Craving Kawaii Apps? Your Guide to Downloading Japanese Apps on iOS
Let's face it, the regular App Store is great, but sometimes you just gotta dip your toes into the wacky, wonderful world of Japanese mobile apps. Maybe you're obsessed with an anime and need the official game, or perhaps you're learning Japanese and want to dive into some language learning apps they don't have back home. Whatever the reason, you've found yourself on a quest for the quirkiest, coolest apps this side of the Pacific.
But hold on there, samurai! Downloading Japanese apps isn't quite as straightforward as grabbing the latest Candy Crush. Fear not, aspiring otaku warrior – this guide will turn you into a master of the Japanese App Store in no time.
Apple-San, Take Me to Japan! (Switching Your App Store Region)
There are two main ways to conquer the Japanese App Store:
1. Embrace Your Inner Ninja: The Account Switcheroo
Mission briefing: You'll be switching your existing Apple ID to the Japanese region. This unlocks the Japanese App Store, but beware! It might affect any active subscriptions you have.
Steps to victory:
- Go undercover in your Settings.
- Find your Apple ID (it's probably at the top, looking all innocent).
- Tap on it, then delve into the mysterious world of Media & Purchases.
- See that View Apple ID button? Click it, young grasshopper. You might need to enter your password – that's your secret handshake.
- Now, find the land of the rising yen: Country/Region.
- Tap it, then choose Japan (we know, shocking, right?).
- Important: Read the warnings about subscriptions – if you have any ongoing payments, they might get cancelled. Only proceed if you're cool with that.
2. Dual Wielding Accounts: The New Apple ID Path
Mission briefing: Create a brand new Apple ID specifically for your Japanese app adventures. This keeps your original account and subscriptions safe.
Steps to victory:
- Sign out of your current Apple ID – consider it a vacation.
- On the sign-in page, tap the inconspicuous Create New Apple ID button.
- When choosing your country, remember your mission – pick Japan.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to craft your new account, complete with a fresh email and password.
Now that you've unlocked the Japanese App Store, it's party time! But before you go wild downloading every cat filter app you see, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Prices might be in yen. Make sure you have the funds (and do the currency conversion math) before you hit purchase.
- The app might be entirely in Japanese. Brush up on those kanji skills!
- Some apps might be region-locked. Not all Japanese apps will work outside of Japan (sad panda).
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling indecisive, some apps have bilingual interfaces (English and Japanese). Look for those keywords in the app description.
Frequently Asked Download-Ninjas (FAQ)
How to switch back to my original App Store region?
Follow the same steps as before, but choose your original country instead of Japan.
How to find out if an app is in English?
Check the app description and screenshots. Look for keywords like "English" or "bilingual." You can also search online for reviews in English.
How to pay for Japanese apps if I don't have a Japanese credit card?
You can use gift cards with a yen balance or link a payment method from a supported country (check the Apple website for details).
How to translate the Japanese App Store?
Unfortunately, you can't directly translate the App Store itself. However, you can use a translation app or website to help you understand the descriptions.
How to be patient while waiting for my new Japanese app to download?
Easy! Distract yourself with a fun anime or delve into some delicious ramen.
