How to text Japan: A guide to business communications

Are you struggling to send text messages to Japan? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to Japan is easy, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your message gets delivered. This guide will cover the ins and outs of texting to Japan, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to Japan

In Japan, phone numbers have ten digits, which typically include a three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. This structure helps to identify the region and specific line.

Japanese phone number formatting

When sending a text message to Japan, you should be aware that the format differs slightly from that of a call. If texting from outside Japan, you must include the country code. Start with the international exit code (usually "+"), followed by Japan's country code, and then the ten-digit phone number.

For instance, to text a number in Tokyo, you would format it as +81-3-XXXX-XXXX. Avoid spaces, dashes, or parentheses within the phone number to ensure proper delivery.

Japan's country code

Japan's country code is +81. This code is crucial because it directs your text message to the correct country. Without it, the message will not reach the intended recipient in Japan.

To text someone in Japan, begin by entering the exit code (either "+" or "00"), followed by Japan's country code (+81), and then the ten-digit phone number. When dialing within Japan, you’ll keep the leading zero of the area code, but drop it when dialing from abroad. Double-check the format to ensure it is correct, enter the number into your messaging app, and send the message.

Staying compliant while texting Japan

Businesses sending SMS messages in Japan must comply with regulations enforced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC). Key rules include obtaining explicit user consent, providing opt-out mechanisms, and adhering to data protection standards. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and legal penalties. Companies must ensure message content is compliant, maintain transparent user data practices, implement robust security measures, and regularly review regulatory updates.

Four steps to text Japan

Now that you understand the formatting requirements and regulatory compliance, you can send your first text message to Japan. Use the following steps to send your message:

1. Inspect the number to ensure it’s in the correct format.
2. Add Japan’s country code (+81).
3. Remove the leading zero from the local Japanese number.
4. Input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field and compose your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in Japan would look like this: +81 90 1234 5678.

Now that you know how to format and send a text message to Japan, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and comply with local regulations.

Best practices for texting Japan numbers

Several regulatory requirements and best practices must be considered when sending SMS marketing messages to numbers in Japan. Japan has strict regulations regarding SMS marketing, and compliance is crucial to avoid legal issues.

Firstly, businesses must adhere to the Opt-In/Opt-Out system, where recipients must explicitly consent to receive marketing messages. This is a key aspect of Japan's consumer protection laws, similar to those outlined by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for international best practices.

Secondly, messages should be sent during appropriate hours to avoid disturbing recipients. While there are no specific hours mandated by law in Japan, it is a good practice to send messages between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time to respect recipients' privacy and daily routines.

Clear and concise language is essential when crafting SMS messages. Businesses should keep messages brief and focused, ensuring they are easy to understand. This aligns with general SMS best practices that recommend concise messaging to enhance effectiveness.

Additionally, businesses should be aware of Japan's strict regulations around SMS spam and privacy. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws, such as those related to the handling of personal information, is vital. This includes not sending unwanted messages and respecting recipients' opt-out requests promptly.

To avoid delivery issues, it is important to double-check phone numbers before sending messages. This helps in preventing messages from being blocked or marked as spam, ensuring successful delivery to the intended recipients.

By following these best practices and adhering to Japan's regulatory requirements, businesses can enhance the effectiveness of their SMS marketing campaigns while maintaining compliance with local laws.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Japan

When texting someone in Japan, understanding cultural nuances and proper etiquette is crucial for effective communication. Selecting the right greeting sets the tone for the message and helps establish a respectful relationship with the recipient.

Formal greetings

In Japan, formality and respect are highly valued, especially in business or professional settings. Begin your message with a polite greeting such as "こんにちは" (Konnichiwa, meaning "Good afternoon") or "お世話になっております" (Osewa ni natte orimasu, meaning "Thank you for your continued support"). For addressing someone you haven't met or in a formal context, using their title and last name is appropriate, such as "田中様" (Tanaka-sama, meaning "Mr./Ms. Tanaka"). This demonstrates respect and acknowledges their status.

Informal greetings

For more casual interactions, such as texting friends or close acquaintances, a simpler greeting like "やあ" (Yaa, meaning "Hey") or "こんにちは" (Konnichiwa) can suffice. If you have a friendly relationship with the recipient, you can use their first name followed by "さん" (san), a polite honorific that shows respect but is less formal than "様" (sama). For instance, "太郎さん" (Taro-san) is suitable for a friend named Taro.

Other considerations

Given the importance of politeness in Japanese culture, avoid slang or overly casual language unless you are certain it is appropriate for the relationship. Additionally, be mindful of the timing of your message. Sending texts very late at night or early in the morning can be considered intrusive. A good rule of thumb is to send messages between 9 AM and 9 PM local time.

In summary, the key to effective text messaging in Japan is to match the level of formality to the context and relationship while always maintaining a tone of respect and politeness. This approach will help you build stronger connections and communicate more effectively.

Text Japan: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to send SMS messages to Japan with confidence. Whether you're sending a personal message or business communication, understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is essential to ensure your message gets delivered.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global texting, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication. Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services. Our developer-friendly SMS API and intelligent features make it easy to build messaging capabilities into your existing apps. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective messaging solutions with unmatched expertise. Our deliverability reports help businesses optimize their messaging campaigns, while easy implementation and a complete set of features make it easy to get started.

Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your legal team and the appropriate regulatory authorities before beginning an SMS message campaign in Japan.