Mobile Service Providers
When it comes to mobile phone companies you have two options: (a) one of Japan’s three major providers (SoftBank, AU, NTT Docomo) which will be referred to as “the Big Three”, or (b) a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Each has its pros and cons.
Going with the Big Three
The three major providers for mobile phone service in Japan are SoftBank, AU, and NTT Docomo. The plans offered at each of these companies are similar in terms of features and prices. Service with one of these providers includes free calls and texts to people who are on the same network. Most JET participants are on the SoftBank network.
- Plans cost on average about ¥10,000/5GB of data/month over a 24-26 month contract and include the cost of a new phone. They usually exclude text and calling to people on other providers, but you’ll hardly use these anyway.
- Compared to an MVNO SIM, you will end up paying about ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 for your phone. This is obviously overpriced, but there are some perks that can make this a good deal. Most companies will include free insurance, which means you can get a replacement phone for free every 6 months. If you happen to break your phone once or twice then this option becomes much better value than the MVNO option!
- Japanese phones must now be sold unlocked to a network by Japanese law, so you should be able to use your new phone when you return to your home country.
- The Big 3 companies usually offer good home WiFi options that can be combined with your phone plan too.
- Eg: Softbank sells a WiFi router that gives unlimited data for about ¥5000/month if you get a phone plan with them. You’re given the router that day and you don’t need a home phone line to connect it.
Setup
For the Big Three (SoftBank, AU, and NTT Docomo), the process of setting up a device and service is fairly standard; you choose your device, choose your service options, have your information entered into the system, and have your phone set up by a staff member. However, high Japanese language ability is a must, but don’t worry, as your supervisor will accompany you to the store. It’s very important to understand what services you are paying for and the terms of your contract. Moving to Japan and (finally!) settling in to your new home can be quite exhausting mentally, so it is recommended to go with your supervisor even if you speak a fair amount of Japanese yourself.
If you decide to go with one of the Big Three, be prepared to bring the following items:
For the Big Three (SoftBank, AU, and NTT Docomo), the process of setting up a device and service is fairly standard; you choose your device, choose your service options, have your information entered into the system, and have your phone set up by a staff member. However, high Japanese language ability is a must, but don’t worry, as your supervisor will accompany you to the store. It’s very important to understand what services you are paying for and the terms of your contract. Moving to Japan and (finally!) settling in to your new home can be quite exhausting mentally, so it is recommended to go with your supervisor even if you speak a fair amount of Japanese yourself.
If you decide to go with one of the Big Three, be prepared to bring the following items:
- Your passport and residence card (for identification),
- Payment information for the method you will use to pay your monthly statement:
- A credit card (this is necessary if you wish to use an installment plan for your device however sometimes a debit card can work too), or
- The bank card and/or passbook for your Japanese bank account and the inkan/hanko used to open it (for using automatic withdrawal as your payment method)
- Your inkan/hanko (you may be able to conclude the contract with just your signature, but it wouldn’t hurt to have your inkan/hanko).
MVNOs
A Mobile Virtual Network Provider (MVNO) is a mobile phone service provider that essentially piggybacks on the networks of major provider (eg: TracFone, Boost Mobile, TPG, Tesco Mobile; same idea, different countries). For example, B-Mobile, an MVNO in Japan, uses the NTT Docomo network.
The MVNO option is by far the cheapest option, but it is also a relatively new option in Japan, and as such, you may or may not be able to receive help from your supervisor to set up the service. Luckily it’s becoming more popular and there are more providers popping up, even ones that now offer full English assistance with the set up! There are many companies to choose from, each with their own terms of service, price points, and service features. For this reason, extensive independent research is highly recommended if you choose to go with this option. Check out our Set Up page for instructions for setting an MVNO up independently.
The MVNO option is by far the cheapest option, but it is also a relatively new option in Japan, and as such, you may or may not be able to receive help from your supervisor to set up the service. Luckily it’s becoming more popular and there are more providers popping up, even ones that now offer full English assistance with the set up! There are many companies to choose from, each with their own terms of service, price points, and service features. For this reason, extensive independent research is highly recommended if you choose to go with this option. Check out our Set Up page for instructions for setting an MVNO up independently.
Setup
1. Make sure the phone you want to use is unlocked and you can insert a SIM card into it (you generally get to choose the SIM size you’ll need when you sign up).
2. Check that your phone will work on a Japanese network (use www.willmyphonework.net)
3. OPTIONAL: Get a tourist SIM delivered to Keio plaza (where Tokyo Ori is) to cover you for the first month or so until your MVNO SIM card arrives and starts working (try eConnect Japan or a similar service).
4. Choose an MVNO network. Make sure the plan gives you the ability to call and text as you need a Japanese phone number to sign up for most things in Japan. Most plans range from about ¥1500/2GB to ¥6000/10GB.
5. You will need these to sign up:
6. Sign up online and the SIM card will be delivered to your home (generally within 2-4 weeks)!
1. Make sure the phone you want to use is unlocked and you can insert a SIM card into it (you generally get to choose the SIM size you’ll need when you sign up).
2. Check that your phone will work on a Japanese network (use www.willmyphonework.net)
3. OPTIONAL: Get a tourist SIM delivered to Keio plaza (where Tokyo Ori is) to cover you for the first month or so until your MVNO SIM card arrives and starts working (try eConnect Japan or a similar service).
4. Choose an MVNO network. Make sure the plan gives you the ability to call and text as you need a Japanese phone number to sign up for most things in Japan. Most plans range from about ¥1500/2GB to ¥6000/10GB.
- Sakura Mobile (has English support and you can pay via debit card or a combini payment!)
- Asahi Net
- IIJmio
- bMobile
5. You will need these to sign up:
- A credit card (or maybe a debit card if you’re lucky). This can be changed to a Japanese credit card after you get one here.
- Your passport and residence card (you should get this on your first or second day with your supervisor).
6. Sign up online and the SIM card will be delivered to your home (generally within 2-4 weeks)!