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Mobile Services in Japan

A neutral map of the main networks, their online-focused plans, sub-brands, and low-cost SIMs.

Last checked: 2026-08-29 (JST)Application methods and support options can change. Always check the latest official information before applying.
Neutral by designThis site does not rank carriers or recommend one. The aim is to show how sign-up and support differ, so you can match a plan to how you want to be helped.

Networks (own infrastructure)

DOCOMO (standard)Standard plan

NTT DOCOMO network

Full store procedure
au (standard)Standard plan

au network

Full store procedure
SoftBank (standard)Standard plan

SoftBank network

Full store procedure
Rakuten MobileStandard plan

Rakuten Mobile network (with partner-network roaming in some areas)

Full store procedure

Online-focused plans

ahamoOnline-focused plan

NTT DOCOMO network

Paid store assistance
povo2.0Online-focused plan

au network

No store support
LINEMOOnline-focused plan

SoftBank network

No store support

Sub-brands

UQ mobileSub-brand

au network

Full store procedure
Y!mobileSub-brand

SoftBank network

Full store procedure

Low-cost SIM (MVNO)

Low-cost SIM (MVNO)Low-cost SIM (MVNO)

Rented capacity on a major network — speeds can drop at busy times

Check with the store

“Big carrier” does not mean “full store service”

Network

au network

Coverage and call quality come from here.

Support channel

App, chat and website only. No shop counter.

Where you get help is a separate question from whose network you are on.

Related guides

Related guides

Carrier, Brand, Plan — What's the Difference?Online-only / Online-focused PlansStore Support Explained

Sources

Japan Phone Guide

A personal information site about mobile phones in Japan — made and kept up by one person, not a company or a carrier. It does not sell contracts.

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A personal information site, run by one individual. Not a company, not a carrier, and not affiliated with any of them.

The information here is shared in good faith but may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. Use it at your own risk: no responsibility or compensation is accepted for any loss, cost or disadvantage arising from this content or from anything done based on it. Always confirm with the official source — and, where it matters, a qualified professional — before you decide.

Plan names, prices and conditions were checked against the linked official sources as of 2026-08-29 (JST). Terms can change; confirm the official page before applying.

NTT DOCOMO, au, KDDI, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, povo, LINEMO, UQ mobile, Y!mobile, and other carrier, brand and plan names are trademarks of their respective owners. Netflix, Disney+, DAZN, Amazon, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Hulu, Lemino, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and other service names are trademarks of their respective owners. This is a personal site, not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any of them, and uses these names only to describe the services factually.

© 2026 Japan Phone Guide. Official source: 総務省 / MIC.