
For foreigners living in Japan, getting a smartphone contract is one of the biggest challenges when starting a new life.
Major carriers like Docomo, au, and SoftBank have high prices, and procedures are primarily in Japanese.
Amidst this, Rakuten Mobile is popular among foreigners for being “cheap, simple, and having English support.”
Here, we introduce the main reasons why foreigners residing in Japan choose Rakuten Mobile.
1️⃣ Easy to Contract! Foreigners Are Welcome ✨
Rakuten Mobile allows contracts with a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate.
You don’t need a passport or other documents often required by other companies.
💳 The fact that it supports bank transfer even without a credit card is another reassuring point.
👉 This is a huge advantage for anyone looking for a “SIM card that foreigners can contract.”
2️⃣ Simple and Affordable Pricing 💰
Rakuten Mobile essentially has only one plan.
The fee is determined by the amount of data you use.
📶 Usage Fee List:
- Up to 3GB: $1,078$ yen/month (tax included)
- Up to 20GB: $2,178$ yen/month (tax included)
- Over 20GB (Unlimited): $3,278$ yen/month (tax included)
There’s no need for complex plan comparisons like with other companies.
It’s perfect for “foreigners looking for a cheap SIM card in Japan.”
3️⃣ English Support Available! Reliable Assistance 🌍
Rakuten Mobile has an English page on its official website, andcustomer support can also assist in English.
📞 This allows foreigners who are not yet confident in Japanese to use the service with peace of mind.
4️⃣ Earn & Use Rakuten Points 🎁
You can earn Rakuten Points with your monthly usage fees.
🛒 Since these points can be used at convenience stores, supermarkets, and online shopping,
it helps foreigners save on living expenses.
5️⃣ Easy Cancellation! No Binding Contracts 👍
There are no “cancellation fees” often found with major carriers.
This provides peace of mind for foreigners staying in Japan for a short period.
⚠️ Note: If you cancel within one year of starting service, an administrative fee of up to $1,078$ yen (tax included) will be incurred.
✅ Summary: Rakuten Mobile is the Best Choice for Foreigners
📌 To summarize the key points…
- 🪪 Can contract with a Residence Card
- 💰 Simple and affordable pricing plan
- 🌍 English support for peace of mind
- 🎁 Earn Rakuten Points
- 🔓 No cancellation fees
👉 For these reasons, Rakuten Mobile can be said to be one of the most recommended mobile carriers for foreigners in Japan!




