Japanese Network Operators
Major network operators in Japan include NTT DoCoMo, KDDI (au), SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile. Below is a detailed description of these operators:
NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo, Japan's long-established telecommunications company, is currently one of the world's largest mobile communications companies and was the first operator to launch commercial 3G services.NTT DoCoMo has a large number of subscribers and signal transmission stations, providing stable Internet access and call quality. Its family offers are plentiful, but monthly fees are relatively high.
KDDI (au)
KDDI (au) offers a variety of monthly packages, including those linked to Netflix and Amazon. Lines are generally stable and speeds are guaranteed, but reception may not be as good as other carriers indoors or in high places. Its fiber-optic service is known for its high speeds and reliability, and is especially good for HD video streaming.
SoftBank
SoftBank is known for its high quality communication services with slightly cheaper monthly fees compared to NTT DoCoMo and KDDI. Its broadband service offers stable, high-speed broadband connections with flexible package options and discounts.
Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile (Rakuten Mobile) is the mobile virtual network operator of the Rakuten Group in Japan, providing consumers with Japanese cell phone numbers and SIM card services. The network covers Japan and 73 countries worldwide. Its inexpensive monthly fees and unique point system have attracted a large number of subscribers, especially for those who wish to save money on communication costs.
Other virtual operators
In addition, there are a number of virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Japan, such as CMLink, Hanacell, OCN, MINEO, and IIJMIO, which offer differentiated packages at lower prices by using the infrastructure of major carriers to provide services.
Japan Insurance Number Card Purchase Options
Japanese phone cards are very strictly regulated and generally require a resident ID/Japanese resident card + bank account number. Including e-commerce platforms, there are very few Japanese phone cards for sale. Generally, you can only choose to buy a traffic card without telecommunication function from Japanese local e-commerce websites (e.g. Amazon JP, eBay Japan, Rakuten Market, etc.).
Currently there are about the following programs for Japanese phone cards that do not require Japanese identity:
CMlink Japan
Official website address:https://www.cmlink.com/jp/
It can be purchased online in China and can be shipped to domestic shipping addresses. However, they cannot be used directly and need to be shipped toJapan ActivationIn addition, you need to contact the customer service for a valid ID and visa to activate the international roaming function after you return to your home country. You can also choose an activated phone card to use on the second-hand trading platform.
Japan CMlink's current minimum package is 1,700 yen/month, which is roughly $1,000/year on an annualized basis. The cost of keeping the number is relatively high, and it is not recommended for cloud dwellers.
Hanacell Japan
Official website address:https://www.hanacell.com/
Hanacell cell phone cards can only be picked up at airport counters in Japan and cannot be shipped to China. The initial card opening fee is US$39, with no annual fee for the first year and US$8 per year thereafter.
In addition, this card can only be used in Japan and has very high traffic costs.
Rakuten Mobile Japan
Official website address:https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/
Calendar World Prepaid CardThe Annual Plan is a subscription service offered by Rakuten Mobile for international users and users who frequently travel to and from Japan. This card provides high-speed mobile data outside of Japan and a local Japanese cell phone number, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios.
This card is currently the optimal choice for cloud residents and international users, combining the features of a cell phone card + traffic card + guaranteed number card. The biggest drawback is that you can't make calls. For specific package rates, please visit:https://www.yunjumin.com/2302.html
Recommended Mobile Phone Cards for Japan
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Japan Traffic Card Selection
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