Most Japanese apartments come equipped with an intercom (usually locally referred to as interphone or ‘in-taa-hon’). Aside from providing security, this handy device is great for receiving guests and deliveries. A lot of apartment buildings in Japan have an ‘auto-lock’ feature, prohibiting anyone from entering the premises unless allowed by one of the tenants. So, you can let anyone through the front gate by using the intercom. This guide will help you master your Japan apartment intercom, ensuring a seamless experience.
About Your Japan Apartment Intercom
Most commonly, the Japan apartment intercoms come with a screen, allowing you to see and speak directly to the person outside. Another common type is one that has a telephone receiver attached. If this is the one you have at home, you need to pick up the receiver to speak with the person on the other end of the line.
Buttons and Other Parts of the Japan Apartment Intercom
For this guide, we will be using the intercom unit named Aihon GAM-2MK, which is what we have at home. This is a pretty simple model as far as intercoms in Japan go, so don’t be surprised if the one in your house has more buttons. Many intercoms, for example, allow you to record a video of the person ringing the bell. However, this intercom has all the basic and most common functions, so it should at least get you started in using your own device.
Front Part of the Japan Apartment Intercom
On the front part of this particular Japan apartment intercom, you can see the screen which shows the outside when somebody rings the bell. Below the screen is the speaker. Facing the intercom, it is not so obvious but to the right of the screen is actually the microphone. Now on to the buttons:
- 解錠 (Kaijou): If the accompanying key symbol is not a dead giveaway, I don’t know what is. This button, obviously, is for unlocking the front gate.
- 通話/終通 (Tsuuwa/Tsuitsuu): This button has two functions which can be accessed by pressing it alternately. The first one, 通話 (tsuuwa), is to answer the call or start speaking. 終通 (tsuitsuu), on the other hand, is to end the call.
Left Side (When Facing the Intercom)
When you open the cover on the lower left side of the intercom, there is a switch to turn the machine on or off. I have never used this one, but I can imagine someone might use this if they are going away for a long time.
Right Side (When Facing the Intercom)
On this side, you can see a dial and two switches. From top to bottom, the labels are:
- 明るさ (Akarusa): Used to control the brightness of the screen.
- 受話音量 (Juwa Onryou): From top to bottom, you can choose from high/middle/low volume for the doorbell.
- 呼出音量 (Yobidashi Onryou): From top to bottom, you can choose from high/middle/low volume for your voice (as heard by the person outside).
How to Use Your Japan Apartment Intercom
When somebody rings the doorbell, a tune will play on your Japan apartment intercom.
- Answering the Call: To answer the person (tell them to come in, ask what it’s about, etc.), press the 通話/終通 (Tsuuwa/Tsuitsuu) button and then speak.
- Ending the Call: When you’re done speaking, press the 通話/終通 (Tsuuwa/Tsuitsuu) button again to make sure that your voice is no longer heard outside.
- Opening the Gate: To open the building gate, press 解錠 (Kaijou).
Note that once the person gets in front of your door, they can press the doorbell again, and a tune will play on your intercom. This time, there is no need to press anything.
Benefits of Using a Japan Apartment Intercom
Enhanced Security
One of the primary benefits of using a Japan apartment intercom is the enhanced security it provides. The ability to see and communicate with visitors before granting them access to the building helps prevent unauthorized entry and ensures that you know who is at your door.
Convenience for Guests and Deliveries
A Japan apartment intercom is also extremely convenient for managing guests and deliveries. Whether it’s friends coming over or a delivery person bringing a package, you can easily grant them access without having to physically go to the front gate.
Modern Features
Many Japan apartment intercoms come with modern features such as video recording, which allows you to keep a record of visitors. This can be especially useful for security purposes or when you need to verify who has visited your home.
Troubleshooting Your Japan Apartment Intercom
If you encounter issues with your Japan apartment intercom, here are a few common troubleshooting tips:
- No Sound: Check the volume settings on the right side of the intercom. Ensure that the volume for both the doorbell and your voice is set to an appropriate level.
- Screen Issues: Adjust the brightness dial on the right side of the intercom if the screen is too dark or too bright.
- Intercom Not Working: Make sure the intercom is turned on by checking the switch on the lower left side.
If problems persist, it might be a good idea to consult your building management or contact a professional technician for assistance.
Enhancing Your Living Experience
Using a Japan apartment intercom effectively is not just about getting the basics right; it’s about enhancing your overall living experience. By understanding the various features and functionalities, you can ensure that your home is both secure and convenient.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, mastering the use of a Japan apartment intercom can make a significant difference in your daily life. Enjoy the convenience and security that comes with this advanced technology, and make the most of your time in Japan.
Oh, and if you want to maximize the use of all the appliances in your Japanese home, be sure to check out my other guides on using Japan’s ceiling lights, washing machines, and more!
