
A comfortable communication environment is essential for foreigners living in Japan. In this context, Rakuten Mobile has proudly secured the top position in a survey of communication services targeting foreign residents. According to the “Survey on Communication Services for Foreign Residents,” conducted by MMD Research Institute from February to March 2025, targeting 750 foreign residents, Rakuten Mobile ranked first with 21.0%, followed by SoftBank at 15.6% and docomo at 14.5%.
Ranking Results:
1st: Rakuten Mobile 21.0%
2nd: SoftBank 15.6%
3rd: docomo 14.5%
According to the survey, the most common reason foreign residents chose their communication service was “because the price is cheap,” followed by “because the data capacity suited me.”
Rakuten Mobile is strengthening its initiatives for foreign customers. For example, to enhance customer service in various foreign languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, they have introduced the AI translator “POCKETALK” in 162 stores nationwide. As a result of these efforts, foreign customers account for approximately 25% of all contracts at Rakuten Mobile shops.
For more details, please see the official Rakuten Mobile press release (Japanese only):
https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/news/press/2025/0415_01
The overview of the MMD Research Institute survey can be found at (Japanese only):
https://mmdlabo.jp/investigation/detail_2435.html




