We have been receiving questions about contracting Japanese mobile phone.

One of the most important thing when starting new life in another country where you have no families and friends is to possess with a device which can make you be findable in case of an emergency.

Also, when opening a bank account in Japan, a reachable Japanese mobile phone number is required (if you are working for a Japanese company, a company phone number might work as well, depends on the bank).

You might have heard some names like “Softbank”, “au” and “Docomo”, 3 of the largest Japanese mobile phone providers, and “OCN”, IIJmio”, “b-mobile”, “FREETEL”…etc. which are the so-called “Kakuyasu” (cheap in Japanese) mobile phone providers.

Whats the difference?

“Softbank”, “au” and “Docomo”

Normally they only provide 2-year contracts for monthly plans, which means if you are having a 1-year VISA, it will be almost impossible to apply.

Also, for terminating the contract, around 9,500 yen will be charged, and the amount will be even higher depends on the plan.

However, there is still advantage for contracting mobile phone in the mainstream companies, they are big and they will be able to provide stable data service, and there are lots of additional services, payment agent services, loyalty system which you can earn “points,” chances for buying latest mobile phones, and you are able to use the free WiFi they provide in most of public areas…etc.

“Kakuyasu” mobile phone providers

Mostly the minimum contract length is 1-year and you will be able to terminate the contract with lower price (the actual price depends on the company). I have even found some companies provide contract minimum 4 months.

Also, the monthly price is relatively cheap than the 3 companies mentioned above. In my case, I am using “Kakuyasu” sim card with 3 GB data/month only cost me around 1,800/yen per month (charge actual price for phone call), which is almost half way cheaper than when I was using one of the 3 companies 2 years ago.

However, there is still disadvantage. The phones Kakuyasu mobile phone providers have are not always really…good…I mean you might not be able to buy an iPhone or a latest Sony mobile from them, but if you are not really particular about the brand, that should be fine. Also, there will be no additional services e.g. the loyalty system as above, they only provide simple calling/ data service.

Regarding the signal, as all the “Kakuyasu” mobile phone companies are using the same circuit with the 3 companies, the phone call quality istotally fine, but for the data, I have heard that the speed is a bit slower than the 3 companies, personally I didn’t really feel the difference, but it might be a risk for Internet heavy users.

Okay...

so where and how can I make contract?

If you are interested in the services of the 3 companies, you will need to visit their shop by yourself; if it is the “Kakuyasu” provider, either going to an electrical retailer like “Bic Camera” or “Labi”, or simply buying sim card online and activate by yourself will be fine, but…all of them only provide Japanese service and Japanese system online.

Some shops might provide simple English service, but the best way is find your Japanese friend,

or contact atinn!

Email us at nukumori@atinn.jp ,
or leave comments through "contact us"
on the upper-right side to achieve more information!

Hope the above information helps!

Please note that the content is based on information in June 2017. Please contact us or check the website of the companies mentioned above for latest information.