When you’re in Tokyo and your gadgets break down, it can be difficult to get by when you don’t know any Japanese. The necessary technical terms and explanations can already be incomprehensible in English, let alone in Japanese. Moreover, repair and replacement costs can be very expensive—sometimes, you’re better off just buying a new PC or laptop, but then that can be troublesome as well. Luckily, there’s a repair service that can help you out of your pinch: LoreaTec.
If you’re looking for smartphone repair, see our guide to getting your phone fixed in Tokyo.
I found LoreaTec when looking for an English-speaking PC repair service after my laptop sustained some damage, and I found myself unable to understand Japanese tech jargon, or to afford other shops’ quote and parts replacement fees. Run by a Spanish entrepreneur, Lantz, from an apartment unit, it’s a small business that’s been up since late 2010, but keeping a small, unassuming office and not providing phone support are precisely what keep costs low.
Lantz replies promptly to inquiries, which is a reassuring sign. His office is typically open from 8:00 am-9:00 pm, but if you ever need something urgently repaired and it’s way past his business hours, he also offers a late-night service, which is why the LoreaTec website says that they’re open 24/7, and 365 days a year (you’ll still have to contact Lantz in advance to set an appointment as he might be out or fully booked, though, so that statement doesn’t sound very accurate). As for the location, although LoreaTec is based in Nishi-Kawaguchi, Saitama, it’s not far from Tokyo: it’s just about 19-20 minutes from Ikebukuro and Ueno.
Other PC Repair Services
And if you’re looking for other PC repair shops that are affordable and are likely to have English-speaking staff, Quick Garage is one reliable chain. While prices are not as low as LoreaTec’s, affordability varies based on what and how much need to be repaired. The chain is an authorized service provider of Apple, which says a lot about their legitimacy. Just take note, though, that while many branches have English-speaking employees, there are still branches that don’t, so there’s a chance that you might not be as lucky.
Moreover, as their name implies, Tokyo Foreigner Support provides English-language IT support for homes and businesses. It’s been around since 2006, and is still up and running just fine. While its costs do not come that cheap, the fact that they provide tech support in English is a huge boon to foreigners.
Also, check out JapanAid PC Rescue 99 by Planetworks KK, which has phone support and also provides delivery services. You can call them 24/7, 365 days a year, and assistance is bilingual as well. They have a pretty detailed list of their services—from software installation to spyware cleaning. You can find them at Mifune Building 406, Jinnan 1-5-14, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, near Shibuya Station, and give them a call at 03-5728-3576.
Lastly, Akihabara being a paradise for all sorts of geeks, nerds, and techies, there are sure to be a few inexpensive PC repair shops over there, although shops providing bilingual assistance may be harder to come by.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
