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How to access Japan-only iPhone apps

19 October 2009 1,850 views 12 Comments

itunesjapanese

One of the most annoying things about the iTunes Store is the way it treats different countries. Every iTunes Account is linked to the country of origin, usually the country the credit card is from. While this isn’t a problem when you’re living in your home country, this is a big problem when you’re living in Japan because there are some iPhone applications that are only available in the Japan iTunes Store. One example is the very wonderful free weather app named Weathernews Touch. Unless you have a Japanese account, you’re not able to download this free app.

But don’t lose hope, there is a very easy, and free, way to get a Japanese iTunes account without using a credit card. (You can also use this to get access to music, movies, and TV shows in the Japanese iTunes Store as well.) Just follow these easy steps.

1. Get an e-mail address.

You need an e-mail address that is not already being used with iTunes. So if you already have an iTunes account set up, you’ll need to use a different e-mail than the one you’re already using. If you’re in need of a free e-mail account, try gmail.com.

2. Switch stores.

Open up the iTunes Store. If you’re already logged into your account, log your account out. Scroll down to the bottom of the Store. Click the country icon, and change it to Japan.

iTunes Country Icon

All Country Stores

3. Find a free application.

Once in the Japanese Store, search for Weathernews Touch (or any free application). Click the FREE APP button.

Store Weathernews

4. Create your account.

A window should pop up asking you to sign into your account. Click on Create New Account. Then keep hitting “Continue” and fill out all the information. When you get to the billing section, there will be an option labeled “None”, found to the right of all the credit cards.

5. Wait.

Once you fill out everything and submit your information, you’ll have to wait for Apple to send back a confirmation e-mail. This could take a long time. Days even. So if you don’t get it right away, just relax and take a nap.

6) Verify your account & sign in.

Once Apple does e-mail you back, click on the verification link. Afterwards, sign into the iTunes Japan Store using your new e-mail address and download to your heart’s content. When you’re finished with the Japan Store, log out and just scroll down to the bottom and change back to whatever county’s store you were using before.

Bonus: Buying

If for some reason you want to buy something on the store, such as a Japanese movie or music, you can easily add money without a credit card. Just head down to your local 7-Eleven and buy yourself an iTunes gift card. Then log into your Japanese iTunes account and register your gift card.

WARNING: Before posting messages about how it doesn’t work, please read the guide and try again. There is also always the chance that Apple could close this loop hole with an iTunes update. So if you’re reading this and it’s not the year 2009, you should probably try doing a Google search.

12 Comments »

Eric M said:

Massively helpful – thanks! Been trying to get the new Sekai Camera app and now Ive got it.

# 20 October 2009 at 11:47 am

Joshua (author) said:

No problem man. I’m glad its proving useful to people!

I’ve even downloaded a few ‘pay’ apps on the iTunes Japan Store thanks to a 1,000¥ gift card I bought at a 7-11.

The same approach can be used to access any store in the world. Just be sure to log into the ‘foreign’ store every now and then, as your iPhone will only access updates for the store you’re currently logged into.

# 20 October 2009 at 12:29 pm

Lin said:

Hm, it seems that when I tried it, there is no option for having no credit card ..

# 22 October 2009 at 2:59 pm

Joshua (author) said:

You have to be sure that you click on a free application first.

1) Exit your current account (if you have one).
2) Go to the Japanese iTunes Store.
3) Find a free application.
4) Go through the whole signup process, there should be an option for “None”.
5) Wait a long time for your account to be approved.

There is always the chance that Apple has removed this loophole. Just try again and let me know.

# 22 October 2009 at 3:16 pm

Brad said:

Joshua,
Great information! I successfully logged in to the Japan iTunes Store and found some cool stuff. I actually received the confirmation email in about 10 minutes. I attempted to use an iTunes Gift Certificate (not card), but I had no luck. I guess Apple is closing in. Ha! Ha!

Brad

# 30 October 2009 at 10:28 am

Joshua (author) said:

You could always buy some Japanese iTunes gift card via ebay if you need to buy pay applications.

I’m glad its working for you! But I’m surprised about your confirmation message coming so quickly…. mine took the better half of a week!

# 30 October 2009 at 11:29 am

Joe said:

Worked like a charm! Instant confirmation e-mail if you submit your name in Katakana. Thanks a ton for the article!

# 3 November 2009 at 2:53 pm

harwluk said:

That’s not really a loophole… it’s exactly what Apple wants you to do. It’s in the directions since it is against the user agreement to use any other itunes store than the one you are living in.

# 17 November 2009 at 3:48 pm

jeff said:

just did this and it worked perfect. so thank you. by the way, when you complete this process, it says that they sent you a verification email, which is what you have to wait days for. However, if you click resend verification, it sends it immediately. I started using my account right away.

# 25 November 2009 at 7:04 am

Joshua (author) said:

Jeff,

Lucky you! I clicked “Resend Verification” every day for a week before I got an email. Actually, I ended up getting six emails from Apple. One for each time I clicked “Resend.” I’m glad its working for you!

# 25 November 2009 at 9:03 am