“I have no idea which phone plan to choose in Japan…”
Rakuten Mobile is one option for residents who use a lot of mobile data. Compare coverage where you live and work, your calling needs, and your data usage before choosing.
Why foreign workers choose Rakuten Mobile
① Watch your favorite content from home — no limits
② Stay connected with family back home — worry-free
Heavy streaming and video calls can use a lot of data. Compare plans based on your actual usage.
You will need to log in with a Rakuten ID at the application page. If you don’t have one, you can create a free Rakuten account in about 3 minutes.
🌏 Reason #1 — Japanese content is boring. Stream what you love from home.
Living in Japan means TV, news, and the internet are all in Japanese. Many foreign workers find it exhausting or just not interesting.
The solution almost every foreign worker relies on: using their smartphone to enjoy content from home.
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YouTube
Watch videos in your language all day
📺
Netflix / TikTok
Dramas and trending content from your country
🎮
Online Gaming
Connect to overseas servers with no data cap
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Music Streaming
Latest tracks from your favorite artists at home
Using these every day can easily push your data usage past 20GB–50GB per month.
Plans with a data allowance may reduce speeds after that allowance is used. Compare each plan’s allowance and reduced-speed conditions.
Key point: Rakuten Saikyo Plan costs ¥3,278/month including tax above 20GB. Domestic data has no volume cap, but speed controls may apply. Savings depend on your current plan and discounts.
📞 Reason #2 — Call and video chat with family back home. No worries.
For foreign workers in Japan, staying in touch with family and friends back home is an everyday necessity.
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LINE Video Calls
30-minute to 1-hour video calls — no data anxiety
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WhatsApp / WeChat
Group calls, photos, and video — send as much as you want
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Free Calls via Rakuten Link
Domestic calls are free when using the Rakuten Link app
✅ What to compare:
Regardless of nationality, compare data usage, local coverage, calling options, and support. Whether Rakuten Mobile suits you depends on how and where you use it.
💰 How much can you save? A cost simulation.
If you’re currently on docomo, au, or SoftBank:
On top of that, applying through the referral link gives you up to 14,000 Rakuten Points — worth ¥14,000.
Total first-year value
| Annual data cost (¥3,278 × 12 months) | ¥39,336 |
| Referral point bonus (MNP transfer) | －¥14,000 equivalent |
| Effective annual cost | approx. ¥25,336 |
*Points are distributed monthly starting 4 months after your referral login month. Conditions apply.
📋 How to apply — a guide for foreign residents
Registration is free and takes about 3 minutes. Foreign nationals are welcome to sign up.
Use the banner or button below. You must apply through this link to receive the 14,000-point bonus.
Prepare an accepted identity document for foreign nationals, such as a valid Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate. Names and addresses must match, and requirements depend on the verification method. Check the official identity verification guide.
Delivery and activation times depend on your application, identity verification, and shipping. Follow the activation instructions for your SIM card or eSIM.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply if my Japanese is not good?
Requirements depend on the verification method and may include reading the document’s IC chip. Some applicants may need to apply at a shop. See the official guide before applying.
Q. Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. You can transfer your number via MNP (Mobile Number Portability). This also qualifies you for the full 14,000-point bonus.
Q. Can I cancel anytime?
Cancellation fees may apply. For Rakuten Saikyo Plan lines applied for and activated on or after April 1, 2025, cancellation within one year may incur a fee of up to ¥1,078 including tax. Discounts and exceptions apply; check the official terms (Japanese).
Q. What happens when I visit my home country?
The official service covers 107 designated countries and regions, including eligible in-flight services (as of April 8, 2026). Up to 2GB of overseas data per month is included in the plan. Check destinations, devices, and settings in the official guide.
📝 Summary: Who Is Rakuten Mobile Best For in Japan?
Stream your favorite content from home — no limits
Domestic data has no volume cap, but speeds may be controlled or affected by network conditions.
Stay connected with family — no worries
Daily video calls, long voice calls — use as much data as you need.
¥3,278/month above 20GB — compare with your needs
Less than half the price of major carriers for the same unlimited data. Save nearly ¥50,000 a year.
Get up to 14,000 points when you apply via referral link
Your first-year effective cost drops even further.
Compare coverage, calling options, support, and total costs to choose a plan that fits your needs.
Apply through the referral link now and start saving on your phone bill every month.
Includes MNP transfer steps and point bonus conditions.
You will need to log in with a Rakuten ID at the application page. If you don’t have one, you can create a free Rakuten account in about 3 minutes.
*All prices include Japanese consumption tax. Information current as of August 2026. Please check the official Rakuten Mobile website for the latest details.
September 25, 2026: Data, cancellation, and roaming information checked against official sources. Domestic unlimited data is subject to speed-control conditions. Official plan details
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