Mobile phone
When you sign a contract for a cell phone (smartphone) in Japan, you go to a "mobile shop" or a consumer electronics store.
You can also apply for a contract online.
In addition to mobile phone companies called "carriers" (NTT Docomo, au, Softbank, Rakuten Mobile), there are also companies that rent the lines of carriers and offer "low-cost smartphones”.
Monthly service fee for low-cost smartphones is cheaper than carriers’ mobile phones.
Mobile phone plans are complex. It is recommended to be accompanied by someone who understands Japanese well when you sign a contract.
Internet and Wi-Fi
Sign up for a fiber-optic line or cable TV line provided by an internet service provider to use internet at home.
You may find discounted services if you bundle the service contract with a mobile phone.
"Wi-Fi" is convenient because you can use internet without connecting a line cable to a computer, tablet, smartphone, game console, etc.
If you apply for a provider such as a fiberoptic line, you will be able to use wi-fi after the construction is completed.
There are also "home routers" that do not require construction and "mobile routers" that you can carry around.
You can use free wi-fi spots at airports, train stations, convenience stores, cafes, etc.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government: TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean)
TV
"Terrestrial" broadcasts can be viewed free of charge, except for channels 1 and 2 (NHK).
NHK is a public broadcaster, so you must pay a reception fee.
Those who own a TV are required by law to pay the NHK Receiving Fee.
NHK: Receiving Fee helpdesk（12 languages）
