Making phone calls in Japan

Phone service providers and MVNOs in Japan

Four major mobile phone companies in Japan are:

• NTT Docomo;
• au by KDDI;
• Softbank;
• Rakuten Mobile (Japanese).

There are also other smaller companies called MVNOs that offer affordable mobile phone plans for residents and mobile internet services for tourists. However, these smaller companies usually rely on the networks of the above four major players.

This means that they exploit existing networks to offer their services, and that's how they manage to break down prices. Rakuten Mobile was also originally an MVNO. It bought one of its subsidiaries to create its own network.

As of March 2023, NTT Docomo, Inc. had the largest mobile phone subscription market share in Japan, totaling 41.6 percent when combined with MVNO subscriptions. Following closely behind was the KDDI Group, which held a market share of 30.5 percent.

MVNOs have steadily gained market shares in the mobile phone industry in recent years. By leasing network capacity instead of maintaining their own infrastructure, they can target specific customer groups by offering flexible data plans. Between 2015 and 2022, MVNO contracts more than doubled, from 2.2% to 5.8%, significantly increasing their overall market share. 

In Japan, popular MVNO brands include:

• Biglobe Mobile;
• IIJmio;
• Sakura Mobile;
• UQ Mobile (KDDI);
• Y!mobile (SoftBank);
• GTN Mobile (NTT Docomo).

(Source: Share of mobile phone subscribers in Japan by operator).

Phone plans, packages, and SIM cards in Japan

Regarding the packages and plans, the situation seemed a little bit dull until a number of “cheap packages” popped through. In Japan, people used to pay a lot for a package and had to commit to a minimum of one or two years of contracts. Breaking the contract before the expiration date was subject to penalties, but recently, new operators have been increasing competition in the market.

Pros and cons of contracts with major operators in Japan

Joining the top four operators in Japan (Docomo, AU, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile) has both its advantages and drawbacks. 

The advantages consist of:

• Comprehensive network coverage, especially in cities, good signal strength, fast data speeds, and clear call quality;
• Various mobile plans, including data-heavy, family, and international options;
• Discounted prices on the latest smartphones.

Some disadvantages are:

• High costs compared to other countries, with data and call charges adding up quickly;
• Locked SIM cards that require unlocking through the operator or self-procedure;
• Too many mobile plans make it challenging to find the best one that fits your needs.

Pros and cons of contracts with MVNOs in Japan

Unlike major operators, MVNOs do not own the networks they use and do not have physical stores, resulting in lower overhead costs and convenient features. If you already have an unlocked mobile phone, contracting with an MVNO brand should be best for you. You can continue using your current phone instead of getting a new one, so it is less expensive as you don't have to pay for the phone itself. However, if you lose your SIM card, you may be unable to keep the same phone number. 

SIM services in Japan

Voice and data plans

You can choose between two packages: a flat-rate plan for all national calls with no limit or a cheaper one for domestic calls only. Calls of less than 5 minutes are usually free of charge.

Regarding data, everything depends on your consumption habits. If you only occasionally connect to the Internet to check your e-mails, then a 2MB/month plan will suit you perfectly. More frequent users can opt for packages with 5, 10, 20, or even 50GB per month. 

You can opt for a data-only SIM instead of a plan that includes a phone number, which can be more cost-effective. The key distinction is that with a data-only SIM, you won't be able to make or receive calls or access SMS unless you add it as an extra feature.

Some operators might require a credit card for payment. So, check with your operator for more details on each plan and payment method. 

Read also Subscribe to the Internet in Japan

Telecommunication rates in Japan

As mentioned above, MVNOs are breaking down prices. There are many discount operators since the big companies have also developed some to stay in the race. The table below is just a sample of some offers you can find on the market:

Options if you're making a short-term stay in Japan

If you are only staying for a short period in Japan, there is no need to invest in a package. You have the choice between:

• Wi-fi:

Available in almost all train stations, konbini (mini-markets open 24/24), and Starbucks. This is the most economical solution.

• Prepaid SIM:

It comes either with 100% voice plan, 100% data plan, or a mix of both. They are usually valid for 15 days to 3 months, depending on the formula you choose. They are practical and affordable. 

• Pocket Wi-fi rental:

It is a portable travel router that allows you to connect to a wireless network. You can find it at the airport, and sometimes your accommodation may also have one. Some sharehouses rent pocket Wi-fi.

Making phone calls to and from Japan

To make phone calls in Japan, dial "81" followed by the person's phone number. To make international calls from Japan, dial "010", followed by the country code, the area code, and the phone number of your correspondent.

Some international codes

• France: 33 area code phone number, without the zero;
• United States: 1 state code phone number, without the zero;
• United Kingdom: 44 area code phone number, without the zero;
• Canada: 1 area code phone number, without the zero;
• Australia: 61 area code phone number, without the zero;
• New Zealand: 64 area code phone number, without the zero.

Making smart calls

International calls can be very expensive from Japan. Thankfully, other options are available these days, such as Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, and Line. These are cheap and sometimes free alternatives accessible via the Internet.

Subscribe to a landline in Japan 

To subscribe to a contract with a telephone company in Japan, you must provide your residence card (zairyu card), a proof of address (your address, written on the back of your zairyu card, will suffice in most cases) and your bankbook or bank card.

Bear in mind that contracts are valid for 2 years and are subject to a cancellation fee in case of early termination. Contracts are also automatically renewed. If, after 2 years, you wish to terminate your contract, you must contact your provider before the automatic renewal.

Can I use my phone in Japan?

There is absolutely no problem coming to Japan with your smartphone. Some people think that foreign smartphones do not work in Japan. That's a myth that you can forget! At Expat.com, we took up the challenge by traveling with an old iPhone 4 from France. The phone worked perfectly with a Japanese SIM card. Huawei, Samsung, Sony, and other brands also pass the test in flying colors. Fairphone, the ethical smartphone, also passed the test brilliantly. They are all 100% compatible with a Japanese SIM, but, of course, remember to have your phone unlocked.

Useful links:

Sakura mobile

Line mobile

U Mobile SIM Prepaid 

U mobile packages (in Japanese)

Bic camera sim (in Japanese)

JRPass sim card