Introduction[]
Many people want to know if it is required to have a Japanese number. Some international carriers offer plans which claim to support international data roaming and calls. While others wonder if Skype numbers will suffice.
FYI: It IS required that you have a Japanese phone number and is HIGHLY recommended that you have a Japanese service plan. In the end, having a Japanese plan will be easier and potentially cheaper.
Whether you decide to bring your own unlocked phone or buy a new one here in Japan, it's a good idea to be aware of the available options so that you can make an informed decision.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)[]
MVNOs are operators who buy network capacity from existing networks, such as DoCoMo and Softbank, and resell it.If you have an unlocked smart phone, getting a sim card from an MNVO is a great option. They give great, flexible deals compared to traditional networks and offer data rollovers. If you use more than your allotted data, your data will only be throttled. Data plans range from 3gbs up to 50gbs of data and are paid on a monthly basis. Typically, you will need a credit, pre-paid or debit card to purchase an MNVO sim card and service. Depending on the MNVO, you may be able to bundle internet services for your home with your phone contract (If there is any contract at all).
Types of SIM Cards Available:
- Data Only
- Data + SMS
- Data + Voice (Recommended)
- Pocket WiFi
JET Affiliated/ Promoted MNVO's
The following are MNVO's which offer special plans or discounts to JET participants. These MNVO companies may be present at the CLAIR JET orientation and information on their services may be sent directly to you via mail and email by the Tokyo Help Desk. Signing up for these services is simple and easy, and can ensure that you have a working Japanese number prior to arrival in Japan or within your first couple days in Japan while at the CLAIR Orientation.
- Sakura Mobile - Long term Voice, Text, Data and Pocket WiFi plans
- Mobal Japan SIM - Long term Voice, Text and Data plans
- Link Mobile - Voice, Text, Data and WiFi plans Available
Be sure to check your phone's compatibility. In general, get your phone unlocked before coming to Japan or buy a 'SIM-Free' phone online which can be used anywhere in the world. Refer to this guide for further information.
Recent changes have made it significantly easier to sign on with any of these services to ensure you have a Japanese phone number before arrival, and then transfer that same number to a cheaper alternative onshore for a nominal fee. With this process, it is highly recommended to acquire a SIM from Sakura, Mobal or a similar service before arriving to have the security and simplicity of a phone number from the moment you land.
Traditional Phone Service Networks[]
The process of getting a permanent Japanese phone number, if you choose to do so, can be one of the most difficult tasks you will face when moving to Japan. If you are not so good at Japanese, it is highly recommended that you bring your supervisor with you, or someone who can interpret for you when you are ready to get a new phone number. Current JET volunteers and Local Area Coordinators will also be available around arrival time to help you. It may be a good idea to get an MNVO to tide you over until you can set up service with a traditional Japanese network provider.
Before obtaining a permanent phone number, you will need a few things first:
- Your registered Zairyu (resident) Card with your updated address on the back
- Your passport
- A Japanese bank account
- A credit card in YOUR name
DoCoMo, Softbank, AU
These companies are the three largest cell phone providers in Japan. You can visit either their local branches or Yodobashi Camera to discuss options. They tend to be the most expensive options but their companies will have English support available and they offer internet services that can be bundled with your cell phone bill.
Transferring Contracts
Some departing JETs may have contracts with DoCoMo, Softbank, or au that they can transfer to you. You will both have to visit the phone shop together in order to sign over the contract, so this must be done before the first JET departs and after the next JET arrives in Japan. Contact your predecessor well in advance to determine whether this is a possibility.
Common Issues
While this situation does not happen to everyone, you may be turned down from buying a sim card, or opening up an account with a traditional phone provider because you do not own a credit card. Most companies do not accept debit cards and require a credit card. Some companies do not accept credit cards from other countries, though this situation is becoming less common.
If you are trying to open an account with one of the three major phone providers (DoCoMo, Softbank, au) and you are denied for not having a credit card, try going to another branch location of the same phone provider, or go to a different phone provider and try again. It is best to open up a phone plan with someone who can interpret Japanese phone contracts for you if you are not able to do so yourself.
Compatibility of Your Phone
Some traditional network providers now allow you to purchase services or SIM Cards to use in unlocked/ SIM Free phones. You can use http://willmyphonework.net/ or https://www.frequencycheck.com to check if your phone is compatible with a certain network
If you are struggling, find a friend you trust with proficient Japanese and shout them lunch in exchange for sitting in the basement of a Bic or Yodabashi Camera with you until they find a solution. There are usually sales representatives for all the major carriers there, and they will figure out a way to get your money. Just have a good idea of what you want so you don't get sold on a bad deal out of desperation.
Popular Plans with Current JETs[]
There are a few plans that are particularly popular with JETs and among our Japanese colleagues. Of course, do your own market research before committing, but these are some starting points.
Rakuten Mobile's SAIKYO Plan[]
Rakuten Mobile's SAIKYO plan is generally considered to be the best mobile plan on the market. The plan has no data cap, and your monthly fee scales with your usage that month. If you use less the 3GB, you'll pay ¥1098, then ¥2178 for up to 20GB, and then ¥3278 if you exceed 20GB, with no limits or restrictions on data usage (in comparison to most plans, which will reduce your connection speeds once you exceed your data cap). You'll also get unlimited domestic phone calls through the Rakuten Link app where it is useable, so no big fee ramp-ups if you get caught on hold on a customer service line. It also comes with 2GB of international roaming data baked in, which is handy for quick trips to nearby countries like Korea or Taiwan. This also connects you to the Rakuten Point ecosystem, which is a relatively painless way to get maximum value out of your money, since Rakuten is also a fairly accessible credit card issuer for foreign residents and some chain stores, like Alps supermarkets, also use Rakuten rather than maintain their own proprietary points program. They also have pretty respectable English support options, so it's hard to go past.
Summary:
Cost: No more than ¥3278 per month depending on data usage.
Data: Unlimited
Calls: Domestic calls free when using Rakuten Link.
ahamo (by DoCoMo)[]
ahamo is an MNVO provider using the DoCoMo network. English support is limited, but it's otherwise basically equivalent to Rakuten SAIKYO. There are two options - either 30GB a month for ¥2970, or 110GB for ¥4950. Additional data can be purchased at ¥550/GB. You will continue to get service past your limit, but speeds will be drastically reduced. Calls are free up to 5 minutes in length, but charged at ¥22 per 30 seconds past that point. You can pay an additional ¥1100 to lock in completely free calls. International roaming is also stress-free - you can just use your regular data like you were in Japan, provided you are in a country that ahamo services. This includes basically all common overseas tourism destinations for those based in Japan, and the majority of JET's home countries (coverage in the Caribbean seems unclear). Similar to the Rakuten Point system, ahamo gets you onto the comparable d-point system - major chains where you can accumulate d-points include animate, FamilyMart convenience stores and LIFE supermarkets.
Summary:
Cost: ¥2970 (or ¥4950)
Data: 30GB (or 110GB)
Calls: Free up to 5 minutes, and ¥22 per 30 seconds past that point.
BIC SIM's Giga Plan (on iijmo)[]
BIC SIM's Giga Plan is a dirt cheap MNVO phone plan that's extremely flexible, allowing you to dial in your needs very precisely and stay within budget. They offer from 2 to 55GB a month, ranging from ¥850 to ¥3900 in price. Calls, however, have no free minute caps and are charged at ¥11/30 seconds, unless you pay an extra chunk - ¥500 a month gets you 5 minutes per call free, ¥700 gets you 10 minutes per call, and for ¥1400 you just get 100% free phone calls. Roaming options are unclear, so travel at your own risk. FOR 2025 ENTRANTS: BIC SIM has a summer campaign until the end of August, where their prices are substantially reduced for the first 3 months for new members, and the free calling options can be added for free for the same period. If you're concerned about keeping your budget in check, BIC SIM is an excellent option even in the short-term, and you can easily transfer to another carrier in the new year once your campaign price expires.
Summary:
Cost: ¥850 to ¥3900
Data: 2-55GB
Calls: ¥11/30 seconds, unless you pay extra for flat rate calling options.
Advantages of Mainline Operators vs. MNVOs[]
Some pros of mainline operators:
- Discounted or unlimited calling plans. Free calls to users on the same operator
- Priority on the network when there is congestion
- docomo/au/SoftBank login IDs for age verification (LINE) or payment
- International roaming support
- Minor discounts are available while bundling with landline or student plans but these are usually well exceeded by MVNO savings
Some pros of MVNOs"
- Inexpensive monthly contract and ability to use unlocked or SIM Free phones
- Payment via: Domestic or foreign debit/credit card or Convenience stores
- Mobile WiFi routers
- Rollover data
- English Support
DISCLAIMER
This wiki is not affiliated with the JET Program or any contracting organization. None of the information herein should be considered as official government/ CLAIR/ CO/ JET Programme recommendations or endorsements in any way.
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