Firstly, here’s a graph showing DAI, or digital access index. It takes into account internet penetration, as well as cost and speed and availability. Using this index seems to be fairer as it accounts for everything – and we can see Japan is listed as high index, alongside America and Sweden. Japan is, as I said, still leading the way with speed and among the top with all factors such as accessibility also considered.

I think you’re correct if you include mobile networks in the argument – Japan has only just got 3G and coverage is pathetic still; and you’re quite right in saying Japanese networks don’t cooperate well with foreign phones. However, I’m not really interested in mobile networks as they can’t realistically be used for downloading torrents. My article refers to what I like to call “real internet”

As for the legislation issue – I was actually being quite serious. I was shocked myself, but after the article gained popularity on JapanSoc (a social network site for Japan-based blogs), one user pointed out that only UPLOADING was in fact illegal. Japanese ISPs will indeed cut off users internet if they are suspected of downloadingh copyrighted content, but there will be no legal action.

At least not until next year, then the law will change.

My guide to safe torrenting still helps users prepare for that day though~ and indeed is still relevant now as most users will download a torrent and it will automatically seed itself, hence they will be breaking the law by uploading.

Hope that sorts some things out.

I understand people are quite excited about the state of Japanese internet when they move there from overseas but Dox is right. Speed isn’t everything and until their penetration is dramatically increased with their new projects they are not offering the best service in the world. Did you know also 3G network is more popular in Japan? Are you aware of how poorly cooperate services perform globally using Japanese infrastructure? That is also another reason the government is spending billions. In three years time this is all going to be very efficient.
I think you are joking about legislation too as well all know what has happened to many people using the internet for their *beliefs* Tongue in cheek I hope. You gave a guide how to avoid certain issues too

Japan has liberal bandwidth limits, if any; current legislation makes downloading copyrighted LEGAL (only uploading is illegal) – which part is limited?

Are you confusing Japan with China perhaps? Then I would be inclined to agree with you, when we are talking about a socialist government-controlled firewall.

I stand by my point; Japan has the best internet in terms of speed, accessibility, legislation… everything.

Top Countries by Download Speed

* 19.35 Mb/s Korea, Republic of
* 16.19 Mb/s Japan
* 14.73 Mb/s Aland Islands
* 12.46 Mb/s Sweden
* 12.42 Mb/s Lithuania
* 11.53 Mb/s Latvia
* 11.46 Mb/s Romania
* 10.73 Mb/s Bulgaria
* 9.76 Mb/s Netherlands
* 8.54 Mb/s Moldova, Republic of
* 8.08 Mb/s Slovakia
* 7.99 Mb/s Germany
* 7.86 Mb/s Russian Federation
* 7.66 Mb/s Switzerland
* 7.57 Mb/s Denmark

You may be particularly interested to note that Australia is quite low on the list, as is the UK and USA.