Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Thanks hallgreng. This gets me closer but:

Where do we get libxinerama1? And how much rootfs space does it require?

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

hm, thats a shame. i have that lib installed on my n900 already so i didnt think there would be a problem. my apologies!

my n900 shows that package is in the 'extras' repository. you'll have to install libxinerama1 it before hand-jamming the kanjipad package.
presuming you have the 'extras' repo installed (not sure if thats a default repo, cant remember back that far):
then kanjipad will either install or complain about another missing dep. if the latter, apt-get install <missing app>
^__^

EDIT:
forgot about the rootfs impact... unknown. the size of the package in the repo is about 1MB so it cant be too bad. that said, i have 36MB/15% free space remaining on my root partition. all these unoptified things add up if you dont pay close enough attention...

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Nope. That did it. I can confirm that the steps described above will install a working copy of kanjipad.

Thanks, hallgreng.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I'm in Kyoto this month (from the U.S.). And I had hoped to be able to report about using a rented SoftBank SIM in the N900.

I had reserved a SIM card with SoftBank to pick up at the airport. But when they saw my N900 they argued hard against my taking the SIM card. Apparently some folks have used SoftBank SIMs in their smart phones and racked up huge data charges without realizing all the data access their phone was doing. Then they complain and ugliness ensues. (The data usage charges are on the high side.)

I should have insisted. (My impression was that they would have allowed me to have the SIM after another passionate warning.) I know my normal data usage is rather low because I have a pay-as-you-go data plan w/ATT in the U.S. and I check my usage charges regularly. But I let them talk me out of it. I ended up with a cell phone instead.

So here's my question as I think about some experimentation in anticipation of my next visit. What harm could I possible do by putting the rented phone's SIM in my N900?

Seems like the worst outcome would be that the cell system recognizes the change and cuts me off even after I put the SIM back in the cell phone. Lesser badness would be that it simply would not work in the N900 (for whatever reason) and I put the SIM back in the cell and all is well.

Is there _a_n_y_ possibility of something horrible happening? (N900 blows up? SoftBank police come knocking?)

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

As far as I know SoftBank's rules are restrictive about not allowing 3rd party devices on their networks and/or charging ridiculous rates if you use a 3rd party device. They claim to use IMEI information to detect non-SoftBank devices from using their data network. Anecdotal reports seem to indicate they "look the other way" most of the time - but this can change at any time. Personally, I avoid SoftBank data for exactly this reason: too much trouble, too much risk.

For a rented SIM, the worst that could happen is that they claim you were online 24/7 for the whole time you had the SIM and charge you for every second of usage at e.g. 10x the normal rate for using a 3rd party device.

I would recommend the new b-mobileSIM, which is a prepaid 2980 yen SIM card for one month of unlimited data usage: http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/sim/detail.html

I haven't tried this myself, but I have tried the older b-mobile 3G 150 hours modem, and used its SIM card in the N900 successfully (see here for the magic command needed to get the n900 to recognize the SIM - reboot after entering the command).

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Japanese telecoms, especially the cellular carriers, are frighteningly anal.

Now -that's- cool. ~3000yen for a month of 3G data service. Thanks for posting, I'm going to be there for two weeks in August and even just having data gives me Skype. Any word if the 1 month SIMs are being sold in stores?

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

very very interested in kowing where and how to buy one of these sims. i will be in japan in about a week

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

The 3000 yen, 1-month SIM is only available from b-mobile's online store, which requires a Japanese mailing address and (likely) a Japanese credit card (if they don't do CoD.)

The next one up is a 6 month card for $140, which can be found at places like Bic Camera. I reeeeeally wish they would sell the 1-month cards in stores :D

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Bumping for update visibility.

I purchased two of the 1 month data cards via www.rinkya.com, which puts a premium of approximately $20 USD (with shipping) on it. The booklet it comes in includes both proxy info ("web accelerator") and APN information.

Other things to note:
- Good for 90 days from purchase
- Last for 30 days from time of activation (which is done by phone, and goes live within 5 minutes.)
- They QoS p2p and video (probably nico-nico and youtube.)
- They'll QoS -you- should you exceed 3 million packets in 3 days.
- Outbound port 25 is blocked.

Doesn't hurt that they're going over NTT's Docomo FOMA network, so it's probably available throughout the country. Will know more next Sunday after I arrive, will try activating the card from the US this coming Friday.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Last bump.

The b-mobile SIM cards work great in the N900, but require you have a Japanese cell phone for easy activation. Once you do, you get at least ~300kbps, which is great for skype and web access.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I would like to know how to buy one of the 1month card via rinkya, because I can't find this kind of sim card in any shop. Thanks!

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I just bought a 6-month b-mobile SIM, stuck it in, ran tesuri's command, and rebooted. When I try to make calls, it doesn't work. It lets me connect to the data network with the APN, username and password provided by b-mobile, but then all websites redirect to the b-mobile activation page. Is there something else that needs to be done to activate the N900 on the network?

Thank you to everyone who has posted on this amazingly helpful thread.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

you can buy in a nearby country which is the Philippines. they are selling n900 that is originally made from China or Korea.:)

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Greetings from a gaijin.
I am living in Japan and so happy toying around with my n900, Hongkong version.
I bought mine online in Japan. You can do it easily too from these sites:
- www.moumantai.biz (payment via Japanet Bank to deliver to your door)
- www.rakuten.co.jp (cash-on-delivery though you can transfer or use credit cards, my favorite because I dont have a credit card, and this site have English option to register membership).

For Japanese input, Kimitate has gathered a metapackage called Maemocjk-him-scim-anthy. I just installed this package using application manager. This work fine for me but I wish it could be better because I have to slide the keyboard in and out too often, making me worry for my N900 life-span!
I try making Japanese input as default by adding this line (learn from Internet teachers like you ofcause):
export GTK_IM_MODULE=scim
right at the last but one line in this file:
/etc/osso-af-init/af-defines.sh
This method work well too, but as a trade-off, I lose the symbol table. So whenever I need some symbols, I have to go to the file and delete the added line, reboot the phone!

For Softbank's Package Data Flat, I use this:
Conncetion name: Open Softbank
Connection type: Packet data (automatic anyway)
Accesspoint name: open.softbank.ne.jp
Username: opensoftbank
Password: ebMNuX1FIHg9d3DA
Prompt password at every login <box unchecked>
Use proxy <checked>
HTTP proxy <leave empty>
Port number: 8080
HTTPS proxy <leave empty>
Port number: 440 <not sure if neccesary>
FPT proxy <leave empty>
port number: 20
Installing Hide User Agent seems to be a must because with the above configuration, before installing Hide User Agent, I could not connect to Internet, but after pulling it in and press the hide user agent button, I have been connecting to Softbank easily for 4410Y/month.
For map, Ovi Map does not work well for me in Japan (only national roads and being located several prefectures away!!!). Google mobile map seems a little bit better, but not useful yet on my N900.
My last experience to share, and with which I so much hope someone else could enlighten me, is Softbank MMS.
I installed fMMS 1.2.5, have tried several useragent like N73, N95, Iphone 3GS (those version Softbank has) using gconftool-2, but the furthest I can have is receiving MMS headers, then "unable to retrieve message" or "Unknown name resolution" or the likes.
I gave a shout to the fMMS thread already. But the fMMS thread seems to be too big for Japan.
So please help if you can
Thanks.

PS. After PR1.3, Hide User Agent seems nolonger needed
fMMS 1.2.6 still not works for me, please help

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

fMMS was a nightmare for me as well. I flashed few times to get to know how to get it to work.

THIS IS A MUST-DO STEP
================================================== =
Xterm:
sudo gainroot
gconftool-2 -st string /apps/fmms/useragent "New UA String"
(replace "New UA String" with any Nokia UA)
================================================== =

If u do the step correctly, any APN use, be it openmms or others, it seems like each password work for any user name! Its hard to mistake when u do the step above right in the 1st place.

Good Luck!

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Hi Yauchildchew
I tried this:
SoftBank/1.0/705NK/NKJ001 Series60/3.0 NokiaN73/3.06.50 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1

and this:
NokiaN95/11.0.026; Series60/3.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1
as "New UA String"
But still I cannot make fMMS work.
What is the mistakes?
Could you please provide a correct "New UA String"?
Or better if you could give me a step by step setting for your fMMS?
I update to 1.2.6 on PR1.3 (global) already.
Thanks in advance

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Yes.

1) You can't make any calls whatsoever. They have a new one that does this, haven't tried it.

2) As I noted before, you -must- have access to someone with a Japanese cell phone who can call the number on the back and enter the cell # for the sim card you have. The activation service is automated but requires you call from a cellphone.

Create an account with them, and use their "Rinkya Shops" service, you'll want to paste the URL for the order page and specify that you want the 1 month sim. I ordered two via this method and it worked out quite well.

Additionally, if you do not know anyone in Japan that has a cell phone, you may want to ask Rinkya if they can activate the card for you on a certain date. I did not do this and was scrambling for a day until I met with a friend of mine and activated two cards.

My solution to that is two-fold:

1) Applications I want to run using Japanese all the time I have wrapped in a shell script that sets those variables before running the program. Currently, only EBView is set up this way for Japanese dictionaries.

2) By default, anything not flagged like that can be used by closing the keyboard and tapping a second time in the input field, which brings up an input window. You can type into this using the IME like you normally would.

This thread is so low traffic posts can go missed for months, I hope everyone had their issues resolved since the last time I saw this one become visible :eek:

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Ah! Nokia, how rude you are! (or am I so ignorant)
I did a complete reflash to PR1.3, update ovisuite to the latest, and wanted to re-download maps to my n900. Guess what? I could not find Japan on the list of ovi maps anymore!
I agree with Nokia that it is very hard to do business with Japanese people the way European want to, so you can pull out of Japan and hurt your faithful customers who have to be in Japan the way you like. But to delete a country from a world map like this is unspeakable!
Ovi maps for Japan were useless to me anyway, so I didnot care much. But to find out that a whole country is nolonger on the map is unbelievable. Are you turning as dirty as those counterparts in japan you did business with, Nokia?

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Could any of the Japanese users tell me if your FMRadio can receive frequencies below 87,5 MHz?

I ask because Wikiwide noticed that they removed the "region" files from the FMRadio directory with PR 1.3

Thanks in advance for an reply

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Hi Crogge
To answer your question I just install FMRadio on my N900 HongKong PR1.3, plug the wired headphone.
I notice there are two version of this: 2010.03.20 and 2010.03.60. I guessed the later was the latest so I tried it.
FMRadio 2010.03.60 just simply crashes to the desktop.
A reboot won't help.
Without removing this version, I tried to install FMRadio 2010.03.20, but was anable to install.
So I uninstall the 2010.03.60 version, install 2010.03.20 version, and it works without a reboot.
I tried to scan to frequencies lower than 87.5 but NO, it can go no lower than that or higher than 108.0 MHz.
I can not hit any Japanese broadcast with it anyway, neither on PR1.2 nor 1.3.
I tried installing FM-Boost but it still does not help.
After a reboot with both FMRadio and FM-Boost installed, nothing change: frequencies ranged between 87.50 and 108.00.
I do not install Japanese locale on my n900 though. I just use UK locale with GMT+9 for time zone.
Hope this post does answer you

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

try include the "" in ur code.
where did u get ur N900? I still dont see any PR1.3 update for my US N900 variant.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Thank you, seems it is really a mess to receive frequencies below 87,50MHz.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

well, i got myself into the Uboot stuck situation and reflashed.
Worked the half day just to refigure out howfMMS works.
the APN is something consisting of SoftBank in the beginning, google it.
And "" is needed.
Good luck!

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Hi,

I'm also living in Japan and am considering buying a N900. However, I would like first to verify something.

Could you tell me if the japanese input system that you are using (Maemocjk-him-scim-anthy) works well with Qt applications (toMOTko in particular (in testing repository)). I know that there is a problem with MSCIM as you can see in this thread. But I wonder if it works better with your mentioned input method. Or are they the same? I wonder...

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Hi,
I haven't tried toMOTko so can't confirm for now, but the Maemo-him-scim-anthy works nicely with QStarDict so I suppose it has no problem with QT. I also has no problem with microB search bar, note, abiword, or gnumeric
By the way my N900 Hongkong is made in Korea even though the shop lady told me on the phone that it is chinese made. So maybe I can safely say Official HongKong N900 is korean made.
Good luck

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

That's bad. But hopefully you have found the PR 1.3 to reflash to your phone:)
Ofcourse I have put all the user agent string in the "", now with fMMS 1.2.9, but still only mail deaders can be received.
Have been googling alot but still not found any luck. I made fMMS 1.2.4 works with softbank N73 useragent before, but after several reflashing and new fMMS versions, I get lost.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

You are welcome
Since I can not listen to any stations properly from my area (Ibaraki) FMRadio is useless for me. May be will give it a try when I am in Tokyo.
But I am not that fond of Japanese FM radios anyway, So I will uninstall the app soon untill there is a better version.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

These are my steps (after reflash, i have got pr1.3, i remember more about fMMS and at the same time i lose some apps like healthcheck, apmefo, etc to work):
1) get fAPN and fMMS
2) delete MMS APN (sometimes it only shows up after u have tried to download MMS) create new APN (any name) through fAPN
3) fMMS settings: open.soft.....; softb...; qceff....; sbmms......; google for all details.
4) new APN setting: open.soft....;opensoft......; eb.....
5) xterm; input the string.
6) test.

Good luck.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Thanks for reply
I found a bunch of useragent here
http://blog.livedoor.jp/nor_cola/archives/51345363.html
Tried the N95 one, but still no luck
Any more APN details please

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I tried toMOTko with scim module exported as default. It works fine but you still have to close the physical keyboard and tap on the screen to enter Japanese characters

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Do you think it's a bug from scim or is it a feature? Maybe someone should file a bug report if it's not already done.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I think it is a bug from scim but related to qt because the same problem occurs with Qstardict. Gjiten has no such problem.
The status menu of maemocjk-him-scim-anthy also changes its position by itself ad I cannot make it return to where it should stay. This happens when I install something else, but can't remember which, so can't tell what it conflicts with.
If this scim anthy thing works like Atok or IME on windows it 'll be perfect.
I think the creator of this nice input module well awares of the problems but seems he is so preoccupied with Meego to fix them:)

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

To Kumainjapan-san
Sorry I can't reply private message (don't know how yet) so I post it here because it is not off-topic.
If you read all the posts on this thread, all the confirmation you need is there. Just insert the softbank sim and you can make calls, sms without problems.
The N900 find open information stored on the sim and automatically set up an APN called Softbank Mobile Internet, with crazily expensive rate not covered by any of softbank discount plan. Before using internet, go to connection setting and edit this connection using instruction on my post or similar, and you will be able to enjoy softbank unlimited data plan.
For S!Mail, which is MMS, I still cannot make it work on my N900 eventhough many have claimed to have made it using fMMS app.
If you make a google search on Softbank setting, you will see the general advice is not to ask softbank directly, not to show your N900 to them, keep your profile low in case you have trouble with over charged. This is, sadly, the truth. Softbank staff can even put a ban on your phone imei, which is the worst, because you will not be able to put any japanese sim in to use at all. So don't ask them about phone they don't sell. You have many kind and ready-to-help friends here on this forum and on internet.
"Softbank will find out and block your phone" kind of reply from japanese staff is, to me, empty threat. Don't worry. They won't be able to. As far as I can guess: softbank asks phone makers to put proper useragents to those phone to be use on softbank, lock down those function softbank don't want to be used on their network, like PC direct, internet sharing, internet modem...(That is maybe why it takes so long, if ever, for a nokia phone to have softbank firmware update)
So if you find our proper useragent for the relevant phone, you can use any foreign phone on softbank network without problems.
The only warning applicable is, even in unlimited package plan, softbank can ban your internet access if your internet data is over 300'000 yen/month (I haven't tried, so can't confirm)

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Duy2anh
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure if you received the private message or not because I never thought to check here. Ha.
Well, to answer your question about the unlimited package plan, I have the unlimited package plan with Softbank at the moment and I use over 40,000 yen in internet data a month, that that pales in comparison to the 300,000 yen a month setting.
I have been hesitant on buying a n900 because of Softbank's strict rules. I've had a friend before that has had callerID and SMS problems with an older unlocked Nokia on Softbank's service.
Thanks for the reply. I'll think on it more before making a plunge. It sounds like you have to be very careful when using an unlocked phone on their services. That's very aggravating.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

Since I started using N900 four months ago, my data rate is always between 120,000 and 180,000 except this month when I have to be in non-wireless area for 3 weeks, the rate is 260,000 yen and counting up right now. All covered by 4410 yen unlimited package.

Don't ask japanese staff what they don't have in hand, because the answer is always a NO.
I don't have any problem with callerID or SMS, only unsolved problem with S!Mail (MMS)


Yes, you should be careful not to bring your phone to their shop to ask for anything. They just want to sell their services on their jailed phones.
Japanese laws is changing and sooner or later Japanese MB network companies will have to publicize their settings to users, just be patient.
While waiting, check this: Docomo is giving out free Samsung Galaxy for new 2-year contractors.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

iv been running a B-Mobile SIM the past month down here in Okinawa. Works like a champ, however I only get 30min of voice calls if I initiate the call. Of course, if I'm called, then it doesnt deduct from my limit. Data is unlimited and runs well. Good enough for skype audio calls, and video calls work well (though not perfectly).
It all runs over the Docomo network, so I get excellent coverage (Softbank coverage is complete garbage in Oki).

Like others have said, dont bring or mention the n900 to any mobile phone store unless you are looking to waste an hour of your time.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

@wmarone

Regarding the query below from Duy2anh about loosing the onscreen input window, you have mentioned about "wrapping in a shell script". Could you help provide an example of how this can be done, perhaps for EBView.

Also on a related note, you mentioned about using EBView. The search word input field on EBView seem to be so small. Have you any work around to make this input field appear a little bigger.. This Search word input field is so small that you dont see what is being input there..

TiA
Shin

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

This post would pop up the day I forget my phone at home.

Basically it's a shell script that looks like this:

Something along those lines. I'll update when I get my N900 after lunch. The end result is that SCIM and Anthy will work for the application started by the script, and directly into input fields. They will still require the virtual keyboard intercept elsewhere, and won't interfere with the special keys VKB.

I disabled quite a few of the buttons, as they were causing crashes when I tapped them. I'll post a screenshot later that shows what it looks like for me.

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

wmarone

Thank you for the shell wrapper. I would appreciate if you could confirm the set up on your n900 and also pointers on how an icon to this effect can be created. I am thinking of updating the path ( wrapper shell script) to EBview icon on the Catorize menu.

On the EBView input field, I have tried all possible menu disabling combinations. Your screen shot and setup would definitely help. I am wondering how the EBView menus are appearing in japanese for him..

http://d.hatena.ne.jp/kuma-tetsu/20100126/1264461748

This ( Japanese menu) makes the Search input field a bit more visible

Re: N900 in Japan?
 

I just created a PNG with the character 広 (mostly because I have Kojien on here,) centered in it, and created the necessary .desktop file for it. Took a while for the icon to actually appear, and I did it months ago so I'm kinda rusty.

I trimmed all of those arrow buttons, and let the search box expand to fill the rest of the space. That did require editing the program's source code and recompiling. I, unfortunately, am not familiar with packaging things properly so my "install" is basically a tarball I unpacked on my device. Kimitake probably did a lot more work on EBView, he even posted his Qt port I saw at the MeeGo Day event back in September:

http://kimitakeblog.net/item/756

Which, as I remember, was much better suited to the N900's screen size. Had I known it was posted, I would probably have moved on to it earlier ;)

The menus there are probably due to setting the LANG environment variable, likely LANG=ja_JP.UTF8 or similar, you could set those in the script as well.