Getting a Japanese Phone Number The Easy Way

By Yocia Oke | September 8, 2023

When you find yourself in Japan, having a local phone number is more than just a convenience; it's a necessity. Whether you're a resident, a tourist, or an expatriate, having a Japanese phone number ensures you can stay connected, access essential services, and navigate the country with ease.

Almost everything in Japan requires a phone number, such as renting an apartment, applying for a job, enrolling in schools, applying for memberships, and many more. In this guide, we have curated the options available to get yours quickly and easily as the process of obtaining a Japanese phone number could be a bit of a hassle if you are new to Japan and don't know where to look for it.

Reasons Why You Should Get a Japanese Phone Number If You Are Staying in Japan Long-Term

For long-term residents in Japan, obtaining a Japanese phone number is not merely a matter of convenience; it's a vital lifeline that significantly impacts daily life and integration into the local society. Here, we'll delve into why having a Japanese phone number is of paramount importance for those committed to a prolonged stay in Japan.

Seamless Communication: A Japanese phone number ensures seamless communication with local contacts, colleagues, and friends. It allows you to make and receive calls, send text messages, and access instant messaging apps that are widely used for both personal and professional interactions in Japan. Whether you're coordinating work projects, meeting up with friends, or seeking assistance in emergencies, a local number is indispensable.
Access to Essential Services: Many essential services in Japan, such as setting up a bank account, registering for utilities, or securing a rental property, often require a Japanese phone number as part of the application process. Without one, navigating these bureaucratic procedures can become arduous and time-consuming.
Cultural Integration: Having a local phone number is an integral part of cultural integration. It allows you to participate in local events, join social groups, and stay informed about community activities. It's a way to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a part of the Japanese society, fostering deeper connections with residents and expatriates alike.
Safety and Emergencies: In case of emergencies, having a Japanese phone number can be a literal lifesaver. You can swiftly contact emergency services, communicate with healthcare providers, and receive critical alerts and notifications from local authorities.
Convenience in Daily Life: From ordering food delivery to reserving transportation tickets, a Japanese phone number simplifies everyday tasks. Local businesses often prefer to communicate with customers through Japanese phone numbers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for residents.

A Japanese phone number is not just a communication tool; it's a gateway to full participation in Japanese life and society. Whether you're here for work, education, or personal exploration, obtaining a local number is a strategic decision that will enrich your experience, enhance your connections, and help you fully embrace the vibrant culture and opportunities that Japan has to offer.

What Are The Most Convenient Available Options?

When it comes to acquiring a Japanese phone number for long-term residency, several options cater to different needs and preferences. Here's an overview of the primary avenues you can explore.

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)

MVNOs are alternative carriers that offer more flexible and often cost-effective options. These providers lease network infrastructure from major carriers but offer unique plans and pricing structures. MVNOs are known for shorter contract commitments and the ability to customize plans according to your usage. They are an excellent choice for those seeking budget-friendly and adaptable solutions.

- Pros
  1. Cost-Effective: MVNOs are often more budget-friendly, as they offer competitive pricing and various prepaid or pay-as-you-go options. This can be particularly advantageous for cost-conscious long-term residents.
  2. Shorter Contract Commitments: MVNOs typically have shorter contract terms, offering flexibility for those who may not want a long-term commitment.
  3. Customization: MVNOs allow you to choose plans that suit your specific usage patterns, whether it's more data, fewer voice minutes, or international calling options.
  4. Variety of Options: There is a wide variety of MVNOs to choose from, each with its unique plans and features, allowing you to find the one that best meets your needs.
  5. No Subsidized Phones: While this can be a drawback for some, it means you won't be tied to a particular smartphone model and can switch devices more freely.
- Cons
  1. Network Quality: MVNOs lease network infrastructure from major carriers, so the network quality may not be as reliable in certain areas, especially in remote or rural locations.
  2. Limited Customer Support: MVNOs may offer more limited customer support services, including language support, compared to major carriers.
  3. Additional Fees: Some MVNOs may charge extra fees for certain services, such as international calling or SIM card activation.
  4. Device Compatibility: Not all MVNOs support all types of devices, so compatibility can be an issue if you have a non-standard phone.

Long-Term Mobile Contracts by The Big 3 Companies

Long-term mobile contracts with major carriers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI AU are a popular choice for those planning an extended stay in Japan. These contracts typically come with a local phone number, a smartphone, and a variety of calling and data plans. They offer stability and reliability, making them a top choice for expatriates and residents who want a consistent connection. However, they have their own drawbacks and these mobile phone contract prices have been a topic of concern in Japan for quite some time.

Due to these concerns, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised to reduce mobile contract fees, which then led to revisions in the Telecommunications Business Act. These changes aimed to eliminate restrictive contracts and promote price competition among mobile carriers especially with the MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).

This resulted in the big three carriers—SoftBank, Docomo, and Au—introducing more affordable price plans called Linemo, Ahamo, and Povo. These plans were introduced in response to growing demands for more affordable mobile services in Japan.

In this article, we'll explore the details of these plans, the monthly fee, English support availability, and the data plans they offer.

One notable aspect of these budget plans is that they are exclusively available online due to their low-cost nature. Since these carriers do not provide in-store assistance, the customers need to navigate the sign-up process independently online. We'll discuss the process a little later in this article.

BUDGET PLANS

Pros
1. Affordability: Budget plans are designed to be cost-effective, offering competitive pricing for voice, data, and messaging services. This makes them attractive for cost-conscious consumers, including long-term residents on a tight budget.
2. Flexible Contract Terms: Many budget plans come with shorter contract commitments or even the option to go contract-free. This provides flexibility for customers who may not want to commit to long-term contracts.
3. Customization: Budget plans often allow for customization, enabling customers to choose specific services and data allowances that align with their usage patterns. This flexibility can help you tailor your plan to your needs.
4. Online Sign-Up: While this may be a drawback for some, online sign-up is convenient for tech-savvy users who prefer to manage their accounts digitally.
5. Same Network Quality: Budget plans typically utilize the same network infrastructure as their parent carriers, ensuring reliable network coverage across Japan, including rural areas.
Cons
1. Limited Phone Subsidies: Budget plans may have limited or no smartphone subsidies, meaning you'll have to purchase a new device separately at the full retail price.
2. Potential Overage Charges: Some budget plans come with lower data allowances, and exceeding those limits can result in overage charges, potentially erasing the cost savings.
3. App Compatibility: Existing mobile apps, such as My Au, may not support these budget plans, requiring users to download and adapt to a new app.
4. Customer Support: While some budget brands offer customer support on par with their parent companies, others may have more limited customer service options, including language support.

NON-BUDGET PLANS (CONVENTIONAL)

Pros
1. Comprehensive Services: Long-term contracts include a range of services such as voice calls, messaging, and data plans. They are often comprehensive and can be customized to suit your needs.
2. Phone Subsidies: Many long-term contracts include subsidized smartphones, reducing the upfront cost of acquiring a new device.
3. Customer Support: Major carriers typically provide robust customer support services in multiple languages, which can be beneficial for expatriates.
Cons
1. Minimum Contract Period: Long-term contracts often require a commitment of one to two years, making them less flexible for those who may want to change plans or carriers sooner.
2. Higher Costs: Compared to budget plans, long-term contracts tend to be more expensive, as the cost of subsidizing a smartphone is typically included in the monthly fees.
3. Rigid Plans: While some customization is possible, long-term contract plans can be less flexible compared to budget plans, which allow for more tailored, pay-as-you-go options.
4. In-Store Sign-Up: Due to the nature of long-term contracts, customers may need to visit a carrier's physical store for sign-up and assistance, which can be less convenient for some.

Mobile Service Provider	Type	English Support	Monthly Fee	Data	Network
Sakura Mobile	MVNO	Available	4,378 JPY	25GB	Docomo 4G/LTE
IIJmio	MVNO	Available	2,000 JPY	20GB	Docomo 4G/LTE
Mobal	MVNO	Available	1,650 ~ 4,378 JPY	1GB ~ 30GB	Softbank 4G/LTE
GTN	MVNO	Available	1,200 ~ 6,200 JPY	3GB ~ 50GB	Y! Mobile
YOLO Mobile	MVNO	Available	1,628 ~ 4,378 JPY	3GB ~ 25GB	LTE
LINEMO	Long-term budget plan by Softbank	Japanese Only	900 ~ 2,480 JPY	3GB ~ 20GB	LINEMO (Softbank)
AHAMO	Long-term budget plan by Docomo	Japanese Only	2,970 ~ 4,950 JPY	20GB ~ 100GB	Docomo 5G/4G(LTE)
Povo	Long-term budget plan by AU	Japanese Only	2,728 JPY	20GB	au 5G/4G(LTE)

Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to assess your individual requirements and long-term plans before making a decision. The choice you make regarding your Japanese phone number will play a significant role in your daily life and overall experience as a resident in Japan, so it's crucial to select the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.

How Is Getting a Japanese Phone Number Online Like?

One perk about the plans cited in this article is that they are all done through online applications. It's not just easy; it's the fastest and most efficient way to get your Japanese phone number. Here, we present a step-by-step guide to help you get your hands on one soon!

Choose a carrier plan and go to their website: Factors to consider in this step are budget, data usage, and English support. Are you looking for budget-friendly options? Do you require extensive data or international calling? Would getting extensive data be an overkill?
Prepare your documents: Depending on the carrier and plan you choose, you may need to submit certain documents electronically. Commonly required documents include a scanned copy of your passport, residence card (if applicable), proof of address, and contact phone number (this could be your school, your friends, or acquaintances). Ensure you have these documents ready in digital format to streamline the process.
Fill out the application form: On the carrier's website, you'll find an online application form. You'll need to provide essential information such as your name, address, payment method, and contact details. Take your time to ensure accuracy as this information is crucial for the application process.
Pick-up or delivery of the phone number: After successfully submitting your application, you'll typically have two options for obtaining your Japanese phone number. Some carriers offer the option to pick up your SIM card or eSIM in person at designated locations, while others provide the convenient choice of having it delivered to your address.
Activation: Once you have your SIM card in hand, the final step is activation. This process usually involves inserting the SIM card into your phone and accessing a website or downloading an app for activation. Detailed instructions for activation will be provided by the carrier. After successful activation, your Japanese phone number will be ready for use, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and access data services.

The online application process for Japanese phone numbers provided by MVNOs or the budget plans of major carriers is designed to be user-friendly and convenient. By following these steps, you can efficiently secure your Japanese phone number and start connecting better!