Starting your first job in Japan this February? You'll need reliable mobile service before your first day—but you might not have received your first salary yet.
Get up to 13,000 Rakuten Points in referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
February 2026: Your Timeline
Most new graduates start work between February and April 2026. Your first salary typically arrives late March or early April, which means you need a payment method ready before then. The good news: Rakuten Mobile's referral benefits can cover months of service costs.
Why Choose Rakuten Mobile as a New Graduate
As a new graduate entering the workforce, Rakuten Mobile offers several advantages that make it an ideal choice. If you're 22 or under, you'll automatically receive a youth discount of ¥110 per month through the SAIKYO Youth Discount program, bringing the entry-level plan down to just ¥858/month. The service operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing structure with three tiers: ¥968 for 0-3GB, ¥2,068 for 3-20GB, and ¥3,168 for unlimited data.
What makes Rakuten Mobile particularly attractive for new professionals is the absence of contract commitments, giving you flexibility during career transitions or if you decide to change plans. The eSIM activation process is remarkably fast, taking anywhere from 3 minutes to same-day approval with eKYC verification. Additionally, English support is available by phone at 0800-805-0805 during business hours (9:00-17:00 JST), which can be invaluable when you're still settling into your new life in Japan.
How the Referral Benefits Work
Our referral link gives you up to 13,000 Rakuten Points, which translates to approximately ¥13,000 in value. For new graduates watching their budget, this represents significant savings. If you opt for the light usage plan with the youth discount (¥858/month), those points effectively cover more than 15 months of service. Even at the unlimited tier of ¥3,168 per month, you're getting about 4 months of coverage. This means you can focus on settling into your new job without worrying about mobile costs during your critical first months.
Start with referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
What You Need Before Applying
Before you begin the application process, make sure you have a few essentials ready. First, verify that your phone is compatible using Rakuten Mobile's BYOD checker at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/. You'll need valid identification in the form of either a residence card or Japanese ID. Crucially, have a payment method prepared—either a credit card or Japanese bank account—and remember this needs to be set up before your first salary arrives. Finally, ensure you have access to stable WiFi, as you'll need it to download your eSIM profile once approved.
Fast Setup Steps
The signup process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Start by verifying your phone's compatibility at the BYOD checker, then head to https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/ to begin your application in English. You'll need to complete eKYC verification by uploading a photo of your ID and recording a quick selfie video. Once approved—which typically happens within 1-2 hours on weekdays—you'll install the eSIM profile over WiFi. After installation, test everything by making a call, checking your data connection, and sending an SMS to ensure the service is working properly.
New Graduate Budget Tips
During those first few months before your initial paycheck arrives in late March or early April, budget management is crucial. If possible, start with the ¥968 plan, which drops to just ¥858 per month with the youth discount. During your training period, make strategic use of your office WiFi to keep data usage under 3GB. Combined with the 13,000 referral points you'll receive, you're essentially operating on pre-paid service for over a year at this usage level.
Once your first salary comes through and you've settled into your routine, you might find you need more data. The beauty of Rakuten Mobile's no-contract structure means you can upgrade to unlimited data without penalties if your needs change. The system automatically adjusts your payment based on actual usage each month, and your youth discount continues providing savings until you turn 23.
Verify Coverage for Work and Home
Before signing up with our referral link, take two minutes to verify coverage at the locations that matter most in your daily life. Check your workplace address using the coverage map at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/, then verify your home or apartment by entering your specific address. Don't forget to check the subway stations along your commute route at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/station/. While Rakuten Mobile generally provides excellent coverage throughout major cities and business districts, confirming coverage for your specific locations ensures you won't encounter any surprises.
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
If your payment method gets rejected, don't panic. Try using multiple credit cards if you have them, as some foreign credit cards work while others don't—success can vary by issuer. Alternatively, consider opening a Japanese bank account during your orientation week. Should your eKYC approval take longer than expected, double-check that your ID photos are clear and well-lit, free from shadows or glare, as image quality is the most common cause of delays. Approvals typically process within 1-2 hours on weekdays.
For those experiencing higher-than-expected data usage during their first month, start by disabling background app refresh on your phone and make a habit of downloading work materials over office WiFi rather than mobile data. If you're encountering signal issues at your workplace, enable WiFi Calling in your phone's settings and verify that your office building shows coverage on Rakuten's area map.
Quick Reference Links
Keep these essential resources bookmarked for easy access. Check device compatibility at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/product/byod/, verify coverage areas at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/, and access the full English site at https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/. If you need assistance, customer service is available in English by calling 0800-805-0805 between 9:00 and 17:00 JST.
Ready to sign up with 13,000 Rakuten Points in referral benefits? → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral
Final Notes
Starting your career is expensive enough without adding unnecessary mobile costs. With Rakuten Mobile's youth discount (¥110/month off), flexible usage-based pricing, and 13,000 referral points, you can minimize one major monthly expense during your first year of work.
The eSIM setup takes under an hour once approved, so you can handle it during a lunch break or evening. No need to visit a physical store—everything happens online in English. Get connected before your first day, and focus on making a great impression at your new job.