Communications

Cellular phone

The primary tool for communication in Japan is the cellular phone, often called keitai for short. Cell phones in Japan have all but replaced landlines and are slowly chipping away at the need for a home computer. Today’s phones have everything from GPS navigation to Internet access and video games. Some phones are even replacing credit cards and debit cards as a way of paying for things.

There are myriad places to buy a phone since dealers earn commission by selling them. Don’t expect incredible price differences, but online you can always get bargain deals if you can find an honest person selling them.

People staying in Japan for a short period, say 3 months on a tourist visa, will probably want to buy a prepaid phone. The phone will be more expensive than if you sign a 6-month or 1 year contract, but you can avoid the steep cancellation charges of breaking a contract early. Even short-term visitors would benefit from having a phone.

Prepaid phone users do not have to worry about the brand of phone they buy, because they will be purchasing phone cards in order to make outgoing calls. You can buy these phone cards at any convenience store across the country, so you will never have to worry about what to do when your card runs out.

For those who will stay in Japan for close to a year or more, purchasing a cell phone with a monthly plan is a good idea. You will need your Alien Registration Card (Gaikokujin Torokusho) and passport. Your visa should also be valid for at least 3 months from the time when you purchase the phone. Some retailers will not request these materials if you attach monthly payment to a credit card, but as a rule you should have these items ready.

• DoCoMo phones have the best service. When other phones have no reception, DoCoMo users are carelessly chatting away. They have a number of different discount deals, so it is important to choose the right one that will make the most of your service. These phones tend to be more expensive.

http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/charge/discount/index.html

• AU is another phone company worth considering, especially for students. They offer a 50% student discount, but only on non-WIN (CDMA) phones. AU users also get the benefit of C-Mail, which are short mails (100 characters) that can be sent for next to nothing (￥3). AU’s generous discounts make it cost effective to have a fancier monthly plan instead of paying penalty fees for going over your minutes quota.

http://www.au.kddi.com/english/charge_discount/index.html
If you plan to place international calls from your cell phone, you will want to select a monthly plan that includes international calling services. Otherwise, you can purchase a prepaid international calling card (Kokusai Terehon Kado) at a convenience store.

Weigh your options carefully when selecting a phone. The ￥1 phones are usually an incredible bargain and offer more features than anyone can use. It is easy to get tempted into buying a phone that will make all your remote controls, MP3 player, TV, home computer and wallet obsolete, but, as amazing as those features may be, you should stick to a phone that simply meets your needs. Phones on the cutting edge are the first to become obsolete and they can be frustratingly complicated to use on a regular basis.

The Internet

The Internet is also available through Internet Service Providers (http://www.thelist.com/countrycode/81/) across the country. You can choose from a dial-up or high-speed connection. Many modern buildings will already be set up for internet, so you will want to double check with your land lord first.

See http://www.housingjapan.net/tokyo_guide/lifestyle/internet.html for more information.

Having the Internet is a huge benefit if you plan to make lots of long-distance calls. Programs like Skype (http://www.skype.com/) cost less than ￥2.5 per minute! You can use them to place a call from your computer. All you need is a headset or microphone. The only downside is that you will have to be online and near your computer when someone calls. Voicemail and other options to minimize this inconvenience are available.

Television

Television in Japan is unique. If Japanese programs are not to your taste, you may want to consider satellite TV providers like Sky PerfecTV. (http://www.skyperfectv.co.jp/en/guide/index.html)
There is more on television available at this site: http://www.housingjapan.net/tokyo_guide/lifestyle/

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