Buying a Computer in Japan

8 Answers

Best Answer

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  helloalissa

  on Jun 23

  I think the biggest concern would be to decide if you want the system to have an American layout for the keyboard. If you're fine with Japanese keyboards then any electronics shop works. Operating systems will let you change the display language and switch between Japanese and English input either way. My husband will replace his laptop soon and plans to get it at Yodobashi Camera because they have point cards for future discounts. There's one in Nagoya. I'm not sure if that's helpful for you though!

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  genkidesu

  on Jun 21

  My immediate thought was Amazon, actually! I haven't personally bought a laptop on there, but I've bought my fridge, washing machine, and a bunch of other appliances. Those have been really price competitive (often cheaper than stores) and still came with the relevant warranties, so having a look on there might be worth it. At a quick glance, Amazon seems to sell major brands like Asus, Acer, Dell, Toshiba and Lenovo. Have no idea though whether the keyboard layout is going to be Japanese style or Western style. Last time I bought a laptop here I was still living on a US military base, so I bought one there that was imported from the US!

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  TonetoEdo

  on Jun 22

  Like you, I am researching options for laptops. Do you just need a workhorse computer? I’ve been using a reconditioned Dell for years. It cost about ¥30,000. It’s got English Windows 10 on it, but has a Japanese keyboard. It’s no bother to me, and I run Japanese IME on it. Similar laptops at roughly the same price are available on Amazon Japan.

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  genkidesuka

  on Jun 22

  Aside from Amazon I would try major electronic retailers like K's Denki or Bic Camera.

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  JapanRamen

  on Jul 2

  Amazon is good its customization and options. It is difficult to find westernized keyboards in the local shops so the big places are rarely helpful for me.

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  Nice

  on Jul 6

  Going online gives you lots of options. You can do comparison with specs and prices easily. What's more read reviews and choose what's recommended! I'm a big fan of Amazon when it comes to gadgets.

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  Aeon

  on Oct 17

  I recommend electronic shops like Bic Camera or Yodobashi. There are lot of options and variations to choose from. I like Dell PC personally.

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  Kohaku

  on Nov 1

  I bought a nice laptop through BicCamera (ビックカメラ) and it worked out really well for me. I chose the computer I liked from the website and was able to finance it with monthly payments for a year. You can adjust the duration of monthly payments to be longer or shorter. It's something you will want decent phone Japanese or a friend to help with it though. The financing company had to call me a few times to verify information and whatnot. The keyboard layout is definitely worth considering, too.

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