13,000pts
For applications that keep your current phone number from another carrier.
Referral program
Check the referral points first,
then apply.
With the Rakuten Mobile referral link, qualifying MNP transfers can earn 13,000 points and new contracts can earn 10,000 points. This page focuses on the conditions, documents, and steps you need before applying.
10,000pts
Still eligible even if you apply for a brand-new number.
Key points
Three things to check first
The headline amount matters, but so do the referral link, the use limit, and when the points are actually credited.
Start from the referral link
- The points campaign assumes you begin from the referral link.
- Open the link before starting the application, not halfway through.
- Sign in with your Rakuten ID and stay in the same flow until completion.
Use limit
- Treat the limit as up to five uses per person.
- Multiple contracts under the same name need an extra eligibility check.
- Reconfirm the final conditions on the application screen.
When points arrive
- Points are credited after the qualifying conditions are met.
- They are split across three months rather than paid at once.
- Early cancellation or missed conditions may void the benefit.
Rakuten Points
The reward is issued as usable Rakuten Points.
The referral campaign pays in Rakuten Points, not cash. At 1 point = 1 JPY, they are easier to understand as everyday value across Rakuten services and participating merchants.
1 point = 1 JPY
1Point=1JPY
The referral benefit is paid in Rakuten Points. It is not cash, but the points can be used for common shopping and service payments.
Where you can earn them
- You earn them across Rakuten services such as shopping and travel bookings.
- Participating convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants can also be part of the points ecosystem.
- If you are spending time in Japan, Rakuten point partner stores are common enough to matter.
How to make them more useful
- Use them for shopping, meals, and eligible service payments including Rakuten services.
- Using more Rakuten services, such as Rakuten Mobile, Card, or Bank, can increase point multipliers.
- The more Rakuten services you already use, the more useful the referral reward can be in daily spending.
How it works
Application steps
The common mistakes are starting from the wrong link or entering application details that do not match your documents. The flow itself is only three steps.
1
Open the referral link
Before you start, open the Rakuten Mobile page from the official referral link.
2
Prepare the required details and apply
Check your Rakuten ID, ID verification document, payment method, and MNP reservation number if you're transferring.
3
Wait for points after activation
Treat the reward as points split across three months after the conditions are met, not as a single immediate credit.
Checklist
Documents and preparation
- Identity verification document
- Rakuten ID and password
- Credit card or bank account
- MNP reservation number if transferring
- Make sure the application details match your name
Notes
Notes
- Campaign terms and end dates can change, so check one last time on the application screen.
- Starting directly without the referral link may make the application ineligible.
- The points are credited in installments, not all at once.
- Early cancellation or unmet conditions may void the benefit.
FAQ preview
Common questions before you apply
The FAQ is split into four categories: getting started, plan comparison, referral benefits, and troubleshooting.
Q1. Can I apply before arriving in Japan?
Yes. For eSIM plans, you can prepare before landing using the QR code or activation instructions sent after you apply. Plans that mail a SIM require a confirmed delivery address.
Q2. I'm not sure which plan to choose.
Start by comparing each brand's strengths. Rakuten Mobile is the easiest entry point for English support, ahamo is the Docomo-network roaming option, LINEMO is strong if you use LINE heavily, and povo works best when your usage changes month to month or you want a backup SIM.
Q3. Is eSIM or a physical SIM more convenient?
eSIM is faster if you want to get connected quickly. A physical SIM can be easier if you're unsure about device compatibility or prefer a card you can physically swap.
Q4. Are 'unlimited' plans actually unlimited?
Most plans include throttling conditions during congestion or extreme usage. If you plan to stream heavily, check the fine print before signing up.
Last updated2026-05-13
Official information checked2026-05-13
Comparison criteria
- Pricing
- Data allowance
- eSIM support
- Identity verification
- Payment methods
- Support
- Ease of cancellation
Official sources
- Rakuten Mobile plan details
- Rakuten Mobile referral campaign
- Rakuten Mobile English application guide
- Rakuten Mobile contact and English-language support
- Rakuten Mobile identity verification documents
- Rakuten Mobile eSIM guide
- Rakuten Mobile payment guide for foreign residents
- ahamo plan details
- ahamo overseas data communication
- ahamo application preparation and eSIM checks
- DOCOMO ahamo application guide for foreign residents
- LINEMO plan details
- LINEMO LINE Giga Free details
- LINEMO multilingual application guide
- LINEMO identity verification documents
- povo 2.0 plan details
- povo 2.0 data-only plan details
- povo 2.0 data-only setup procedure
- povo 2.0 English service details
- povo Japan SIM plan details
- povo Japan SIM important information
- Cabinet Legislation Bureau mobile identity verification amendment
Disclosure: This site includes referral links. Comparisons are organized by pricing, data allowance, eSIM support, identity verification, payment methods, support, and ease of cancellation.
Official referral link
Apply from the referral link
If the conditions are clear and your documents are ready, continue from the official referral link below. If not, go back to the plan comparison first.