When Do You Need a Phone Number in Japan?

A phone number is essential for living in Japan, and the need for one becomes even more important when a foreigner is staying in Japan.

In this article, we will explain in detail the specific situations in which you will need a phone number in Japan and how foreigners can obtain one. We will provide useful information for those who are about to start living in Japan, so please read to the end!

The role of telephone numbers in Japan

When considering living or traveling in Japan, telephone numbers play a surprisingly important role. Having a telephone number allows you to smoothly use a variety of services, from convenience in daily life and emergency response, to official procedures and even communication with friends. Here, we take a closer look at the important role that telephone numbers play in Japan.

As you can see, Japanese phone numbers are essential in many aspects of life. Foreigners planning to live or travel in Japan will be able to live more comfortably if they have a Japanese phone number during their stay in Japan.

Smartphone apps in Japan that require phone number registration

It is very important for foreigners to have a Japanese phone number when living in Japan. It not only makes daily life more convenient when using apps for daily life services, but also greatly enriches the living experience.

Here we will introduce some apps that are essential for life in Japan, but you will need to register or log in to these apps using a Japanese phone number.

Payment scene

Electronic payments have become a part of everyday life in Japan, and many people no longer need to carry cash. A particularly popular payment app in Japan is PayPay. To use PayPay, you need a Japanese phone number, and in addition to making regular payments, you can also request splitting bills with friends and pay utility bills. It's very convenient because you get points for every payment.

Reference: What are the benefits of paying utility bills with PayPay? We also introduce point rewards and other benefits.

Scenes from everyday life

Using apps for daily life services can make your daily life more convenient, but you need a Japanese phone number to use these apps. For example, Mercari is an online flea market app that allows you to easily buy and sell clothes, miscellaneous goods, electronic devices, etc., and is a way to save on living expenses. Tabelog provides reviews and ratings of restaurants across the country, making it useful for finding restaurants. Also, Uber Eats provides a fast food delivery service, allowing you to enjoy the taste of various restaurants from the comfort of your home.

Government agency information

Mynaportal is an online platform provided by the Japanese government to manage individuals' My Number (individual number) and simplify various procedures with the government. To use Mynaportal, you will be asked to register a Japanese phone number. This is necessary to receive important notifications regarding identity verification and procedures.

We offer a wide range of functions, including management of personal information, online applications, issuance of certificates, management of health insurance, response to disasters, and use of public services.

If you are using My Number Portal, please refer to the following website.

Reference: How to register My Number Portal account information (for iPhone)

Ticket purchase and lottery

When purchasing concert tickets in Japan, you will usually be required to provide a phone number. This is to verify your identity during the purchase process and to receive important notifications. Your phone number may also be required for concert ticket lotteries in Japan. It is common for concerts of popular artists and large-scale events to use a lottery system to ensure fair ticket distribution. In this case, participants will register their phone number and receive notifications of the lottery results.

Reference: Complete Guide: 4 ways to buy tickets for live concerts. What is the difference between pre-sale and general sales?

Social Media

LINE is a very popular communication app in Japan. 83.7% of Japanese people with smartphones or mobile phones use it, and 80-90% of Japanese people in a wide age range, from teenagers to those in their 60s, use it.

When using LINE, you need to register a Japanese phone number. You can create an account without a phone number, but in that case, you will not be able to use some functions (such as payment functions). Also, if you do not register a phone number, you may not be able to access your account if you change your smartphone.

Reference: LINE usage rate is 83.7%, with 80-90% of people in their teens to 60s using it

Emergency contact methods in the event of a disaster

In the event of an emergency in Japan, you can ensure your safety by quickly contacting services such as the police, fire department, and ambulances.

However, when a disaster occurs, the demand for safety confirmation increases sharply, putting a strain on the communication system and making it difficult to use general means of communication. In preparation for such situations, the " 171 Disaster Message Dial " has been set up and is mainly used for reporting and confirming the safety of others.

This service allows people in disaster areas to record messages to let others know they are safe, and then family and friends can play those messages to confirm their safety, making it easier to quickly confirm their safety.

Steps to record a message:

1. Dial 171.

2. Follow the instructions and press 1.

3. If you are in the disaster area, dial the area code for your home or contact number. If you are not in the disaster area, dial the area code for the phone number in the disaster area you want to contact.

4. Record your message within 30 seconds.

For more information, please visit this website.

Important procedures that cannot be carried out without a phone number in Japan

For foreigners coming to Japan for the first time, not having a Japanese phone number can make many paperwork and procedures very difficult.

Here are some common cases where a phone number is required:

In order to make these procedures go smoothly, it is important to have a valid phone number in Japan, especially since the process may take some time or you may be asked to submit additional documents, so you will need a phone number as a reliable means of contact.

For foreigners planning to stay in Japan, obtaining a Japanese phone number is essential to ease access to many public and private services and make life more convenient.

How do I get a SIM card in Japan?

So far, we have looked at situations where you need a Japanese phone number, but do you know how to get a SIM card? There are various options for purchasing a SIM card, each with its own characteristics.

Here we will introduce three ways to purchase SIM cards to enable convenient and smooth use of communication services.

Buy online

You can pre-order a SIM card online before you arrive in Japan. This is extremely convenient as it allows you to start using the internet as soon as you arrive. Many telecommunications companies operate online shops where you can choose SIM cards with a variety of data plans and durations. Popular services include GTN Mobile, Rakuten Mobile, and au Mobile.

Purchasing at the airport

There are SIM card sales counters at major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, etc.). You can purchase a SIM card directly after arriving in Japan, or you can pick up a SIM card you ordered online. The process is simple; just show your passport and you can get your SIM card and activate it right away.

Purchase at a SIM store

Many Japanese electronics retailers (such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera) and some convenience stores sell SIM cards. You can purchase a SIM card at the store and activate it on the spot with the help of the staff, so even foreigners who are not fluent in Japanese can easily complete the process.

How do I make an international call from a Japanese phone number to my country?

After getting a Japanese phone number, you will have the opportunity to call your home country from Japan. Here, we will show you how to make international calls to your home country using a Japanese phone number. Specifically, we will explain how to call four countries: Taiwan, the United States, China, and South Korea.

First, dial the international access code "010", then enter the country code for each country, and finally the area code (if necessary) and phone number of the person you are calling.

1. 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. Calling the US:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 1

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

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

3. Calls to China:

・International access number: 010

・Country code: 86

・Phone number: (area code) + phone number

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

4. Call 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 make international calls from Japan. Also, since international calling rates are usually high, we recommend choosing a carrier that offers rate plans and discount options. In addition, you can save on calling charges by using internet calling services such as LINE and Facebook Messenger.

Reference: Calling and sending from Japan (international calls and international SMS) | docomo

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

GTN mobile staff provide multilingual services to accommodate foreign tourists.

From here, we will introduce "GTN Mobile", which offers a particularly recommended communication service for foreigners.

[GTN Mobile Features]

・Multilingual customer support Even if you don't speak Japanese, it's okay! Our professional staff will support you in your language.

・5G-compatible high-speed network

Simple contract

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 ?

【FAQ】

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

A1: We have a wide range of payment options, including credit card, automatic bank transfer, and cash at convenience stores. In addition, even if you are new to Japan and do not have a credit card or a Japanese bank account, you can still sign a contract.

Q2: If I don't understand Japanese, how can I sign up for a SIM card?

A2: GTN Mobile supports six languages, so even those who are not fluent in Japanese can use it.

Q3: Can I apply before coming to Japan?

A3: You can apply before coming to Japan. You can pick it up at the airport in Japan.

Q4: How many days will it take to receive the SIM card?

A4: If there are no issues with your application, we can review and ship your order on the same day.

Click here for more information about GTN Mobile!

summary

How was it?

In this article, we have explained the importance of a phone number in Japan, how to obtain one, and how to use it in various situations. Having a phone number while staying in Japan will make your life more convenient and allow you to use various services smoothly. Use this information to enjoy a comfortable life and trip in Japan!