Japan’s No.1 SIM: Rakuten Mobile — Unlimited Data for Only ¥3,278

Hello, this is Nakagawa from the association.

If you use a smartphone in Japan, your monthly phone bill is a big concern.
Cutting that bill is one of the easiest ways to save money while living in Japan.

On this site, we introduce Rakuten Mobile — a SIM used widely by foreign residents — in a way that is easy to understand.

📱 Why Rakuten Mobile is the Best

Only Rakuten Mobile offers truly unlimited data for around ¥3,000!

■ Key Features

● Unlimited data
・Use the internet as much as you want
・Videos, video calls, SNS — all unlimited
・Price: ¥3,278 (unlimited)

● Low monthly fees

• Up to 3GB: ¥1,078
• Up to 20GB: ¥2,178
• Unlimited: ¥3,278

Your fee automatically adjusts to match how much you used that month — always the best value.

● Free domestic calls
Use the “Rakuten Link” app and domestic calls within Japan are unlimited and free.

● Works abroad too
International roaming is partially free.

💰 How Much Can You Save? [Simple Calculation]

Major carriers (DoCoMo / au / SoftBank): about ¥7,000/month
Rakuten Mobile: ¥3,278/month

👉 Save ¥3,722 every month
👉 Save ¥44,664 in one year!

You can use that money for remittance home, or for savings.

👤 Who Should Use Rakuten Mobile

• No Wi-Fi at home
• Watch lots of videos
• Do video calls every day
• Work outside a lot
• Use tethering
• Use 50GB or more per month
• Have a credit card

Rakuten Mobile is the most cost-effective choice for these people.

⚠️ For Technical Interns / Specified Skilled Workers [Payment Note]

Rakuten Mobile supports bank account direct debit.
However, if your bank account holder name exceeds 31 characters, you may get an error and cannot complete registration.

■ How to solve this

• Credit card payment is recommended (no fee)
• Prepare a Japanese card or an international card
• Bank direct debit has a ¥110 monthly fee

※ Technical interns can also apply for a credit card.

📶 Usable Everywhere in Japan? [Signal Note]

Since 2024, Rakuten Mobile gained access to the “platinum band” frequencies, and signal has greatly improved.

However, service may still be slower in these places:

• Crowded urban areas (parts of Umeda, the Tokyo Yamanote Line area, etc.) at peak hours
• Mountain or rural areas
• Inside large buildings or basement shops

If you live in an area where signal might be weak, also consider a DoCoMo-network SIM.

📊 Comparison with Other SIM Cards

■ Comparison Table (Simple version)

🎯 Nakagawa’s Saving Tips

• Daily videos / video calls → Rakuten Mobile is strongest
• Wi-Fi at home and 20GB is enough → LP Mobile can get you 0 yen

📝 What You Need to Sign Up

• Residence card
• Credit card or bank account
• A compatible smartphone
• An email address

📱 Apply for Rakuten Mobile here

✍️ About the Author: Nakagawa (Kumiai-Nakagawa)

I support the daily life of foreign workers in Japan.
I share easy-to-understand tips for saving money and living well.