What to do about language when applying for internet in Japan

Written by Internet in Japan editorial team · Updated 3 October 2026 (each source's check date is listed at the end of the page)

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If you want to apply in a language other than Japanese, GTN Home Internet (staff contact you in your preferred language; GTN Mobile's support centre covers 13 languages, though not specifically for fibre) and Sakura Fiber Internet (English) both say they can do that. The four large providers (GMO Tokutoku BB Hikari, docomo Hikari, au Hikari and SoftBank Hikari) expect Japanese for the application, the installation arrangements and cancellation.

Providers that take applications in other languages

With GTN Home Internet, once you send the application form, GTN staff explain the service in your preferred language by email and then in two phone calls. GTN Mobile's support centre (not specifically for fibre) covers 13 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Nepali, Mongolian, Tagalog, Burmese, Cantonese, Hindi and Portuguese), from 10:00 to 18:30.[1][2]

Sakura Fiber Internet says you can set up and manage everything in English. Its Japanese-speaking staff confirm installation conditions with your landlord or management company, and an English-Japanese interpreter is available on installation day.[3][4]

Monthly prices: GTN Home Internet ¥4,180 for an apartment and ¥5,720 for a house on a two-year contract; Sakura Fiber Internet ¥7,678, month to month with no cancellation fee.[1][3][4]

What the large providers' English support covers

docomo has an English docomo Hikari page that lists a phone line in English, Portuguese, Chinese and Spanish. The same page says the phone line for existing docomo Hikari customers is Japanese only. docomo shops can help in other languages through an interpreter.[5]

au's foreign-language support (phone in 8 languages, chat in 5) gives examples such as a lost phone or how to use your handset, and does not say it handles au Hikari installation or cancellation. On SoftBank's English support page, the fibre support desk is marked "Japanese only". GMO Tokutoku BB's help centre does not mention support in other languages.[6][7][8]

Where you need Japanese with the large providers

There are three moments: the contact after you apply (phone, SMS or email), the installation visit, and cancellation. docomo Hikari and SoftBank Hikari need someone at the installation who can decide where the equipment goes. Cancelling SoftBank Hikari has to be done by phone.[9][10][11]

Every provider asks for the contract holder's own ID, such as a residence card. If a friend makes calls for you, plan for you to be available to take part as well.[12][13][14]

If nobody can help you

Some local governments run a "one-stop consultation centre" (一元的相談窓口, ichigenteki sōdan madoguchi) that answers questions about daily life in several languages. At the end of fiscal 2022, 247 local governments ran one with national funding. You can search for consultation desks on the Immigration Services Agency's Portal Site on Policies for Foreign Residents.[15][16]

Whether a desk can interpret on a phone call varies. Ask them which languages they cover and what they can help with before you apply.