You just realized that you need to print out a document, but you don’t have a printer at home! Why print documents when you can either use digital copies or can print that one-off document in the office, right?
If that sounds like you, you are definitely not alone!
And whether it is because you don’t really fancy having to make space for a printer, or whether it’s because you just never got round to buying one, there are solutions!
Convenience Stores
Japanese Convenience Stores are very much adored by foreign residents and tourists alike. The locals know they are convenient, but I have a sneaky feeling that they don’t really think twice about how amazing they actually are.
I think it’s like living in a place where you can see mountains in the distance all around you all the time, but not really noticing how beautiful it is until you come back from a trip abroad.
But we’re talking about wanting to print documents, and how exactly do convenience stores make this possible?
Multi-use machines
The answer is Multi-use machines. Most, if not all convenience stores in Japan have one, and they look like typical office printers.
You can purchase and print out tickets, send faxes, make copies, print documents and so much more.
Pro Tip
Make sure you save your document as a PDF file as these machine may not accept word or excel format documents.
Lawson
There are 3 main options available.
- Printing from a USB stick
- Uploading onto the Network then printing from there
- Using the PrintSmash phone app
Family Mart
English Menu with the same options
- USB stick
- Uploading to a Network
- PrintSmash phone app
7-Eleven
7-Eleven basically has the same options as the ones mentioned above, but the Network that you need to upload the document(s) to is different.
Bulk Printing Documents
For the most part, these Convenience Store options are enough for any one-off, or urgent print jobs.
But say you need to print multiple copies, or need higher quality print outs. Or maybe you need to print out booklets, leaflets or even personal business cards.
Or maybe you simply need better quality paper and sharper prints.
Using online printing services is the way to go!
Note: These website are usually only in Japanese so something like Google Translate might be helpful if you don’t have anyone that can translate for you.
Search for printing services with these search terms:
- 印刷会社 (printing company)
- ネット印刷 (net printing)
The print outs will get sent directly to the address you specify so it doesn’t really matter where they are based.
Printing photos
And in case you need to print photos or calendars with photos, you can use any of the options mentioned above. But if you prefer having someone to assist you navigate the Japanese menus, there are also brick and mortar printing shops.
Try searching using these terms to find printing shops.
- 写真プリント 店舗 (Printing photos shop)
- 写真プリント ネット (Printing photos net)
- 写真プリント + area name (Printing photos)
Happy printing!
Star
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