Introduction to Mobile Service in Japan

Jan 24, 2022

Introduction to Mobile Service in Japan

In recent years, the number of companies offering mobile phone service in Japan has increased substantially, along with the variety of plans available. While not a comprehensive list by any means, the information listed below should serve as a good introduction.

The Big Three

Docomo, SoftBank, and au are the three largest providers in Japan and the original incumbent carriers from the days of analog service 30 years ago. They have very similar plans and costs. Also eSIM is available.

Provider	Softbank	NTT Docomo	au
Monthly Cost	Unlimited Data: ¥6,580 + tax Up to 1GB: ¥2,980 + tax 1GB-2GB: ¥3,980 + tax 2GB-3GB: ¥4,980 + tax	Unlimited Data: ¥6,650 + tax Up to 1GB: ¥1,980+ tax 1GB-7GB: ¥3,150-¥6,150+ tax	Unlimited Data: ¥6,580 + tax Up to 1GB: ¥3,150+ tax 1GB-4GB: ¥4,650+ tax 4GB-7GB: ¥6,150+ tax
Notes	Softbank tends to have the best English support. English Customer Service: 0800-919-0157 (Toll Free), Press 8 for English support	Docomo has good family plans for those requiring 3+ devices. English Customer Service: 0120-005-250 (Toll Free)	English Customer Service: 0120-959-472 (Toll Free)

• Each provider offers an unlimited data option for about ¥6580-6650 +tax per month, allowing for unlimited data surfing and other app usage. Voice calls cost ¥22 / 30 seconds, however an unlimited talk plan is available for an extra fee. Many people use a VoIP service such as LINE or WhatsApp to avoid calling charges, as these use data instead.
• Data cap is for high-speed data. If you go over the cap, in general your speed is just reduced to 128kbps until the next monthly cycle. In most cases you can visit your carrier’s web portal, app or store and purchase additional data buckets a-la-carte (I receive a text message reminding me of this fact on Docomo.) Some companies have the option to automatically charge for additional high-speed data, so please check the company policy of your provider when you make a contract.
• Monthly cost will change depending on the device chosen, the data plan chosen, and the talking plan chosen. Every effort has been taken for accuracy; however, please contact the companies directly for confirmed/updated costs.
• SIM Unlocking of your carrier-subsidized device is available after 100 days has passed on your contract for a fee of ¥3000 +tax or free if done through your carrier’s web portal.

Y!mobile, UQ Mobile

Y!mobile is what Softbank decided to rebrand E-Mobile after their acquisition back in 2014. UQ Mobile is a sister company to AU since it’s a part of KDDI Communications. Both are predominately lower cost brands with a few brick-and-mortar stores offering lower prices than the Big Three. That being said, the way they keep costs low is by limiting support to online-only (very little of which is in English as of this writing), a smaller selection of devices (although there is BYOD available). One big advantage is the ability to still bundle fiber optic broadband with their wireless options, so if you also are needing internet at home, you may want to check their latest campaigns.

• For SIM-only contracts, please check to make sure your device is unlocked and supported by Y!mobile in advance.

Low Cost SIM-only Options

In 2014, Japan established a mobile virtual network operator or MVNO market, to encourage competition. Since then, there is no dearth of kyakuyasu 格安 low cost MVNO providers that have stepped in and provide service to all budgets, needs and tastes. These companies also offer data only SIMs as well, and in this day of being able to use VoIP services like FaceTime, LINE Call, Skype, and more, you really should consider doing away with buckets of minutes in favor of having higher data allocations for your communications needs. The details below relate to SIM offerings which include a calling function, but only on an as-needed basis.

Advantages

• Low monthly service cost
• Ability to use a phone from overseas provided it is unlocked and supported

Disadvantages

• Somewhat lower speeds than the Big Three
• Lack of English support
• Lack of brick-and-mortar stores for service

Provider	Monthly Cost	Options	Notes
IIJmio	Data Only 2GB: ¥748 Data 2GB & SMS: ¥825 Data 2GB & SMS & Calling: ¥858	Unlimited domestic calls up to 5 mins for ¥500/mo or 10 mins for ¥700/mo using a special app in Japanese or entering 0037-691 in front of every number you dial. Family Sharing is available by simply adding up to 4 add’l SIM cards to the plan. eSIM: Available	IIJmio SIMs can be purchased and contracted at select Bic Camera, Yamada Denki and Yodobashi Camera stores and Aeon Shopping malls. Can be recharged using cash by buying cards at most convenience stores.
OCN	Data Only 3GB: ¥858 Data 3GB & SMS: ¥990 Data & SMS & Calling: ¥990	Family Sharing is available by simply adding up to 4 add’l SIM cards. SIMs can be added to use the same data for ¥400 – 520 +tax per additional SIM. eSIM: Not available English Customer Service: 0120-506-506 (press 8 once you hear the guidance voice)	SIMs can be purchased and contracted at select Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki and BIC Camera stores.
Biglobe	Data Only 3GB: ¥990 Data 3GB & SMS: ¥1,122 Data 3GB & SMS & Calling: ¥1,320	Entertainment Free Plan: Includes unlimited media app use. Family Sharing is available. SIMs can be added to use the same data for ¥200 – 900 +tax per additional SIM.	Unused data rolls over into the next month on larger data plans. Additional SIM cards to share plan features are ¥200~¥900 and very easy to add on.
LINEMO	Both plans include Data  & SMS & Voice 3GB: ¥990 20GB: ¥2,728	5 minute free calls: All calls made under 5 minutes are not charged for the 1st year. eSIM: Available	With LINEMO, talk, voice and video calls made through the LINE App no data usage applies. Even if all you data has been used (or data speeds have been slowed) the speed of the LINE app will not be affected. Can earn and use LINE points to pay for many other services; Can use LINE Cash and Pay to pay service.
Rakuten Mobile	Each plan includes Data  & SMS & Voice Unlimited Data: ¥3,278 Up to 3GB: ¥1,078 3GB-20GB: ¥2,178	10 minute free calls is available for ¥1,100. Unlimited International Call to 66 countries is available for ¥980. eSIM: Available	SIMs can be purchased and contracted at Rakuten Mobile shops. Can earn and use Rakuten points to pay for many other services; Can use the points to use for Pay to pay service.

• Data cap is for high-speed data. If you go over the cap, in general your speed is just reduced to 200kbps until the next monthly cycle.
• Every effort has been taken for accuracy; however, please contact the companies directly for confirmed/updated costs.
• For SIM-only contracts, please check to make sure your device is unlocked and supported by the provider in advance.

Things to bring when making a mobile phone service contract:

• Residence Card (the visa term generally must be longer than the contract term to pass screening)
• Passport
• Credit Card (Japanese bank cash cards can sometimes be presented instead, but often stores will ask for a credit card to register with the account – normally the method of payment can be changed to bank withdrawal later on)
• Mobile Device, if using an existing device which is SIM-free/unlocked and supported by the Japanese carrier

Relo Japan does not endorse any companies/services listed. Please check terms with each company for accuracy.