For foreign parents raising children in Japan, choosing the first smartphone for their child can be particularly challenging due to language and cultural differences. Concerns about high monthly fees, complicated plans, and anxiety about contract procedures are endless.

However, rest assured. Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” can be the “optimal solution” to these worries. With a simple and transparent pricing system that varies according to data usage, easy contract procedures, and benefits for international calls, it strongly supports your child’s smartphone debut.

Why Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” is Budget-Friendly

(1) Pay-as-you-go “Tiered Pricing” for Financial Flexibility

The “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” adopts a “tiered pricing system” where monthly fees vary according to data usage.

• Up to 3GB: ¥1,078 (tax included)
• Over 3GB to 20GB: ¥2,178 (tax included)
• Over 20GB: ¥3,278 (tax included)

If your child is young and primarily uses Wi-Fi, you can keep the monthly fee as low as ¥1,078. Even if data usage increases as they learn to use it, the maximum is a clear ¥3,278 (tax included), so there’s no worry about endlessly soaring costs. This allows parents to feel at ease and children to use their smartphones freely. For managing household finances in Japan, predictable communication costs are a major advantage.

(2) Affordable Domestic & International Calls with “Rakuten Link” App!

With the “Rakuten Link” app, available free for Rakuten Mobile users, domestic calls are unlimited and free. Even if your child needs to contact you on the way home from school or lessons, you can communicate anytime without worrying about call charges.

Furthermore, the “Rakuten Link” app’s ability to make affordable international calls is a significant advantage for foreign parents.

• Free international calls are available to 66 specified countries and regions.
• International calls to other countries and regions are also available at affordable rates.

The ability to stay in regular contact with family and friends in your home country without worrying about additional costs is a major benefit unique to Rakuten Mobile.

(3) Free Contract Administration Fee & MNP Transfer Fee

Administration fees for new contracts or MNP transfers from other carriers, as well as MNP transfer fees for future transfers to other carriers, are all free. This is a significant advantage for those who want to keep initial costs down and those who want flexibility in future plan changes.

Peace of Mind for Foreign Parents! Rakuten Mobile’s Contract & Support System

(1) Residence Card accepted for identity verification, easy online application

Rakuten Mobile accepts identity verification documents used by foreign nationals, such as Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates. Online application procedures are also well-developed, allowing those who are uneasy with face-to-face procedures in Japanese to proceed with their contract at their own pace.

(2) Multilingual support for peace of mind in emergencies

Rakuten Mobile strengthens its multilingual support to ensure foreign residents in Japan can use its services with peace of mind.

• Official website supports 8 languages: Rakuten Mobile’s official website supports a total of 8 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Portuguese. You can check service details and procedures in your preferred language.
• English customer support: English support is available via phone, chat, and at some stores. Even if you are uneasy with communication in Japanese, you can receive support in English with peace of mind.
• Multilingual support at stores: Some Rakuten Mobile shops nationwide have introduced AI translation devices like “POCKETALK” and offer multilingual customer service. Important explanation documents for contracts are also available in multiple languages, allowing you to proceed with your contract with a clear understanding. We recommend checking if your local store offers multilingual support before visiting.

Reliable Support for Your Child’s Smartphone Debut

(1) Filtering service to block harmful sites

To protect your child from harmful information on the internet, the filtering service “Anshin Control by i-filter” is available. For ¥330 (tax included) per month, you can set internet usage time limits, check usage status, and block harmful sites, providing peace of mind even when parents are not present.

(2) Parental control features to prevent overuse

By utilizing parental control features built into smartphone OS (e.g., iPhone’s Screen Time, Android’s Family Link), you can restrict app usage and manage usage time. Combining this with Rakuten Mobile’s simple pricing system can more effectively prevent overuse and promote healthy smartphone usage for your child.

Why Rakuten Mobile is Chosen Even Without Student or Family Discounts

Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” is highly attractive even without specific discounts like student or family discounts.

• Simple and easy-to-understand pricing system: There’s no need for complicated calculations after applying discount conditions, and you can use the service at a clear monthly fee based on data usage. This means you are likely to always pay a budget-friendly rate.
• Economical for the whole family: Even if multiple lines are contracted for the family, each line is charged according to its data usage, which can significantly reduce overall family communication costs.

Summary: Smart and Safe Smartphone Life for Your Child with Rakuten Mobile

For foreign parents living in Japan who want to save on their child’s smartphone costs while ensuring safe usage, Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” is truly the optimal solution. With tiered pricing that charges only for what you use, the “Rakuten Link” app for free domestic and affordable international calls, and a reliable contract/multilingual support system along with filtering services, why not start your child’s new smartphone life with Rakuten Mobile?

Please consider Rakuten Mobile to support your child’s growth while providing financial flexibility for your household.

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