When foreigners visiting Japan try to register Japanese apps on their smartphones, they may find that they cannot download them.
If they cannot use Japanese apps, it may cause inconveniences in their daily life in Japan.

This article summarizes the reasons why foreigners may not be able to register Japanese apps and provides effective solutions.
If you are planning to start a new life in Japan, be sure to read until the end.

Reasons Why Foreigners Cannot Download Japanese Apps

Even though iPhones and Android devices are used worldwide, why is it that foreigners sometimes cannot download Japanese apps?

The Country of Residence in the Smartphone

Account Is Set to a Country Other Than Japan
If the country setting in the registered smartphone account is still set to a foreign country, some apps cannot be downloaded.
The account refers to an Apple account for iPhone users and a Google account for Android users.

Not only in Japan but in other countries as well, some apps are programmed to be available only for accounts registered in specific countries.
However, since people rarely check or change their account’s country settings, many do not realize this issue.

The Device Is Connected to a Non-Japanese Server via VPN

VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and is used to enable secure communication over the internet.
By using a VPN, users can access the internet through servers in other countries, making it convenient for accessing region-restricted sites and services.

However, if a VPN is connected to a country other than Japan when trying to register an app, the download may be recognized as being from overseas.

Two Solutions When Japanese Apps Cannot Be Registered!

In Japan, when living in rental housing, residents may be required to register a tenant-specific app.
These apps connect the property management company with residents, allowing them to receive notifications, check manuals, and submit various applications.

By learning how to register Japanese apps, you can start your life in Japan smoothly.

Changing the Country Setting of an Existing Account

Changing the country setting of an account allows users to register Japanese apps.
Both iPhone and Android users can easily change their account’s country settings.

However, there are some disadvantages, such as having to review payment information and subscriptions every time the country setting is changed.
The precautions when changing the country setting of an existing account will be explained in detail later in the article.
Please refer to that section for more details.

Creating a New Account with Japan as the Country Setting

A new account for Japan can be created separately from the existing one.
By switching between accounts when returning to your home country or staying in Japan, there is no need to change the country setting of the existing account.

This method requires less effort compared to changing the country setting of an existing account.
However, since two accounts and passwords need to be managed properly, extra caution is required.

Preparation for iPhone Users to Register Japanese Apps

The following sections explain how to create a new Apple account and how to change the settings of an existing account on an iPhone.

How to Create a New Apple Account in the App Store

Prepare an email address different from the existing account and open the Apple Store.

Create a new Apple account.

When entering the required information, set “Country/Region” to “Japan.”

Sign in to the iPhone using the new Apple account.

How to Change the Country Setting of an Existing Apple Account on an iPhone

Open iPhone settings and click on your account.

Select “Media & Purchases.”

In the menu, choose “Country/Region” and select Japan.

Preparation for Android Users to Register Japanese Apps

The following sections explain how to create a new Google account and how to change the settings of an existing account on an Android device.

How to Create a New Google Account on Android

Open the Google account login page.

Click on “Create Account.”

Enter the required information and select Japan as the country setting.

Log in to the Android device with the newly created Google account.

How to Change the Country Setting of an Existing Google Account on Android

Open the Google Play Store app.

Click on the profile icon.

Select “Settings” → “General” → “Account & Device Preferences” → “Country & Profiles.”

Choose Japan.

Important Considerations When Changing the Country of Residence for an Account

When changing the registered country of residence for an existing smartphone account to Japan, there are several important points to consider.

Apps Used Before May Become Unavailable Due to the Country Change

If the country setting of a smartphone account is changed, some previously registered subscriptions may become unusable.
This is because services often have regional restrictions.

For those who regularly use subscriptions, it is recommended to either cancel unnecessary subscriptions or create a new account while keeping the existing one.
Additionally, even if a subscription remains available after changing the country setting, a new payment method from the new country may be required, and content availability may vary.

The Country Setting Cannot Be Changed Frequently

For Google accounts, the country setting can only be changed once per year.
This rule exists to prevent fraudulent use, reselling, and to reduce the burden on support services.

Therefore, changing the country setting every time an app needs to be registered or when temporarily returning home is not a practical option.

Conclusion

To ensure a smooth life in Japan, it is necessary to not only obtain a phone number but also update the account settings of your device.

Since changing the country setting of an account often requires canceling subscriptions, creating a new Japan-specific account is recommended.

Use this article as a reference to adjust your settings so you can download Japanese apps!