Staying in Touch with Loved Ones from Japan

Published on April 24, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Japan is an exciting adventure, but staying in touch with loved ones can sometimes seem complicated. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements and the country’s excellent digital infrastructure, keeping in touch with family and friends has never been easier. In this article, we’ll explore the best solutions for staying connected from the Japanese archipelago, reviewing the main internet service providers and communication tools best suited to your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan’s Telecom Giants: Your Gateway to a Reliable Connection

In Japan, the telecommunications market is dominated by three major players who share the majority of market shares. These operators offer quality services and extensive coverage, essential for staying in touch with your loved ones.

NTT Docomo: The Undisputed Leader

NTT Docomo is Japan’s largest mobile operator, with a market share of around 45%. A subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), the company is renowned for its ultra-high-performance network and exceptional coverage, including in rural areas. For expats, NTT Docomo offers plans tailored to long stays, with generous data options and discounted international calls.

One of NTT Docomo’s major advantages is its multilingual customer service, available in English, Chinese, and Korean, which greatly simplifies life for expats who haven’t mastered Japanese yet. Additionally, the operator has developed a mobile app, “My docomo,” which allows you to easily manage your account and services in multiple languages.

SoftBank: The Tech Innovator

SoftBank, the country’s second-largest operator, stands out for its innovative approach and strategic partnerships with tech giants like Apple and Alibaba. The company offers attractive plans for expats, often including streaming services and popular apps without data consumption.

A major advantage of SoftBank is its network of free Wi-Fi hotspots, particularly dense in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. This option is ideal for expats looking to save on their data plan while staying connected during urban commutes.

Au (KDDI): The Dynamic Challenger

Au, operated by KDDI, is the third major player in the Japanese telecommunications market. Although slightly less prominent than its two competitors, Au stands out with its competitive offers and excellent value for money, particularly appreciated by budget-conscious expats.

The operator offers plans specifically designed for foreign residents, with simplified registration procedures and advantageous international options. Au has also developed a network of “Global” stores in major Japanese cities, where staff speak English and can assist expats with their procedures.

High-Speed Home Internet: Your Window to the World

To stay in touch with your loved ones from your Japanese home, a reliable fixed internet connection is essential. Japan is renowned for its cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure, offering some of the fastest connection speeds in the world.

Fiber Optic: The Japanese Standard

In Japan, fiber optic is widespread, even in semi-urban areas. The main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer ultra-fast connections, with speeds reaching 1 Gbps or more. This impressive speed enables high-definition video calls with no latency and large file transfers in the blink of an eye.

Among the most popular ISPs for fiber optic are:

• NTT East and NTT West (depending on your region)
• Au Hikari
• SoftBank Hikari
• NURO Hikari (available in some regions)

These providers generally offer bundled packages including internet, landline, and sometimes even TV services. For expats, it is recommended to choose a contract with no commitment or a minimal commitment period to maintain some flexibility.

Alternative Options: ADSL and WiMAX

Although less common, other internet access technologies exist in Japan. ADSL, while less powerful than fiber, can be an option in some rural areas or in older buildings not equipped for fiber optic.

WiMAX, a high-speed wireless connection technology, is gaining popularity, especially among expats looking for a flexible and portable solution. Providers like UQ WiMAX offer mobile routers that can be used at home and on the go, offering an interesting alternative for those who don’t want to commit to a long-term fiber optic contract.

Installation Procedures: Prepare in Advance

Installing a fixed internet connection in Japan can take time, sometimes up to several weeks. Therefore, it is crucial to plan this step well before your arrival or at the very beginning of your stay. Most ISPs offer online registration forms in English, but it can be helpful to ask a Japanese colleague or an expat support service for assistance to make the process easier.

Note that some landlords already include an internet connection in the rent, which can greatly simplify your procedures. Don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agency or landlord about the options available in your accommodation.

Communication Apps: Your Daily Link to Loved Ones

Once your internet connection is set up, it’s time to choose the most suitable communication tools to stay in touch with your loved ones. In Japan, some apps are particularly popular and offer interesting features for expats.

LINE: The Essential App in Japan

LINE is by far the most used messaging app in Japan. Much more than just a chat tool, LINE offers a multitude of features:

• Free voice and video calls
• Photo and video sharing
• Unique stickers and emojis
• Mobile payment services (LINE Pay)
• News feed and mini-games

For expats, LINE has the advantage of being widely adopted by the local population, which facilitates professional and personal communications in Japan. The app also offers a built-in translation feature, particularly useful for conversations with Japanese speakers.

WhatsApp: The International Favorite

Although less popular in Japan, WhatsApp remains the app of choice for communicating with loved ones back in your home country. Its simple interface and basic features (messaging, voice and video calls) make it a reliable and easy-to-use tool.

WhatsApp also offers the ability to create groups, which can be handy for sharing your Japanese adventures with several friends or family members simultaneously.

Skype: The Veteran Still in Use

Skype, while less used than before, remains a solid option for international calls, especially to landlines or mobile numbers. Its credit system allows you to make cheap calls to traditional numbers, which can be useful for reaching loved ones less comfortable with new technologies.

Zoom and Google Meet: For Virtual Family Gatherings

For group calls or virtual family gatherings, Zoom and Google Meet have become standards since the COVID-19 pandemic. These platforms allow you to organize video conferences with many participants, perfect for special occasions or maintaining regular contact with a group of friends.

Social Media: Your Showcase of Life in Japan

Social media plays a crucial role in sharing your expat experience in Japan with loved ones back home. Although some platforms popular in the West are less used in Japan, they remain excellent ways to stay in touch.

Instagram: Visual Sharing of Your Japanese Adventure

Instagram is especially popular in Japan, both among locals and expats. It’s the ideal tool for sharing photos and short videos of your daily life, beautiful landscapes, or typical dishes you discover. Instagram Stories also allow you to share fleeting moments of your life in Japan in real time.

To optimize your Instagram use in Japan:

• Use hashtags in both Japanese and English to increase the visibility of your posts
• Explore filters and stickers specific to Japan, often updated for seasonal events
• Follow local accounts to discover interesting places to visit and share

Facebook: The Versatile Network

Although less popular among young Japanese, Facebook remains widely used by expats and older Japanese. It’s an ideal platform for:

• Sharing more detailed updates about your life in Japan
• Joining expat groups for advice and networking
• Organizing events with other expats or your Japanese colleagues

Don’t forget to adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, especially if you plan to share more personal aspects of your expat life.

Twitter: Real-Time News

Twitter is hugely popular in Japan, where it’s used to follow news, share opinions, and interact with celebrities and brands. For expats, Twitter can be a great way to:

• Follow local news and important alerts (e.g., earthquake information)
• Discover cultural events and deals in your area
• Share short anecdotes or observations about daily life in Japan

LinkedIn: The Professional Network

For expats working in Japan, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for maintaining professional contacts, both with your Japanese colleagues and with your network back home. Although less used in Japan than in other countries, LinkedIn is gaining popularity, especially in international sectors.

Use LinkedIn to:

• Share your professional experiences in Japan
• Stay in touch with former colleagues and employers
• Discover career opportunities in Japan or for a potential return to your country

Productivity Tools: Managing the Time Difference

The time difference can be a major challenge for maintaining regular communication with your loved ones. Fortunately, several tools can help you overcome this obstacle and stay organized with your communications.

Shared Calendars: Plan Your Calls Efficiently

Use tools like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar to create shared calendars with your loved ones. This will allow you to:

• Easily see overlapping time slots despite the time difference
• Schedule regular calls at times that work for everyone
• Share your availability and important events

Don’t forget to set your calendar to display multiple time zones, making it easier to plan international calls.

Scheduling Tools: Doodle and When2meet

To organize group calls or virtual family gatherings, tools like Doodle or When2meet can be very helpful. They allow everyone to vote for the times that work best for them, simplifying the search for a common schedule despite time zone differences.

Reminder Apps: Never Miss an Important Call

Apps like Todoist or Microsoft To Do can help you create reminders for your scheduled calls. Set up notifications that account for the time difference to never miss a virtual appointment with your loved ones.

Delayed Messaging Tools: Communicate at the Right Time

Some messaging apps, like Gmail or Slack, offer the ability to schedule the sending of your messages. This feature is particularly useful for sending messages to your loved ones at convenient times for them, even if you are busy or asleep at that time.

Traditional Telephony Options: For Special Cases

While online communication apps have become the norm, sometimes it may be necessary or preferable to use more traditional telephony options to stay in touch with certain loved ones.

International Calling Cards: An Economical Option

International calling cards remain a viable option for making calls to landlines abroad at a lower cost. In Japan, you can find these cards at many konbini (convenience stores) or buy them online. They are especially useful for calling loved ones who don’t have internet access or are not comfortable with new technologies.

Mobile Plans with International Options

Most Japanese operators offer international calling options that can be added to your mobile plan. For example:

• NTT Docomo offers the “World Wing” service, which allows discounted international calls
• SoftBank offers the “America Hodai” option for unlimited calls to the US and Canada
• Au (KDDI) has a service called “au International Calling FLAT” which offers favorable rates to many countries

Compare the offers from different operators to find the one that best suits your needs in terms of calling destinations and usage frequency.

VoIP Services: An Economical Alternative

Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype or Google Voice can be an excellent option for making calls to landlines or mobiles abroad at favorable rates. These services require a stable internet connection but often offer much lower rates than traditional operators for international calls.

Landlines with International Plans

If you opt for a landline at home in Japan, some providers offer plans that include discounted international calls. For example, NTT’s “MYLINE” service allows you to choose a long-distance operator for your international calls, often offering better rates than calls made from a mobile phone.

Security and Privacy: Protect Your Communications

In an increasingly connected world, it’s crucial to consider the security and privacy of your communications, especially when living abroad.

Use Secure Messaging Apps

Opt for messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption for your most sensitive communications. Signal and Telegram are known for their high level of security and are increasingly used in Japan.

Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi Networks

Japan has many free Wi-Fi hotspots, but be cautious when using them for important communications. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your connections on public networks.

Regular Updates

Make sure to keep all your communication apps and operating system up to date. Updates often include important security patches.

Password Management

Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This will significantly reduce the risk of your communication accounts being hacked.

Conclusion: Stay Close Despite the Distance

Living in Japan as an expat is a rewarding experience, but it’s natural to want to maintain strong ties with loved ones back in your home country. Thanks to Japan’s excellent digital infrastructure and the multitude of communication tools available, staying in touch has never been easier.

Whether you choose to share your daily life through social media, organize regular video calls with your loved ones, or combine different communication methods, the key is to find a rhythm and tools that work for you and your loved ones.

Don’t forget that the quality of communication matters more than quantity. Plan dedicated moments for meaningful exchanges, while regularly sharing little glimpses of your life in Japan. With a little organization and the right tools, geographic distance won’t stop you from maintaining strong and fulfilling relationships with your loved ones.