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Rakuten Mobile vs. ahamo, povo, LINEMO: Which is easiest in English?

Complete comparison of Japan's major mobile carriers for foreign residents. Discover which carrier offers the best English support, easiest signup process, and most foreigner-friendly experience.

4 min read790 words
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Last verified: August 16, 2025 (JST)

If you're new to Japan, the question isn't only "Which plan is cheapest?", it's "Which one can I actually sign up for without wrestling with Japanese forms?" After helping a lot of friends through this, my take is simple: for an end-to-end English-friendly experience, Rakuten Mobile is the least painful. The core guides, application flow, and eSIM setup are documented in English, and the "about 3 minutes" activation claim (after screening on an eSIM-compatible phone) is right on their English site. See their step-by-step application and eSIM pages here: Online Application Guide and eSIM page.

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The English Support Reality Check

Rakuten Mobile: Full English Experience

Rakuten Mobile stands out with comprehensive English documentation. Their entire application process, from initial signup to eSIM activation, is available in English. The Online Application Guide walks you through each step, and their eSIM setup process promises "about 3 minutes" activation once your eKYC verification completes.

ahamo: Great Value, Japanese-Only Application

ahamo (DOCOMO's online brand) is great value if you're comfortable with Japanese, but even DOCOMO's own English page says the application site is Japanese-only and suggests using your browser's translation. If you're not up for that, it's a hurdle. Official note here: "The application site is only available in Japanese…" with instructions to use browser translation. (DOCOMO/ahamo English page).

LINEMO: English Explainer, Japanese Application

LINEMO is similar: they publish an English explainer, but clearly state application and support are Japanese-only. If you're fine with Japanese (or screenshots + Google Translate), it's doable, otherwise it's friction. (LINEMO language page; the application guide reminder is here too: LINEMO Application Page supports only Japanese).

povo: Split Approach

povo (au/KDDI) is an interesting split. The regular povo2.0 service is the a-la-carte, Japanese-first app experience most locals use. But KDDI also launched an English "Japan SIM" track that's data-only (no voice/SMS) and eSIM-only, handy if you just need data fast in English. Details: povo "Japan SIM" (English support, data-only).

The MNP Advantage: Rakuten's One-Stop Process

A bonus point in Rakuten's favor: MNP One-Stop. If you're switching from ahamo/povo/LINEMO (or the big three), you can usually transfer your number without hunting down a reservation code. The official English page lists the eligible carriers and explains the process. (Rakuten MNP overview and the One-Stop details with carrier list, which includes ahamo, povo, LINEMO: Fast convert / MNP One-Stop).

Language Support Comparison

Carrier Application Support Documentation eKYC
Rakuten Mobile ✅ English ✅ English ✅ Complete ✅ English
ahamo ❌ Japanese only ⚠️ Limited ⚠️ Basic explainer ❌ Japanese
LINEMO ❌ Japanese only ❌ Japanese only ⚠️ Basic explainer ❌ Japanese
povo 2.0 ❌ Japanese only ❌ Japanese only ❌ Japanese only ❌ Japanese
povo Japan SIM ✅ English ✅ English ✅ English ✅ English

Note: povo Japan SIM is data-only, no voice/SMS

Which Should You Choose?

For Most Foreign Residents: Rakuten Mobile

If you're a foreign resident who wants the least Japanese and a normal phone number, Rakuten Mobile is the easiest on-ramp today. The others can absolutely work, but you'll either be dealing with a Japanese-only application (ahamo, LINEMO, povo2.0) or giving up voice/SMS (povo "Japan SIM"). For most readers here, simplicity wins.

If You Need Data Only: povo Japan SIM

For tourists or temporary visitors who only need data connectivity and don't require a Japanese phone number, povo's Japan SIM offers a fully English experience with eSIM-only setup.

If You're Comfortable with Japanese: ahamo or LINEMO

Both offer competitive pricing and excellent network coverage. ahamo runs on DOCOMO's premium network, while LINEMO uses SoftBank's infrastructure. Just be prepared for a Japanese-language application process.

Getting Started

Ready to make the switch? The fastest path for most foreign residents is Rakuten Mobile's eSIM option:

  1. Check device compatibility using their official checker
  2. Prepare your documents - Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
  3. Apply online using the English application guide
  4. Complete eKYC verification for fastest approval
  5. Activate your eSIM in about 3 minutes

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