SIM-Only Mobile Providers in Japan
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Most often referred to in Japan as an MVNO, which stands for "mobile virtual network operator," the following is a potentially-growing list of SIM-only mobile providers that resell services on one of the major Japanese mobile networks: NTT Docomo, Au by KDDI, or Softbank. While the big three Japanese providers will usually force you into an over-priced 2-year auto-renewing service contract inseparable from the bundled phone, MVNOs can and will sell you just the SIM card and service. Most resell NTT Docomo, and I have yet to see one that resells Softbank; however anything is possible as Japan looks as if it is finally embracing SIM-only solutions.
Life in Japan - Beating Mosquitoes and Biting Midges
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I live on the second floor of a central Tokyo apartment building. The advantage of this? I enjoy a brief daily elevator ride (or welcome stair climb) and can escape the building quickly in case of an emergency--I can literally jump off my balcony if necessary. The disadvantage of this? Mosquitoes and biting midges host wild vampire parties at my place during the scorching Japan summer months. Despite my fine-meshed screens and personal policy of only opening the windows when absolutely necessary, they still get in. Dammit. Given how aggressively I'm targeted, my American blood must be the finest, first-class epicurean indulgence for a suckling mosquito muzzle. Here is my series of mitigating measures for dealing with Japan's biting pests.
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The Hunt for the Ultimate Folding Bicycle
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Despite its plethora of hills, oceans of smartphone zombie pedestrians, seas of taxis, and rivers of bulky buses, Tokyo is a fairly convenient city to cycle in because it's both compact and brimming with transportation options. Hacking through some pithy calculations, I determined that I could likely cycle to work daily, thus building a daily calorie-burning workout into my lifestyle routine. I'm a huge fan of such natural exercise because I don't have to think about it nor remember to schedule it. Next was to find the ultimate two-wheeled solution for my daily commute conundrum. Perhaps this is Japan's influence on me, or perhaps this is my own obsessive personality connecting with Japan's, but this is what I love--researching the ultimate solution to a life project.
Japan Mobile Phones - BMobile FAQ
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During my time as a Bmobile customer, I've asked their helpdesk numerous questions regarding their mobile phone services. I share the questions and answers below.
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