An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean

Caring for your Japanese air conditioner, keep it working properly in the humid summer and freezing winter. 

We created this guide to help you out. 

Does Japan have air conditioning?

Wall-mounted air conditioners are common in Japan

Yes, Japan does have air conditioning.

While central heating and air conditioning are common in some Japanese buildings, wall-unit air conditioners are more common.

Japanese air conditioner installation

When searching for an apartment, an akiya house, or any other property in Japan, some might not have a pre-installed Japanese air conditioner. 

In this case, you would have to purchase and install your own units. You can purchase AC units at department stores, which will give you discounts and points incentives if you buy two or more at once with installation.

Pay attention to the room size where the air conditioner unit will be placed. The larger the AC unit, the more effective it will be at cooling and heating the space.

If you just bought a property in Japan and need help setting up your utilities, wifi, and AC installation, let MailMate handle the work for you. 

MailMate's services prepare your property for your move by letting us contact your utility company to turn on the water, gas, and electricity. You can also request other services via the A La Carte services, which include AC installation and internet set-up.

Additionally, if you are not a resident of Japan, appoint MailMate as a tax agent to handle your property and real estate acquisition taxes. You can view these tax notices and other important city documents with MailMate's virtual mailbox, which allows you to view these papers from anywhere in the world.

Japanese air conditioner remote control guide

The air conditioner remote is your friend when living in Japan in the summer and winter.

Translated エアコン remote buttons. Image from Japan Mobility

Once you know what each button means, using the Japanese air conditioner remote is just like using any other remote controller for the AC unit. 

Here is a translated guide:

How to clean your air conditioner in Japan

If you've been using your air conditioner in Japan for a while now, it might be time for a cleaning.

While you call a professional, cleaning the AC yourself is relatively easy.

Step 1: Buy an AC cleaner spray

You can search for エアコン洗浄スプレー online or at drugstores in Japan. For unscented smells, look for this kanji: 無香性

Step 2: Unplug your AC

For safety reasons, turn off and unplug your AC from its socket. 

Step 3: Open your AC unit 

Most AC units can be easily accessed without tools. Pull the tabs at the end up, and the whole cover will open.

Step 4 Remove and clean the filter

Depending on the size of your AC, you will have one or two dust filters. Remove those by pulling up and slightly toggling them so they become loose. 

Once removed, clean the filters. You can do so by washing and drying them in your bath unit. 

Step 5: Apply the cleaner

Follow the instructions on the AC unit cleaner.

Generally, you will hold the spray about 5 cm away from the air conditioner and spray liberally. 

Wait 10 minutes, and then you are good to go.

Step 6: Reassemble the AC

Place your air filters back inside your AC unit, plug it back in, and congratulations! You've cleaned your Japanese AC unit.

While you can clean it once yearly, you can clean your AC filters before the summer heat and the winter cold to ensure it works efficiently. 

Frequently asked questions

Which air conditioner is made in Japan?

Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Hitachi are Japanese air conditioner manufacturers made in Japan.

How does AC work in Japan?

Typically, Japanese air conditioners are mounted on the wall near the ceiling, where you can select the angle and strength of the air being blown out.

What is the Japanese name for air conditioning?

In Japanese, "air conditioner" is called エアコン aircon, and the word derives from the English term and is composed of its first two syllables.

In closing 

Maintaining your Japanese air conditioner in good working condition allows you to have cold air in humid summers and warm air in cold winters.