Utility Management

MailMate can assist with setting up and managing utilities for your Japan property — including electricity, gas, water, and internet. For owners based overseas, we handle the Japanese-language paperwork, coordinate with providers, receive bills on your behalf, and manage ongoing bill payments through our app.

Gas

Overview

Gas in Japan is used primarily for heating water and cooking. Supply is typically provided by a local town gas company or, in some areas, LP gas (propane tanks). MailMate can coordinate the initial gas account setup on your behalf, act as the registered local point of contact, and take care of ongoing billing — so your gas account stays active and paid without you needing to manage it from overseas.

Gas Water Heater

Most Japanese properties use a gas-powered water heater (給湯器 kyūtōki). The system includes a controller panel — usually mounted on a wall near the kitchen or bathroom — that must be switched on before hot water is available. If hot water is not working at your property, check that this panel is powered on and set to an appropriate temperature.

Gas Stove

Gas stoves (ガスコンロ) in Japan use electronic ignition, which requires batteries to operate. A common requirement is LR14(H) (C-size, 1.5V) batteries.

If the stove does not ignite after a battery change, check the gas shutoff valve located underneath the stove unit — it needs to be turned to the open (on) position after replacing batteries. This valve is sometimes a small lever or handle and is easy to overlook.

MailMate can source and replace batteries and confirm gas appliances are in working order during property visits.

MailMate's Role

During property visits, MailMate checks that gas is running and that appliances such as the water heater and stove are functioning. We can confirm the gas supply is live and document any issues found. On the billing side, MailMate receives your gas bills and processes payment on your behalf — you don't need to monitor statements or arrange transfers yourself.

Water

Overview

Water supply in Japan is managed by the local municipal waterworks bureau (水道局 suidō-kyoku). Accounts must be held in the name of a local contact or registered property manager. MailMate can serve as the local point of contact for your water account, handling setup, transfers, bill receipt, and ongoing payments — all managed in Japanese.

What We Check During Property Visits

During visits, MailMate confirms that the water supply is running and that both hot and cold water are functioning normally. We check for any visible leaks or supply issues and report findings back to you.

MailMate's Role

MailMate registers as the local liaison with your water utility and handles all Japanese-language correspondence with the provider. We receive your water bills and pay them on your behalf on an ongoing basis, ensuring there are no interruptions to service — without any action required from you.

Electricity

Overview

Electricity in Japan is supplied by regional providers (e.g., TEPCO in Tokyo, Kansai Electric in Osaka/Kyoto, Chubu Electric in Nagoya). Opening a new account or transferring an existing one requires a Japanese-language application. MailMate handles this on your behalf, including coordinating the account setup and managing ongoing billing.

What We Check During Property Visits

During visits, MailMate confirms that electricity is running and all circuits are functioning normally. Any issues found are documented and reported to you.

MailMate's Role

MailMate acts as the registered local contact for your electricity account, submits applications, and liaises with the provider as needed. We also receive your electricity bills and pay them on your behalf each month — keeping your property powered and your account in good standing without requiring any action on your end.

Utility Setup & Ongoing Management

For overseas property owners who need help getting all utilities connected and managed from the start, MailMate offers a dedicated utility setup service. This covers the initial registration of electricity, gas, water, and other utilities — including all Japanese-language paperwork, provider coordination, and setup of ongoing bill payments.

Once set up, MailMate can remain the registered point of contact for each utility and handle bill receipt and payment on a continuing basis. This means your utility bills are paid on time, every time — with no need for you to track statements, manage due dates, or navigate Japanese-language invoices.

Utility setup is available as a one-time service or as an ongoing local liaison arrangement. Ask us about our utility setup service and what is available for your property.

Internet Support

For second home owners and property managers in Japan, getting reliable internet set up for your property can be complex — especially from overseas. MailMate can help coordinate internet service arrangements on your behalf, making it easy to ensure your property is connected and your tenants are taken care of.

Whether you manage a single vacation home or a portfolio of properties, we handle the legwork so you don't have to.

Ask us about our Internet Support service.

Setting Up Internet Service

Internet in Japan is typically provided via fibre optic lines. The process involves:

Applying for the service — We submit the application to the internet provider on your behalf, including the property address and account holder details.
Choosing a speed tier — Standard options include 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps. Availability depends on your building and line type. We confirm what is available at your property before applying.
Installation day — A technician visits to connect the fibre line (ONU — Optical Network Unit) to your property. You do not need to be present; MailMate can coordinate access and attend on your behalf.
Router setup — Once the line is active, your router needs to be configured to connect to the internet. See the section below for Buffalo router configuration steps.
Ongoing support — We can assist if you experience any connectivity issues after installation.

If you purchase your own router (e.g., a Buffalo router), it will need to be manually configured with your ISP credentials before the internet will work — even after the line has been successfully connected. See the configuration steps below.

Configuring a Buffalo Router with the internet provider

If your router is not connecting to the internet despite the line being active, it likely needs to be configured for PPPoE. Here are the steps for a Buffalo router:

Open a browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1 or http://router.buffalo.jp
Enter admin for both the username and password
Go to 詳細設定 (Advanced Settings) > Internet > PPPoEクライアント機能を使用 > 設定
Select PPPoE > 接続先の編集 (Edit connection point)
Enter the following:
- 接続先名称 (Connection name): any name you choose
- 接続先ユーザー名 (Username): your Biglobe username (format: xxxxxxxx@biglobe.ne.jp — provided in your Biglobe welcome documents)
- 接続先パスワード (Password): your Biglobe password
- サービス名 (Service name): leave blank
Click 新規追加 (Add new) then 前の画面へ戻る (Back)

After saving, the router should connect within a minute or two. You can verify by checking if a website loads. If you are unsure of your Biglobe credentials, they are included in the member documents sent by Biglobe after your account is activated (Member ID and password).

Temporary WiFi

If internet setup is delayed or if there is a configuration issue after installation, we can leave a pocket WiFi device at your property as a temporary solution. This ensures you have connectivity when you arrive, even if the main line or router setup is still being resolved.

Documentation is updated from time to time — please confirm with MailMate personnel in all cases. Documentation may be out of date, lack details, or have mistakes.