These ARE the droids you are looking for…
Let’s face it, it’s an iPhone world, but Droids need love too! Here are a few Android apps to get you through life in Japan and prove that you have all the same perks, and more, as those Apple fanboys.
Garbage App
It may seem surprising to see an app about garbage, unless you have lived in Japan and then you already know why!
ThreeR (さんあ～る)
Throwing away garbage in Japan can create headaches for many. With ThreeR, this is a thing of the past! This multilingual trash app will give you access to area-specific garbage information including a full calendar, search function, and reminder alarms to make sure you never forget when the next pickup for any given item is. Also includes helpful picture examples of trash bags and item categories for even easier reference.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.delight_system.threeR.android&hl=ja
Hyperdia
App for finding train times and locations
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hyperdia.android.activity
JED
Offline Japanese/English dictionary with handwritten kanji input (note: developer has ceased to update)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.umibouzu.jed
Kanji Recognizer
Dictionary/kanji study tool that integrates with WWWJDIC and recognizes handwritten kanji (even with the wrong stroke order) .
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nick.kanjirecognizer
LINE
The most popular and widely used free texting/calling app in Japan
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.naver.line.android
Yurekuru Call
An early warning app for earthquakes (customizable to magnitude and area).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rcsc.yurekuru.android
Smart Keyboard PRO
A multiple-language support keyboard with Japanese input option (features quick-switch language button on keyboard).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.cdeguet.smartkeyboardpro
Beer in Japan
“The idea was that wherever I was in Tokyo, I’d always be able to look at that map and find the craft beer bars near me. I’d never have to settle for mass produced beer again.” And so it was…
http://beerinjapan.com/bij/app/
McDonalds Coupon App (Japanese)
An app from McDonalds that features daily uploaded coupons for use at any restaurant.
Adobe Reader
An Adobe PDF reader app with editing options including highlighting, strikethroughs, and handwritten marks using touch screen.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adobe.reader&feature=search_result
Google Translate
A translation tool and dictionary that recognizes speech input.
Technology
FAST Speed Test
Netflix originally produced this internet speed-test app as a simple way for its customers to know whether or not their ISP is throttling speeds to Netflix or if there is an actual issue with their connection. It offers an ad-free clean interface and really only does one thing: test your connection. Whether you want to test your home wifi connection or even your mobile 4G connection, this app helps provide the information you need quickly and easily.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.Speedtest&hl=en
Written by Jimi Okelana
