Your address can look right—and still stop Rakuten eKYC.

Start with two dates, not the SIM type

Japan introduced new-format residence cards and integrated residence/My Number cards on June 14, 2026. Rakuten's current identity page separates those cards from older residence cards and also warns about old cards whose visible address may not match the IC-chip record.

• If your residence card was issued with no address, the chip may not contain the address needed for Simple Mobile ID Verification.
• If your latest residence notification was completed by June 13, 2026, Rakuten says the back of the card can show the current address while the IC chip was not updated.
• Second-generation residence cards and integrated Specified Residence Cards issued from June 14 cannot currently use Rakuten's Simple Mobile ID Verification route.
• Check the card issue date and the date of your last address registration before choosing an online eSIM path.

Choose the identity route before you apply

Simple Mobile ID Verification reads an eligible card's IC chip through a supported NFC phone and current app. When the chip lacks the correct address, or when the card is one of the new June 14 formats listed by Rakuten, the current official instruction is to apply at a Rakuten Mobile shop.

• Do not keep rescanning a card that the official page places on the shop route. Make a shop reservation and bring the original document.
• Rakuten's English online guide lists other identity methods, but it also says home-delivery verification is unavailable for a plan-only eSIM application.
• The card-specific notice should control the route. Do not assume a different online option overrides the shop instruction for an affected residence card.
• A shop route changes where identity is checked; it does not guarantee approval, same-day service, stock, or eSIM activation.

Make every identity field match before the visit

Rakuten's current residence-card requirements say the name, address, and date of birth must match the application, the card must be valid, the address must be shown, and the face photo must be visible. Foreign residents should build the application from the legal document rather than a nickname or preferred spelling.

• If the card shows the name in both kanji and Roman letters, Rakuten instructs applicants to enter the contract information in Roman letters.
• Take the original residence card or special permanent resident certificate to the shop; copies are not accepted for in-store identity checks.
• If the address itself is not current, complete the appropriate municipal or immigration procedure before treating the document as ready.
• Rakuten's FAQ says an address change made by June 13 may require residence-card reissuance at a regional immigration office to update the chip. Confirm the latest process with the authority before acting.

Keep arrival data until the Japanese number works

This route is for residents who need a continuing Japanese phone number, standard carrier SMS, or normal calls. It is not a shortcut for a short-term visitor who only needs maps, translation, train apps, hotel messages, or web access.

• Keep the old SIM or an arrival data eSIM active for maps, email, appointment changes, and application messages.
• Do not move bank, housing, school, work, delivery, or essential 2FA accounts until the Rakuten number and standard SMS work on your phone.
• If you only need travel data, compare visitor data-only eSIMs first; they normally do not provide a Japanese number or standard carrier SMS.
• Identity, payment, device compatibility, screening, and activation still apply after the correct document route is chosen.

Use a low-risk application order

Decide whether a Rakuten resident line fits, inspect the card and chip-address history, choose online or shop identity, then choose SIM/eSIM and prepare the device. This order prevents a fast-activation headline from hiding a document-route problem.

• Review the Rakuten plan and Link guide before committing to the line.
• Compare alternatives on the resident plans page, and use the Rakuten English-support guide to prepare for assistance.
• Read the FAQ if Japanese numbers, SMS, eSIM, device, or bridge-connectivity needs are still unclear.
• This site includes referral links. Use the referral page only after the official identity route, plan fit, payment, device, and current campaign conditions have been checked on application day.