[Guide to Living in Japan] How to Sign Up For a Smartphone

One of the first things you should do to ensure a smooth transition to your life in Japan, is to get a smartphone. Smartphones are an essential part of our daily lives, whether it's for job hunting, communication, banking procedures, or using navigation apps. This article will explain how to sign a smartphone contract in Japan, and what to be aware of.

Smartphone Contracts in Japan

In Japan, there are two main ways to get a smartphone contract:

Contract with a major carrier (Docomo, au, Softbank, etc.)
Use a low-cost SIM (MVNO, Rakuten Mobile, UQ Mobile, Y!mobile, IIJmio, etc.)

Carrier names and their corporate colors

Required Documents

To sign a smartphone contract, you will need the following documents:

Residence card (with expiration date)

Passport

Bank account or credit card (for payment)

Your contact details (email address or alternative phone number)

Please be advised that some low-cost SIM companies will not allow you to sign a contract unless you have 90 days or more left on your residence card.

Where Can I Get a Phone?

You can purchase a smartphone and sign the contract at the following locations:

Electronics retail stores (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, etc.)
Shops of each carrier
Online application

Smartphone shop interior image and reception counter

Difference between major carriers and low-cost SIMs

Item	Major carriers	Low-cost SIM
Monthly Fee	Over 5,000 yen	Around 1,000 to 3,000 yen
Communication Speed	Fast	May be a little slow
Support	Many stores; convenient for when you require in-store assistance	Online-centric
Ease of signing a contract	Foreigner friendly	Japanese-only

Many major carriers have branches with staff who can speak foreign languages, so if you're not confident in your Japanese, choosing a carrier with staff that speaks your language, may be a good option.

Contract Procedure (In Docomo's Case)

Visit a store or apply online
Submit required documents
Select a plan (choose data volume and call charges)
Identity verification (document verification and photo)
Once the contract is completed, you can receive your smartphone and start using it on the spot.

Contract flow chart (STEP 1 to STEP 5)

How to Sign Up for a SIM Card Only (if you wish to use a previously purchased device)

For those who wish to continue using a device they already have, contracts to use only the SIM card are also available. In this case, the smartphone must be "SIM-free" or "SIM-unlocked."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I sign up without a credit card?

A. Yes. Many companies also offer the option of direct debit from your bank account. However, online purchases may require a credit card.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the contract period?

A. In the past, two-year contracts were the norm, but plans with more flexible options have been increasingly common lately. If you would like to ensure maximum flexibility, make sure there are no cancellation fees.

Q: What if you can't speak Japanese?

A. At some Docomo and Softbank stores, foreign language speaking staff (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.)is always present. There are also multilingual pages on the web.

Recommended Plans (Latest as of 2025)

Rakuten Mobile (UN-LIMIT)
　⇒ Unlimited data (pay only for what you use). Maximum monthly fee of 3,278 yen (tax included).
Y!mobile Simple 2S Plan
　⇒ Up to 3GB for 2,365 yen per month (tax included). Secure your peace of mind knowing you will have smooth-running lines of a major carrier, SoftBank.
UQ Mobile Special Offer Plan
　⇒ Family discounts and home set discounts start from 1,078 yen (tax included) per month.

	Rakuten Mobile	Y!mobile	UQ mobile
Plan Name	UN-LIMIT	Simple 2S Plan	Special Offer Plan
Amount	Monthly maximum 3,278 Yen (tax included)	Up to 3GB monthly 2,365 yen (tax included)	1,078 yen monthly (tax included) ~
Highlights	Unlimited data (Pay only for what you use)	Peace of mind with SoftBank lines	Family discounts Home set discount

Summary: Start your life in Japan with a plan that suits you!

Signing up for a smartphone contract in Japan may feel intimidating at first, but understanding the necessary steps and documents will help the process go smoothly. First things first, it is important to decide on your target data usage and budget, and then choose a plan that suits you.