On first arriving in Japan and not being able to speak Japanese a lot of people find themselves watching things on TV that they'd never watch at home, simply because it's in English! If you are planning to spend a reasonable amount of time residing in Japan you may choose to invest in pay TV.

Satellite TV
Satellite TV broadcasts will require you to purchase a tuner and a satellite dish. As the satellite dish will need to be attached to the outer area of your apartment, generally somewhere on your balcony, you should first receive permission from your landlord/landlady as to whether or not you are able to do so.

WOWOW

WOWOW offers a wide range of programmes that run 24-hours, such as movies, sports, music, and cartoons. Fees can be paid by bank transfer or credit card and are 6,000yen for three months, 11,40yen for six months or 22,000yen for a year, plus a 3,000yen join-up fee. You can also pay 2,000yen monthly.  To find out more or to apply for wowow please call (0570) 008-080 in Japanese.

Sky Perfect TV!

Sky Perfect TV is probably the most popular of the satellite broadcasting companies and offers an incredible amount of variation in its channels. To join an initial 2,800yen registration fee is required along with a basic monthly fee of 390yen plus a subscription fee for each individual channel, "pack and set" that you purchase. For example, you can choose a pack with 12 channels for 1,900yen per month or from 21 channels for 2,380yen among many others. They also offer PPV (pay- per-view), PPD (pay-per-day) and PPS (pay-per-series) viewing options. Payment can be made by automatic debiting from your bank account or with major credit cards. For more information please call the Sky Perfect TV customer service center at (0570) 039-888 (+9) or (045) 339-0202 (+9) from cell phones between 10:00~20:00. For English language service press "9" after the Japanese language announcement. You can also check out the website which has a lot of English information at www.skyperfectv.co.jp  

Cable TV (CATV)

To view cable TV you will need to have access to the actual cable itself. If you live in an apartment building that has access you will have no trouble applying for cable TV. If however your building does not have access, you will need to receive permission from your landlord/landlady to contract for the installation procedures. If this is not possible it may be best to go with satellite TV.

Star Cat TV

The largest and most popular cable network, Star Cat TV, offers a total of 39 channels and its price range varies from as low as 1,200yen~4,500yen depending on the type of service you choose and whether or not you require analogue or digital service. Not only will you be able to view a variety of channels but also the regular and NHK channels will be broadcast without interference. An installation fee of 24,000yen and 15,000yen for in-house work (plus 15,000yen for each additional TV) will be required (If the cable has already been installed in your building you will only be required to pay the in-house work fee.). If you have CATV it is also possible to access the Internet and email. Payments can be made by bank transfer or with major credit cards. For more information call 0120-181-374 (free-dial) or check out their web page which provides information in English at www.starcat.co.jp  Please note that cable TV is not available in all areas and broadcasts may be affected in the case of bad weather.

NHK - Japan Broadcasting Corporation

NHK is Japan's national broadcasting corporation and has a total of four channels. Generally all people have access to its channels 3 and 9 although only those with a BS tuner and satellite antenna can view BS1 and BS2 channels. NHK is not actually free and although you can view it from virtually any TV the law actually requires individuals to pay for the broadcast. The NHK money collectors go from door-to-door and collect a fee every couple of months, however, it is also possible to pay by bank transfer and at major convenience stores. Fees for regular broadcasting channels and BS channels are as follows: 4,580yen for two months, 13,090yen for six months and 25,520yen for a year. To view the BS channels you will require a BS satellite antenna and a BS digital tuner. If you reside in an apartment block there is often a satellite antenna installed that will cover the entire building, in that case you will only need a BS tuner (so be sure to check with your landlord/landlady). A lot of new video decks and TV models already have the BS tuner installed within. To apply for BS satellite broadcasts call 0120-151-515.