When Do You Need a Phone Number in Japan?

Having a phone number is essential for life in Japan, and this need becomes even more pronounced for foreigners staying in the country. In this article, we’ll explore specific situations where a phone number is necessary and provide a detailed guide on how foreigners can get one. Whether you're about to start your life in Japan or are planning an extended stay, this information will be invaluable. Be sure to read through to the end!

The Role of a Phone Number in Japan

When considering life or travel in Japan, having a phone number plays a surprisingly important role. Whether it’s for daily convenience, emergency situations, public procedures, or even communication with friends, a phone number allows you to smoothly access a wide range of services. Let’s take a closer look at the key roles a phone number serves in Japan.

In this way, a Japanese phone number is indispensable for various aspects of daily life. For foreigners planning to live or travel in Japan, having a local phone number will make their stay more comfortable and convenient.

Smartphone Apps Requiring a Phone Number in Japan

For foreigners living in Japan, having a Japanese phone number is extremely important. Using lifestyle service apps not only makes daily life more convenient but also significantly enriches the experience of living in Japan. 

 Payment Services

In Japan, electronic payments have become a staple of daily life, with many people able to go without carrying cash. A particularly popular payment app is PayPay, which requires a Japanese phone number to use. With PayPay, you can not only make standard payments but also request to split bills with friends or pay utility bills. Points are rewarded on every transaction, making it a very convenient option.

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Scenes from everyday life

Using lifestyle service apps can make daily life more convenient, though a Japanese phone number is required for many of these apps. For instance, Mercari is an online flea market app where you can easily buy and sell items like clothing, accessories, and electronics, making it a great way to save on living expenses. Tabelog provides reviews and ratings of restaurants across Japan, making it easy to find dining options. Additionally, Uber Eats offers quick food delivery, allowing you to enjoy a variety of restaurant meals from the comfort of your home.

Government Information

Mynaportal is an online platform provided by the Japanese government to manage individual My Numbers (personal identification numbers) and simplify various government-related procedures. To use Mynaportal, a Japanese phone number is required for identity verification and to receive important notifications related to procedures.

It offers a wide range of functions, including managing personal information, submitting applications online, issuing certificates, managing health insurance, responding to emergencies, and accessing public services.

For more information on Mynaportal, please refer to the following website.

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ticket Purchases and Lotteries

When purchasing concert tickets in Japan, a phone number is typically required to verify your identity during the process and to receive important notifications. 

Reference: 【完全攻略】ライブ・コンサートのチケットの買い方4選。先行と一般販売の違いは？

Social Media

LINE is an extremely popular communication app in Japan, used by 83.7% of Japanese smartphone and mobile phone users, with 80-90% usage among a broad age range from teens to those in their 60s. To use LINE, registering with a Japanese phone number is required. Although it is possible to create an account without a phone number, doing so restricts access to certain features, like payment functions, and may prevent account access if you switch devices without a registered phone number.

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Emergency Contact Methods During Disasters

In the event of an emergency in Japan, you can quickly reach emergency services such as the police, fire department, or ambulance to ensure safety.

However, during disasters, the demand for safety confirmations often surges, putting a strain on communication systems, which may make regular contact methods difficult to use. To prepare for these situations, the "Disaster Emergency Message Dial 171" system has been set up for reporting and checking on loved ones' safety.

With this service, individuals in affected areas can record a message about their safety, which family and friends can then access to confirm their well-being, enabling quick safety checks in emergencies.

Steps to record a message:

1. Dial “171.”

2. Follow the guidance and press 1.

3. If you are in the affected area, dial your home or contact number, including the area code. If you are outside the affected area, dial the phone number of the person in the disaster area, including the area code.

4. Record your message within 30 seconds.

For more detailed information, please refer to this site.

Essential Procedures Requiring a Phone Number in Japan

For foreigners coming to Japan for the first time, not having a Japanese phone number makes many documents and procedures significantly more difficult.

Below are common cases where a phone number is required:

Having a valid Japanese phone number is highly recommended to ensure that these procedures go smoothly. Especially for lengthy processes or cases where additional documents may be required, a phone number provides a reliable means of contact.

For foreigners planning to stay in Japan, obtaining a Japanese phone number is crucial, as it makes accessing many public and private services easier and enhances overall convenience in daily life.

How to Get a SIM Card in Japan

So far, we’ve covered situations where a Japanese phone number is necessary, but do you know how to get a SIM card? There are various options for purchasing a SIM card, each with its own features.

Here, we’ll introduce the methods for acquiring a SIM card to ensure you have smooth and convenient access to communication services.

Purchasing Online

You can order a SIM card online before arriving in Japan, allowing you to start using the internet immediately upon arrival, which is highly convenient. Many telecom companies operate online shops, offering a variety of data plans and SIM card options. Notable providers include GTN Mobile, Rakuten Mobile, and au Mobile.

Purchasing at the airport

Major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai International, Chubu International, etc.) have SIM card sales counters. Here, you can either purchase a SIM card directly upon arrival or pick up a SIM card pre-ordered online. The process is simple—just show your passport, and you can quickly receive and activate your SIM card.

Purchasing at Retail Stores

Many electronics retailers in Japan, such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, as well as some convenience stores, offer SIM cards. You can buy a SIM card in-store and complete the activation on the spot with staff support, making it easy even for foreigners who may not be fluent in Japanese.

How to Make International Calls from a Japanese Phone Number

After obtaining a Japanese phone number, you may need to make calls to your home country. Here, we explain how to make international calls from Japan to your country. Specifically, we’ll cover how to call four countries: Taiwan, the United States, China, and South Korea.

First, dial the international access number “010,” then enter the country code, followed by the area code (if required) and the phone number.

1. To call Taiwan:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 886

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

・Example: 010-886-2-XXXX-XXXX (for Taipei City)

2. To call the United States:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 1

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

・Example: 010-1-212-XXXX-XXXX (for New York City)

3. To call China:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 86

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

・Example: 010-86-10-XXXX-XXXX (for Beijing)

4. To call South Korea:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 82

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

・Example: 010-82-2-XXXX-XXXX (Seoul Special City)

By following these steps, you can easily make international calls from Japan to these countries. However, international call rates are typically high, so it’s recommended to choose a telecom provider that offers cost-effective plans or discounts for international calls. Additionally, using internet calling services like LINE or Facebook Messenger can help you save on call charges.

Reference: 日本からかける・送る（国際電話・国際SMS）｜docomo

If you're looking for a mobile service for foreigners, we recommend [GTN Mobile]!

GTN Mobile staff provide multilingual services to assist foreign tourists.

Now, let's introduce “GTN Mobile”, a highly recommended communication service provider for foreigners in Japan.

Features of GTN Mobile:

・Multilingual Customer Support

・5G High-Speed Network

・Simple Contracts

In addition, you can make payments at convenience stores nationwide, so you don't have to worry if you don't have a credit card. Why not make your mobile life in Japan more comfortable with GTN Mobile ?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: I don’t have a Japanese bank account. Can I still apply?

A1: You can choose from several payment methods, including credit cards, bank account auto-debit, or cash payments at convenience stores. Even if you’ve just arrived in Japan and don’t have a credit card or Japanese bank account, you can still apply.

Q2: What if I don’t speak Japanese? How can I sign up for a SIM card?

A2:  GTN Mobile offers support in six languages, so you’re covered even if you’re not fluent in Japanese.

Q3: Can I apply before coming to Japan?

A3: Yes, you can apply before arriving, and pick up your SIM card at the airport. SIM cards can be collected at Narita, Haneda, Chubu Centrair, and Kansai International Airports in Japan.

Q4: What is the quickest I can receive my SIM card?

A4: If there are no issues with your application, the review and shipment can be completed as quickly as the same day.

Click here for more information about GTN Mobile!

Conclusion

How was this article?

We have explained the importance of having a phone number in Japan, how to obtain one, and various situations where it can be useful. Having a Japanese phone number will make life more convenient and allow you to access a wide range of services smoothly during your stay in Japan. With this information in hand, we hope you enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable life or travel experience in Japan!