Wifi and Cellphone

Baseball stadium @ Yokohama

(Under investigation for some parts in the following)
Unfortunately, free wifi spots are limited in Japan because the user name is strict.  Rental SIM, Pocket-wifi, and WiMAX may be convenient.

There are two types of cellphones: smartphone and flip phone.  We call the flip phone Gala-kei after Galapagos + Keitai (=cellphone). The advantages of the flip phone are low cost and simplicity. Elder people like to use the simple one with function of just call and SMS, which is sold as the Rakuraku phone with large push bottoms and limited functions. Younger people demand mobile gaming and convenience to cellphones. They use smart phone.

Now, a prepaid system is unusual in Japan. That is also the reason why the flip phone is still popular in Japan.  The place to rent prepaid SIM cards is limited to the international airport. To make a contract of cellphone, you need apply for the communication company. Your Japanese address is required. If you stay hotels, you cannot have cellphones. Just rent.

There are three big companies for cellphone: NTT Docomo, Softbank, and AU by KDDI. There are various plans for a cellphone contract. Sometimes, they are very complicated and the Japanese also cannot understand the contents of the plans.

There is no GSM network in Japan.  I will write on unlock system and SIM free in future.