Moving to Japan for work this April? You'll need mobile service immediately—but you can't sign up until you land and receive your residence card.
Get up to 13,000 Rakuten Points in referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
April 2026: Peak Arrival Season
April is Japan's peak season for new employees and corporate transfers. Immigration at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.) can be busy, but your residence card is issued immediately during the immigration process. That residence card is essential for signing up for mobile service.
Why Choose Rakuten Mobile for Foreign Workers
Rakuten Mobile stands out as the only major carrier in Japan offering comprehensive English support across all channels—phone, website, and mobile app. This language accessibility becomes invaluable when you're navigating life in a new country. The eSIM activation process is remarkably fast, ranging from as little as 3 minutes to a few hours with eKYC verification, meaning you can be connected on your first day in Japan.
Unlike other carriers, you don't need a Japanese bank account to get started—foreign credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX often work, though success rates vary. International roaming is built into every plan with 2GB per month free across over 100 countries and regions, perfect for staying connected with family back home or during business trips. The pricing structure remains flexible with three tiers: ¥968 for 0-3GB, ¥2,068 for 3-20GB, and ¥3,168 for unlimited data.
How the Referral Benefits Work
Our referral link provides up to 13,000 Rakuten Points (approximately ¥13,000 in value), with the exact amount depending on whether you're transferring an existing number or getting a new one. If you're doing MNP (mobile number portability), you'll receive the full 13,000 points, while new numbers get 7,000 points. At the light usage tier of ¥968 per month, this essentially covers 13 months of service. Even if you opt for unlimited data at ¥3,168 monthly, you're still getting about 4 months of coverage—a significant head start as you settle into your new life in Japan.
Start with referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
Before You Leave Your Home Country
Here's something critical to understand: you cannot apply for Rakuten Mobile before arriving in Japan, as you need your residence card first. However, there's plenty you can do to prepare ahead of time. Check your phone's compatibility at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/ and ensure it's unlocked by contacting your home country carrier if necessary. Bring an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX)—while success rates vary, it's worth trying before opening a Japanese bank account. Download the Rakuten Mobile app before your flight for a faster setup process, and bookmark the English application page for easy access once you land.
Immediately After Landing (Day 1-2)
Your first 30 minutes at the airport are crucial. Complete immigration to receive your residence card, then immediately verify that your Japanese address is printed on it—this is essential for the application. Connect to the airport's free WiFi to get started.
Within your first 24 hours at your hotel or accommodation, you can complete the entire signup process. If you haven't already, verify your phone's compatibility at the BYOD checker. Navigate to https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/ and apply online in English. The eKYC verification requires photos of your residence card plus a selfie video. Approval typically takes 1-2 hours on weekdays, though it can be longer on weekends. Once approved, install the eSIM profile over WiFi and test the service immediately to ensure everything's working.
What You Need to Apply
Getting set up requires four key elements. You'll need a compatible unlocked phone, which you can verify at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/. Your residence card with your Japanese address is mandatory—thankfully, this is issued immediately at airport immigration. For payment, try your foreign credit card first before worrying about opening a Japanese bank account. Finally, ensure you have access to a stable WiFi connection for downloading your eSIM profile and completing the setup process.
Work Visa Specific Considerations
If you're on an Engineer or Specialist visa, the process is straightforward—your residence card plus a payment method is all you need. Dependent visa holders can apply independently as long as they're the cardholder for the payment method, as both primary and dependent visa holders are eligible to sign up.
Regarding addresses, your residence card must display a Japanese address. If you're staying in temporary accommodation like a hotel or company housing when you first arrive, use that address for your initial application. You can update it later when you move to permanent housing. Many companies provide work phones, but consider getting Rakuten Mobile for personal use with the referral benefits—it's especially useful for maintaining a clear separation between work and personal communications.
Verify Coverage Before Applying
Before committing to the service with our referral link benefits, verify coverage at the locations that will define your daily routine in Japan. Check your office address at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/, then verify your apartment or housing situation by entering your specific address into the coverage map. Don't forget to check the major stations along your commute route at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/station/. The good news is that business districts throughout Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other major cities generally have excellent coverage.
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
If your foreign credit card gets rejected, try multiple cards if you have them available. When all cards fail, plan to open a Japanese bank account during your first week—many banks now offer English support specifically for foreign workers. When eKYC verification gets stuck, the usual culprit is photo quality. Ensure your images are clear and well-lit, with all text on your residence card fully readable. Keep in mind that approval takes longer on weekends.
Should you find yourself without service after installing your eSIM, start by restarting your phone, then verify that the eSIM is set as your primary line in settings and enable data roaming if prompted. If you're worried about needing a temporary solution, airport SIM cards are available for 1-2 days, though eKYC approval is typically fast enough that this isn't necessary for most arrivals.
English Support
Rakuten Mobile offers comprehensive English support through multiple channels. Reach their phone support at 0800-805-0805 between 9:00 and 17:00 JST, where English-speaking staff are available. In-app chat support is also available in English for quick questions. The full English website at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/ provides complete access to all features, and you'll find application guides and help articles fully translated into English.
Quick Reference Links
Keep these essential resources at your fingertips. Verify device compatibility at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/, check coverage areas at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/, and access the complete English site at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/. Customer service is reachable at 0800-805-0805 with English support available from 9:00 to 17:00 JST.
Ready to sign up with 13,000 Rakuten Points in referral benefits? → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
Final Notes
Moving to a new country for work is challenging enough without communication barriers. Rakuten Mobile is the only major Japanese carrier offering complete English support—from website to phone support to the mobile app.
With same-day eSIM activation, 13,000 referral points, and no contract commitment, you can get connected within hours of landing and focus on settling into your new role. The flexibility is especially valuable during your first few months as you figure out your data usage patterns and whether your company will provide a separate work phone.
Apply as soon as you receive your residence card, and you'll be connected before your first day at the office.