Choosing the type of connection
The first decision shapes everything else. A fibre line is usually the most stable but may need installation, while a home router plugs in and works over a mobile network with no visit.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 光回線 | hikari kaisen | Fibre-optic line |
| ホームルーター | hōmu rūtā | Home router |
| モバイルルーター | mobairu rūtā | Mobile router |
| プロバイダ | purobaida | Internet provider |
| Type | Installation | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre line | Often needed | Stable, heavy use such as video calls and streaming |
| Home router | Usually not needed | Quick setup and shorter stays |
| Mobile router | Not needed | Using the same connection at home and outside |
Contract words
The monthly price is only one part of the cost. Contract length, installation fees and cancellation fees can change the total, so learn these words before you compare plans.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 月額料金 | getsugaku ryōkin | Monthly fee |
| 初期費用 | shoki hiyō | Initial costs |
| 工事費 | kōjihi | Installation fee |
| 契約期間 | keiyaku kikan | Contract term |
| 違約金 | iyakukin | Cancellation fee |
| 開通日 | kaitsūbi | Date the line becomes active |
Questions before you sign
Sales conversations move quickly and often include extra options. Ask your key questions in order and decline extras you do not need.
Confirming whether your building already supports a particular line can save a lot of time.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 工事は必要ですか。 | Kōji wa hitsuyō desu ka. | Is installation needed? |
| 最低何年の契約ですか。 | Saitei nannen no keiyaku desu ka. | What is the minimum contract length? |
| 途中で解約したら、違約金はかかりますか。 | Tochū de kaiyaku shitara, iyakukin wa kakarimasu ka. | If I cancel early, is there a cancellation fee? |
| この建物で使えるか確認してもらえますか。 | Kono tatemono de tsukaeru ka kakunin shite moraemasu ka. | Could you check whether it works in this building? |
| オプションはいりません。 | Opushon wa irimasen. | I do not need any extra options. |
The installation visit
If installation is needed, a technician visits on an agreed date, and someone usually needs to be present. Check with your landlord or management company before booking, since some work needs their permission.
Visits are often given as a time window, so ask for a rough arrival time and how long it will take.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 立ち会いが必要ですか。 | Tachiai ga hitsuyō desu ka. | Does someone need to be present? |
| 大家さんの許可が必要ですか。 | Ōya-san no kyoka ga hitsuyō desu ka. | Do I need my landlord's permission? |
| 何時ごろ来ますか。 | Nanji goro kimasu ka. | Around what time will you come? |
| 工事にはどのくらいかかりますか。 | Kōji ni wa dono kurai kakarimasu ka. | How long will the installation take? |
| 工事の日を変更したいです。 | Kōji no hi o henkō shitai desu. | I would like to change the installation date. |
When the connection does not work
Support lines ask a standard set of questions: what is happening, which lights are on, and whether you have restarted the equipment. Having those answers ready shortens the call.
Describe what you see rather than guessing the cause.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ネットにつながりません。 | Netto ni tsunagarimasen. | I cannot connect to the internet. |
| ランプが赤く点滅しています。 | Ranpu ga akaku tenmetsu shite imasu. | A light is flashing red. |
| ルーターを再起動しました。 | Rūtā o saikidō shimashita. | I restarted the router. |
| パスワードはどこに書いてありますか。 | Pasuwādo wa doko ni kaite arimasu ka. | Where is the password written? |
| 昨日から遅いです。 | Kinō kara osoi desu. | It has been slow since yesterday. |
Moving and cancelling
When you move, you can usually either transfer the service to the new address or cancel it. Ask about both before deciding, and check what happens to rented equipment.
Returning the router correctly matters, since unreturned equipment can be charged.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 引っ越しするので、解約したいです。 | Hikkoshi suru node, kaiyaku shitai desu. | I am moving, so I would like to cancel. |
| 引っ越し先でも使えますか。 | Hikkoshisaki demo tsukaemasu ka. | Can I use it at my new address? |
| ルーターはどうやって返却すればいいですか。 | Rūtā wa dō yatte henkyaku sureba ii desu ka. | How should I return the router? |
| 解約はいつまでに連絡すればいいですか。 | Kaiyaku wa itsu made ni renraku sureba ii desu ka. | By when should I contact you to cancel? |
Rehearsing the calls
Most internet conversations happen by phone, where there are no gestures to help. Preparing your questions and practising them aloud makes a real difference.
Unihongo's Reserve a Restaurant by Phone and Reschedule a Missed Delivery roleplay missions train catching dates, times and conditions on a call, and the corrections in the session report show which requests came out unclear.
- Write your address and building name clearly for the call.
- Prepare questions about installation, contract length and fees.
- Keep your contract number where you can find it.
- Note the support hours before you need them.