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Rakuten Mobile: Your best mobile phone contract in Japan | Supports 8 languages, making it safe for foreigners and international students📱🌍

  • Writer: 楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
    楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 10

For foreigners and international students who are worried about signing a mobile phone contract in Japan, Rakuten Mobile is available in eight languages, has easy-to-understand instructions, and offers unlimited data and eSIM support, so you can start using it right away.

When trying to sign a mobile phone contract in Japan, many foreigners feel anxious, thinking, "Japanese is difficult..." or "The procedures seem complicated..." However, Rakuten Mobile has a reputation for being easy to sign up for, and it supports eight languages . In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner why Rakuten Mobile is the choice of foreigners, international students, and people on work visas who are considering signing a mobile phone contract in Japan .


If you're looking for a mobile phone contract in Japan, Rakuten Mobile is the best choice, with support in eight languages
Rakuten Mobile: Your best mobile phone contract in Japan | Supports 8 languages, making it safe for foreigners and international students


Why it's difficult for foreigners to get a mobile phone contract in Japan🤔


Many explanations are in Japanese only📄

In Japanese mobile phone shops,

  • contract

  • Price explanation

  • Precautions

However, in many cases, the information is only available in Japanese , making it difficult to understand the content accurately.


There are a lot of technical terms and it's hard to understand

There are many terms that are unfamiliar to people in their home countries, such as "MNP," "eSIM," "data capacity," and "options," which can make signing a contract difficult.




Rakuten Mobile is available in 8 languages for your peace of mind🌏✨


Main supported languages

Rakuten Mobile has a system in place to support eight languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese .



In the shop 👇

  • Multilingual signage

  • Customer service using AI translation machines

  • Stores with English-speaking staff

We have created an environment where even those who are not confident in their Japanese can enter into a contract through dialogue .



Support system for foreigners and international students

Rakuten Mobile is a carrier that is frequently used by foreigners, international students, and residents of Japan , so they are accustomed to signing contracts using residence cards and providing short explanations.





3 reasons why it's easy to sign up for Rakuten Mobile in Japan⭐


① The pricing plan is simple and easy to understand.

Rakuten Mobile has a one-plan system where fees are determined according to the amount of data used .

  • Even short months are not wasted

  • There is a limit even if you use a lot

  • The explanation is simple

The system is designed to be easy to understand, even for those signing a contract in Japan for the first time.


② Unlimited data makes life easy📱

In Japan, we use a lot of data for things like map apps, translation apps, social media, and watching videos.

A major advantage of Rakuten Mobile is that it offers low prices even with unlimited data , so you can use it without worrying about data usage.


③ Supports eSIM for speedy use⚡

If you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, you can activate it on the same day without receiving a SIM card .

  • Just arrived in Japan

  • I need internet immediately

It is also a great fit for those who:





Rakuten Mobile is recommended for these people🎯


International students🎓

  • It's easy to sign a contract even if you're not comfortable with Japanese

  • Safe online classes and video viewing


Those living in Japan on a work visa

  • Low prices even for long-term use

  • The contract contents are easy to understand


Foreign family living in Japan 👨👩👧

  • Easy to explain to family members

  • Fewer problems




How to Sign a Mobile Phone Contract in Japan (Rakuten Mobile)📝


Visit us or apply online

  • Visit the Rakuten Mobile Shop

  • Or sign up online from the official website

Both are frequently used by foreigners and are smooth.

Prepare what you need 📌

Generally what you need is 👇

  • Residence card

  • passport

  • Payment method (credit card, etc.)

*Details vary depending on your status of residence and contract method.




Summary | Rakuten Mobile is the best choice for mobile phone contracts in Japan✨


✅ Mobile phone contracts in Japan are difficult for foreigners. ✅ Rakuten Mobile is available in 8 languages and provides easy-to-understand explanations. ✅ Simple pricing and unlimited data make it easy to use. ✅ eSIM support allows for quick start-up.

If you're worried about getting a smartphone contract in Japan, Rakuten Mobile is the carrier you should consider first .


With our current employee referral campaign, you can earn 14,000 points if you switch carriers (MNP) and 11,000 points if you don't switch carriers . Renewal contracts are also eligible. Take advantage of this offer when switching your smartphone or signing up for a new one.

To everyone coming to Japan from overseas

We've prepared a short guide for you, choose your language to find out more.

Current Rakuten Mobile employee

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The author of this blog is a current Rakuten employee. "I want to sign up for a smartphone in Japan, but can foreigners sign up with Rakuten Mobile?" " Is there a cheap SIM card that offers unlimited data for international students and those on work visas?" This "Rakuten Mobile Contract Guide for Foreigners" answers all of these questions. It provides the clearest explanation in Japan of how to sign up for Rakuten Mobile, including fees and important points to note, for foreigners, international students, and those on work visas living in Japan.
With the current referral campaign, you can earn 14,000 points if you switch carriers (MNP), and 11,000 points if you don't switch carriers . Each point is worth 1 yen, and you can even use these points to pay your mobile phone bill. Renewal contracts are also eligible to apply for the referral campaign. Make sure to take advantage of this offer when switching carriers or signing up for a new smartphone.

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