landlines or cell phones in the country of your choice. Calls to the US from Japan cost about 3 yen a minute, but are cheaper with subscriptions. Skype also allows you to have a “local” number for people in the country of your choice to contact you. See the website for more details and prices.
Other instant messaging clients allow voice and video chat, such as Apple’s iChat, etc. Social media sites, like Facebook, are also great ways to keep in touch.
Using the postal service and shipping services in Japan
Have a letter or package to send? Simply take it to a local post office (Japan Post). International shipping costs are reasonable (generally less expensive than the US). Although most post offices, with the exception of those in large cities or main city offices, close early on weekdays (between 3 and 5pm), and are completely closed on weekends.
Yamato (Kuroneko) is a fast, reliable shipping company with cheap international rates.
