Mobile Phones in Japan
Japan developed its own cellular phone system long before the GSM standard was even thought of... For that reason, your GSM cell phone will be useless in Japan and you will have to buy or rent one locally. Purchasing one will be much more cost effective and practical if you're to live in Japan. The mobile phone system in Japan is very well developed and sound quality superb. Japan has resisted calls to fall in line with the rest of the world and adopt the GSM standard and many see no reason to as their current networks are very effective indeed.
In this country, mobile phones have become ubiquitous with a very large number of Japanese owning a cell phone (keitai denwa), usually with video capabilities and other enhancements, often with high quality digital cameras. Surfing the net on your cell phone is also popular and it is even possible to watch television.
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A mobile phone is a vital accessory for house hunting, networking with friends and socialising and you'll no doubt want to find one quickly. They can be purchased nearly everywhere. For a monthly/yearly contract, you'll most likely need to present your alien registration card.
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