A Guide to Living in Japan
Geography & Weather
Maps of Japan
What to Bring
Entry
The Workplace
Etiquette
Computers
Newspapers & Magazines
Communications
Money
Letter Home
Computers
I already know what you're saying, "I'm too cheap to buy a laptop.
Now how am I going to get this desktop to Japan?" That's a tough
one. If you're really creative I suppose you could smuggle it
on the plane with you. If you're like the rest of us you'll have
to wait till you get yourself settled and have someone ship it
over to you (depending on how you ship it expect to wait a couple
of months).
One thing to point out here. What do you do if the
thing breaks down? Most computer companies don't offer an international
warranty on desktop models. It may be worth trashing and buying
a Japanese model rather than paying shipping both ways! I suppose
if your Japanese ability is strong enough you could take it to
a local repair center but I'll bet they're not "Compaq, Acer,
AST" certified.
What I'm trying to say here is that maybe you should consider
a laptop or purchasing a desktop once you've arrived. Prices are
comparable to those in the US. English-language models are available from
Toshiba
DirectPC. Gateway had a Japanese operation but closed it down in 2001.
Voltage
One final note on computers is the voltage. The standard electric
voltage used in Japan is 100 volts with a cycle range from 50
to 60 Hz (cycles vary depending on what part of Japan you're in).
Most new computers (notebooks) come with an 'universal power adapter'
that automatically adjusts internally and allows usage anywhere
in the world. Macintosh (Japanese people love 'em) computers are
among them. The best way to make sure is to put that 1-800 number
to good use and call your manufacturer.
The Internet
Given NTT's astronomical phone rates, your first concern is proximity
to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or availability of a special
nationwide access system (mentioned below). Using a local Japanese
provider is often the cheapest but usually the most difficult
option. Japanese ISP's do not require a Japanese-capable system
but you may need some kind of working knowledge with them in order
to configure your own system.
It never hurts to call (or get someone else to do it if you don't
speak Japanese) as they may have English papers
or setup guides even if none of their staff speak English. If
you don't speak any Japanese and anticipate needing extra help
setting up you connection, you should consider using a provider
which offers English language support (links provided below).
TWICS
GOL
ASAHI Net
These three major domestic ISP's offer English support
and have provisions for access from pretty much anywhere in Japan.
If you are a member of a major information service such as CompuServe,
AOL or The Microsoft Network, you should contact them about access
points in Japan. These options are often good for beginners, since
they usually provide preconfigured connection software.
Once you've become comfortable dealing with these things in Japanese
or have some one to help you get organized, it's worth investing in a
flat-rate high-speed connection. The options seem to change by the day
and vary from region to region. Look into such options as cable access
(possibly as aprt of your cable TV plan), fiber-optic and ADSL.
Geography & Weather |
Maps of Japan |
What to Bring |
Entry |
The Workplace |
Etiquette |
Computers |
Newspapers & Magazines |
Communications |
Money |
Letter Home
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