If you're considering buying a full-data SIM but don’t have much time to visit a store, Min will guide you through a convenient online registration process as follows:
I. Documents to prepare:
- A valid residence card.
- A debit/credit card or a bank account.
II. Registration steps:
Step 1: Access Rakuten Mobile
Go to the Rakuten Mobile homepage via the link below and click on お申し込み (Apply)
Step 2: Select a SIM plan
Click on プランを選択する (Select a plan).
Next, if you need unlimited calling, you can register for the additional package that offers free calls under 15 minutes, costing an extra 1,100 yen per month. If you don’t need it, select 加入しない (Do not join)
Next are other additional packages like security, international calling, etc. If you don’t need them, you can skip by not selecting any options and scroll to the bottom.
The next step is to choose either a physical SIM or an eSIM. Here, the admin selects a physical SIM and clicks on この内容で申し込む (Apply with this information) to proceed.
Step 3: Log into your Rakuten account and verify your identity documents
For those who don’t have a Rakuten account yet, register using the link below.
Identity verification
Double-check the information of the person registering the SIM to ensure that the details match the identity documents being uploaded.
Select the option "書類画像をアップロードで確認" (Verify by uploading document images).
Scroll down and select to upload a photo of your residence card (在留カード) and either take a direct photo or upload images of both sides of the residence card.
Then click on 次へ進む (Proceed to the next step).
Step 4: Choose the type of registration—new application or number porting.
If you want to switch carriers but keep your current phone number, click on 他社から電話番号そのままで乗換 (Transfer from another carrier with the same phone number).
For those who want to register a completely new number, you can select 新規電話番号を取得 (Obtain a new phone number).
If you want to register a new number and choose a specific desirable number (the last four digits), you can select 選べる電話番号サービス (Selectable phone number service), with a fee of 1,100 yen for choosing a number.
Here, to save costs, the admin selects the new registration option without choosing a specific number.
Click 次へ (Next) to proceed.
Step 5: Confirm the SIM delivery address and payment method
Double-check the SIM delivery address once more and select the payment method for the monthly charges.
In the プランのお支払い (Plan Payment) section, there are three payment methods:
- Payment with your own credit card: 新しいカードを利用 (Use a new card) (in your name).
- Payment with someone else's credit card (spouse): 新しいカードを利用 (Use a new card) (in someone else's name).
- For those without a credit card, you can choose to have monthly payments deducted from a bank account: 口座振替 (Account transfer).
Here, the admin selects to have the monthly payments deducted from a personal bank account, specifically from Yucho Bank.
Step 6: Enter account information
After making your selection, a screen will appear directing you to the account section. Click on the bank account you want to use for deductions; here, the admin selects ゆうちょ銀行 (Yucho Bank) (web application), and then clicks on 金融機関へ (To the financial institution).
Click on 同意事項 (Agreement Terms), then the button 同意する (Agree) will appear. Click on it to agree to the terms of use when registering for the SIM.
Enter account information
- Enter the three middle digits of the 記号 (symbol) on the bank card, then click 進む (Proceed) to continue.
Similarly, the next screen will display the account information you have entered. Press 進む (Proceed) to continue.
The bank will send a verification code to your phone in two ways: via SMS or a phone call. Select SMS, then press 進む (Proceed) to continue.On the next page, enter the verification code you just received and press 進む (Proceed).
Next, enter the 4-digit password for your ATM card and press 進む (Proceed). The screen will move to the 申し込む (Apply) page where you confirm the content and simply press この内容で申し込む (Apply with this information).Next, check the boxes below to agree to the terms of use of Rakuten:
上記内容を確認し、確認しました (I have confirmed the above information) —> 同意して申し込む (Agree and apply)
Continue similarly by checking 上記内容を確認し、確認しました (I have confirmed the above information) —> 同意して申し込む (Agree and apply).
Then check the box 位置情報と通信履歴の提供に同意します (I agree to provide location information and communication history).Finally, press 同意して申し込む (Agree and apply) to complete the Rakuten SIM registration.
After completing the registration, you will receive a notification email from Rakuten.
If your application is not rejected (due to bank account issues, card expiration, or any other reason), you will receive a notification that your SIM has been sent. After about 3-4 days (excluding weekends and holidays), you will receive the SIM.
Once you receive the SIM, follow the included instructions to set it up and you can start using it right away!
