
Great News for Foreigners Living in Japan! A Comprehensive Guide to Rakuten Mobile Contracts and Support
For a more comfortable life in Japan, a smartphone is an indispensable tool. However, for foreigners, contracting with a Japanese mobile phone company can sometimes feel complicated. This time, we will focus on Rakuten Mobile’s services for foreigners, detailing its appeal, how to contract, and its support system.
Why Rakuten Mobile is Recommended for Foreigners
Rakuten Mobile offers many benefits for foreigners living in Japan.
- Simple Pricing Plans: Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” (Rakuten Strongest Plan) is a tiered pricing plan where you pay only for what you use. The fee is automatically determined based on your monthly data usage, allowing you to use it without waste. It’s cheaper in months with less data usage and you can use it up to the upper limit in months when you use a lot, making budget management easy.
- 0GB〜3GB: XX yen
- 3GB〜20GB: YY yen
- 20GB〜: ZZ yen (Upper limit)
(※Please check the Rakuten Mobile official website for specific prices) - Ease of Contract: If you have a valid Residence Card, you can contract just like a Japanese national. Some stores have English-speaking staff, and online applications can also be easily done.
- Affordable International Calls: With Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Link” app, you can make domestic calls and even calls to partner countries overseas for free (some exclusions apply). You can enjoy communicating with family and friends far away without worrying about costs.
- Comprehensive Support System: English-speaking customer support is also available, so you can consult with peace of mind even if you encounter problems.
What You Need for a Contract
You will need the following to contract with Rakuten Mobile:
- Residence Card: Must be within its valid period.
- Proof of Identity: In addition to your Residence Card, you may need a driver’s license or passport.
- Credit Card or Bank Account: Required as a payment method.
- Email Address: Necessary for contract procedures and communication.
How to Contract
There are two main ways to contract with Rakuten Mobile:
- Online Application: You can apply 24 hours a day from the Rakuten Mobile official website. Even if you are unsure about Japanese, you can proceed with the procedures by utilizing translation tools.
- In-store Application: You can contract at Rakuten Mobile stores nationwide. Some stores offer English support, so it is recommended to check in advance and visit. This is ideal for those who want to consult with staff directly while proceeding with the procedures.
Support When You Need It
Rakuten Mobile offers various support services to ensure that foreigners can use their services with peace of mind.
- English-speaking Customer Support: You can inquire in English by phone or chat. This is a strong ally when you need help, such as confirming contract details or when problems occur.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The official website has FAQs and their answers in multiple languages. If you have any questions, check here first.
Conclusion
Rakuten Mobile is a very attractive option for foreigners living in Japan due to its simple pricing plans, ease of contract, affordable international calls, and comprehensive support system. If you are struggling with smartphone contracts when starting a new life in Japan, please consider Rakuten Mobile. It will surely enrich your life in Japan.




