Get a Japanese phone number — required by banks, landlords, and almost every online service.
Not verified yet
Drafted from general knowledge. Bank, carrier, and agency requirements vary significantly between companies and change often — confirm with the specific branch or shop before relying on this.
Why it matters
A Japanese number is an identity document in practice. You cannot complete a rental application, most bank applications, or many delivery services without one.
- Deadline
- No legal deadline
- Cost
- Set by your city
- Time
- 1–3 hours in shop
Do these first
What to bring
- Residence Card在留カード·zairyū kādo
- Japanese bank account or credit card銀行口座またはクレジットカード·ginkō kōza / kurejitto kādo
Major carriers generally require one. Prepaid and some MVNO plans do not — which is how you break the loop.
How it goes
- 1
Decide: major carrier or MVNO
Major carriers have shops and English support but stricter contract requirements. MVNOs (budget SIM providers) are cheaper and often accept card payment without a Japanese bank account, making them the practical first step for new arrivals.
- 2
Check your residence card expiry
Contract length is commonly limited by how long your residence status has left to run. If your card expires soon, expect a shorter contract or additional checks.
- 3
Complete the contract
Bring your residence card and your payment method. Allow more time than you expect — the paperwork is long even in Japanese.
Say this
携帯電話を契約したいのですが。
Keitai denwa o keiyaku shitai no desu ga.
I would like to sign up for a phone contract.