Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile: Pros, Cons & Complete Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan currently on SoftBank, you’ve probably noticed the monthly bill creeping up — especially if you’re on an unlimited data plan. Rakuten Mobile has been quietly becoming a serious contender, and many expats are now making the switch. But is it the right move for you?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the real pros and cons, the cost breakdown, and how to take advantage of Rakuten Mobile’s current referral campaign to earn up to 14,000 Rakuten Points.
Why Foreign Residents Are Leaving SoftBank
SoftBank isn’t a bad carrier. It has strong coverage, solid customer support, and plenty of plan options. But for many foreign residents — especially those watching their monthly expenses — the pricing can feel hard to justify.
A typical SoftBank unlimited plan often costs ¥7,000–¥9,000 or more per month, before any discounts. Even with family bundle discounts or promotional pricing, many users end up paying significantly more than they need to for data they may not fully use.
If you travel internationally, work remotely, or simply want to reduce fixed expenses in Japan, it makes sense to at least compare your options.
Rakuten Mobile at a Glance
Rakuten Mobile offers one simple plan: ¥3,278/month (tax included), with truly unlimited data on the Rakuten network. There are no tiered plans, no complicated option packages, and no hidden speed throttling under a certain cap.
For a quick comparison of how this stacks up against SoftBank, Docomo, and au, check out this detailed breakdown: Rakuten Mobile vs Docomo au Softbank Price Comparison for Foreigners in Japan.
The potential monthly savings alone — often ¥3,000–¥6,000 per month depending on your current plan — are enough to get most people interested. Over a full year, that’s ¥36,000–¥72,000 back in your pocket.
The Pros of Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile
✅ Significantly Lower Monthly Cost
The most obvious benefit. At ¥3,278/month for unlimited data, Rakuten Mobile is one of the most affordable full-service options in Japan. You’re not giving up speed or data — you’re simply paying less for it.
✅ No Contract Lock-In
Rakuten Mobile has no long-term contract requirements. You can cancel or switch at any time without penalty fees. This is particularly valuable for foreign residents whose stay in Japan may be flexible or uncertain.
✅ Integration with the Rakuten Ecosystem
If you already use Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Card, or other Rakuten services, having a Rakuten Mobile line can boost your SPU (Super Point Up) multiplier — meaning you earn more Rakuten Points on everyday spending. Over time, this can add up to meaningful savings. Learn more in How to Maximize Rakuten Ecosystem Savings with Smartphone in Japan.
✅ Up to 14,000 Points via Employee Referral
This is a big one. Rakuten Mobile currently runs a referral campaign where signing up through an employee referral link gives you more points than the standard campaign.
Here’s how it compares:
| Application Method | MNP Switch | New Signup |
|---|---|---|
| Normal campaign | 13,000 points | — |
| Employee referral | 14,000 points | 11,000 points |
That’s 1,000 extra points on top of the standard MNP campaign — just for using a referral link. Points are paid out in 3 installments, starting 4 months after the referral login month, so you’ll want to keep your line active in the meantime.
✅ Overseas Roaming Included (2GB Free)
Rakuten Mobile includes 2GB of free overseas roaming data, which is genuinely useful if you travel back home or take trips around Asia. SoftBank charges extra for international data add-ons. You can read more about how this works here: Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming Free 2GB: How to Use It Abroad as a Foreign Resident in Japan.
The Cons of Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile
⚠️ Network Coverage Can Be Patchy in Rural Areas
Rakuten Mobile’s own network (Band 3) is strongest in urban areas — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other major cities. In rural areas or mountainous regions, it falls back on au’s network (through a roaming agreement), which may result in slightly reduced speeds or limited coverage.
If you live in a rural area or frequently travel through the Japanese countryside, this is worth considering carefully.
⚠️ Customer Support May Be Harder for Non-Japanese Speakers
SoftBank has more developed multilingual customer support infrastructure. Rakuten Mobile’s support is primarily in Japanese, which can be a barrier if you’re not yet comfortable with the language. However, many foreigners navigate this successfully using translation apps or with the help of Japanese-speaking friends.
⚠️ Point Payout Has a Delay
As mentioned, the referral points are distributed in installments starting 4 months after the referral login month. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s good to go in with realistic expectations — you won’t receive all 14,000 points immediately.
⚠️ Some Devices May Need Configuration
If you’re bringing your SoftBank handset to Rakuten Mobile, most modern unlocked smartphones will work fine. However, SIM-locked devices (older models) may need to be unlocked first. Check compatibility on Rakuten Mobile’s official website before switching.
How to Switch: MNP Process Overview
Switching via MNP (Mobile Number Portability) lets you keep your current phone number. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
- Get your MNP transfer number (MNP予約番号) from SoftBank — via the My SoftBank app, phone, or in-store
- Sign up for Rakuten Mobile using the referral link (MNP option)
- Insert your new SIM or eSIM and complete the activation
- Your number will transfer automatically, usually within minutes for eSIM
The whole process can often be done online in under 30 minutes if you have everything ready.
Is the Referral Campaign Worth It?
Honestly, yes — especially if you’re already planning to switch. An extra 14,000 Rakuten Points (for MNP) is equivalent to ¥14,000 in Rakuten ecosystem spending. Combined with the monthly savings versus SoftBank, the financial case is strong.
Note that up to 5 lines per person can be referred, so if you’re considering switching your family as well, the referral benefits multiply accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile isn’t the right choice for everyone — but for many foreign residents in Japan who live in urban areas, don’t need premium multilingual support, and want to cut down on monthly costs, it’s a very compelling option.
The ¥3,278/month unlimited plan, the lack of contract lock-in, and the current referral campaign offering 14,000 points for MNP make this a good time to consider making the move.
If you’d like to sign up using an employee referral and receive the full 14,000 points (MNP) or 11,000 points (new signup), you can use the link below:
👉 Apply via Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral
Take your time to review your current SoftBank contract terms, check device compatibility, and decide what works best for your situation. But if the numbers make sense for you, the switch is generally smooth and straightforward.