How to Get Japanese Apps on iPhone or iPad

Learn how to change your Apple ID region so you can download Japanese apps

This wikiHow teaches you how to change your iPhone or iPad's settings so you can use the Japanese version of the App Store. If you don't think you'll need your current country's App Store anymore, you can simply change your Apple ID's location to Japan. But if you want to be able to switch back and forth between different countries' App Stores, you'll need to create a new Apple ID based in Japan . Both methods require a valid Japanese billing address, so make sure you have one ready.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Changing your Apple ID Location

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  1. You'll usually find it on the home screen.
    • Changing your country to Japan will cancel any recurring subscriptions associated with your Apple ID. You can sign up for these services again after changing your country, but only if those services are available in Japan. [1]
  2. It's at the top of the screen.
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  3. You can find it listed next to the
    iPhone App Store Icon
    icon here.
  4. It's at the top of the menu.
  6. Depending on your settings, you may be asked to verify your fingerprint or enter a passcode to continue.
  7. This displays a warning that changing your country will cancel any automatically renewing subscriptions you've set up through iTunes or the App Store.
  8. You should only proceed if you're okay with cancelling your recurring subscriptions.
  9. The terms and conditions of the location change will appear. [2]
  10. This indicates that you agree to the terms and conditions stated on this page.
    • You may have to tap Agree again in the confirmation pop-up to confirm your action.
  12. It can be any address (business or residence) in Japan, but it must actually exist.
  13. This will save your new address and payment method. You will now be able to find and download Japanese apps on the App Store.
  14. Now that your region is set to Japan, you'll be able to download apps that are only available in that country.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Creating a New Japanese Apple ID

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  1. If you have access to a Japanese mailing address, as well as an email address and phone number that aren't connected to an Apple ID, you can create a new Apple ID based in Japan. You'll have to sign out of your current Apple ID, but you can always sign back in later. Here's how to sign out: [3]
    • Make sure your iPhone is backed up to iCloud or iTunes. This is very important.
    • Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen).
    • Tap your name at the top.
    • Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out . You may have to enter your passcode or use Touch ID to confirm.
    • Move all of the sliders to the
      iPhone Switch On Icon
      position. This is just so your data remains on your iPhone or iPad for when you sign in with your regular Apple ID.
    • Tap Sign Out at the top-right corner, and then again to confirm.
    • Press the Home button to return to the home screen.
  2. It's the purple icon with a white star inside. You'll usually find it on your home screen.
  3. A pop-up menu will appear.
    • If you see your Apple ID instead of a Sign In button, tap it, tap Sign Out , and then tap Sign In .
  4. This signs you out from your regular Apple ID.
  5. It's at the bottom of the page.
  6. This takes you to the "Create Apple ID" form.
  7. A list of countries will appear.
  8. This returns you to the form.
  9. The email address you use cannot be associated with an existing Apple ID. If you need to create a new email address, try Gmail or Outlook.com .
  10. It's at the bottom of the form. You may have to tap Agree to confirm.
  11. It's at the top-right corner.
  12. The first two blanks are for entering your name phonetically. For example, if your name is Jessica Williams, you could type WILL-yums into the "Phonetic Last Name" field, and JESS-ick-kah into the "Phonetic First Name" field.
  13. If you don't want to enter a payment method now, tap None instead.
  14. It can be any address (business or residence) in Japan, but it must actually exist. If the address is detected as false, you'll get an error at the end of the sign-up that tells you to contact Apple Support.
    • Using a fake address may violate Apple's Terms and Conditions, so it's best to double-check and make sure you understand the risks.
  15. It's at the top-right corner. Now you'll be asked to verify your phone number.
  17. The phone number can be in any country, but you must have access to it so you can verify your account. You'll be able to verify via SMS or phone call.
    • If the phone number you enter is not in Japan, tap the "Country" drop-down menu and select the right country so the code arrives to the right phone.
  18. Tap Text Message to receive a code via SMS, or Phone Call to receive one over the phone.
  19. The code will be sent to you through the selected method.
  20. Once verified, another code will be sent to the email address you signed up with.
  21. Once the code is verified, your new Japanese Apple ID will be created.
  22. Now that your region is set to Japan, you'll be able to download apps that are only available in that country.
  23. Once you're finished downloading apps, you can sign out of the Japanese Apple ID by repeating Step 1. Then, tap Sign In to log back in with your usual Apple ID.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will I lose all my purchased apps when I change the country?
    Community Answer
    No, they will stay.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.imore.com/how-change-countries-itunes-and-app-store-iphone-or-ipad
      2. ↑ https://www.imore.com/how-change-countries-itunes-and-app-store-iphone-or-ipad
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208242

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To download Japanese apps, you'll need to access the Japanese version of the App Store. To do this, create a new Apple ID using a valid Japanese mailing address, or change the location of your current Apple ID to Japan.

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