Computing in Japan › Newcomer's Guide

Computing in Japan


 


 

Electricity and Computers

Japanese buildings are generally powered by 110V/15A electricity. Computers from Canada and the United States will usually work just as they are. Just to be safe, check the information on the back of your power pack for the range of power that your computer can accommodate before plugging it into the wall. A power pack saying that it can handle an input of 100 - 250 volts and 0.2 - 0.5 Amps is OK. Machines from Europe and Australia and New Zealand may need an adapter of some sorts. Consult with local electronic stores for more information.

Printers

Check the information on your printer as it may also need an adapter - basically the same rules apply to the printer as to the computer. Cartridges: cartridges for the big name printers (Canon, Toshiba, Sharp, etc.) can usually be found at large electronic stores - mostly because all of the printers are made in Japan. (Remember to check the part number carefully before buying any replacement ink because returning merchandise is next to impossible).

Japanese Software

Software will not function on your machine unless you have a sub-divided hard drive with the Japanese version of DOS on it (called DOS V). Popular programs (i.e.: Word, Excel, Pagemaker) can usually be run on both Japanese and English machines equipped with Windows 3.1 or higher. It works easily going from English to Japanese, but with mixed results the other way. Basically bring all of your own software. Be sure to also bring systems disks so that if you crash while you are here, you can get started again.

Hardware

Cables, hard-drives, mouses, surge protectors, etc. are available at most electronic stores. Know your machine's maker, model, etc. to be sure what you want is compatible with your machine. Remember refunds are tough.

Modems

Most JETs say their modems from home, work in Japan, but that the modems here do not always work on their machines. NTT is doing all in its power to maintain its monopoly on everything that uses a phone line, by stating facts like "all modems must be approved by NTT to be legal in Japan." Most modems work fine here and so far the Modem Police have left all of them alone. Your modem should be fine.

Accessories

Paper, disks, carrying cases, mouse pads, etc. are all over the place here. You can probably leave these things at home and get it here. It is not too expensive.

E-Mail & Internet Access

Yamaguchi has it own provider (YSP) with many local access points available to keep your phone bill in control (it is going to be big enough). The YSP system provides email service and limited access to the Internet, but this involves installing a bunch of translation software that most opt not to use.

A lot of Yamaguchi JETs choose to use YahooBB as their ISP. Another cheaper and slighly better option, if avaible in your area, is AsahiNet, which can provide fiber optic cable and has an English support line. Often times when new JETs come into the ken there is so much going on that selecting an ISP is the last thing on their minds. So, usually they opt for whatever their predecessor had before. This usually makes it easier on both the leaving JET and the arriving JET as filling out a simple form is all that is required to transfer the service to the newcomer. Internet service is usually immediately available if your predecessor does this rather than cancelling the service and leaving you to start a new contract. But, if you aren't satisfied with that option or for some reason you have to start a new contract then you can certainly choose to find your own ISP and sign up for their service. (ISPs usually have some incentive package for new customers which can include anything from providing the 1st month's services free-of-charge to a gift certificate or a free Playstation 3!)

Contributor:Suzanne Katoll and Ryan Rorie