📱 Telecom & Internet
LINE
Message and call friends and family for free, and access news, shopping and games from one app used by more than 80% of Japan's population. About LINE: LINE was launched in June 2011 by NHN Japan, a subsidiary of Korean company Naver, developed in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake as a way to keep people connected when conventional phone networks were overwhelmed. It quickly became Japan's dominant messaging platform, and is now operated by LY Corporation, jointly owned by SoftBank Group and Naver, with more than 100 million monthly active users in Japan alone — covering roughly 80% of the country's total population across every age group. Key Features: Free Messaging & Calls: Send texts, stickers, photos and make voice or video calls over an internet connection at no cost between LINE users. LINE NEWS: Read curated news and current-affairs content directly within the app. LINE VOOM: Share and browse short-form video and social content, similar to a dedicated social feed built into the messaging app. Official Accounts: Follow businesses, brands and public services that use LINE Official Accounts to share updates, promotions or support directly with users. How to Get Started: Download the LINE app and register with a mobile phone number. Add friends by phone number, QR code, or by searching their LINE ID. Start a chat, make a call, or explore LINE NEWS and VOOM from the app's home screen. Follow Official Accounts for services, stores or brands you want updates from. Important Notice: LINE Pay, LINE's digital wallet feature, was discontinued in Japan on April 30, 2025 — payment functionality within the Japan app is more limited than in some of LINE's other markets, such as Taiwan and Thailand, where LINE Pay remains active.