Rakuten Link App Complete Guide – Free Calls for Foreigners in Japan

If you’re a foreign resident in Japan thinking about switching your mobile carrier, you’ve probably heard of Rakuten Mobile. The unlimited data plan at ¥3,278 per month (tax included) is already attractive — but one feature that often gets overlooked is the Rakuten Link app, which allows you to make free domestic calls to any number in Japan. For foreigners who regularly call Japanese banks, city offices, hospitals, or friends, this can be a genuine game-changer.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Rakuten Link app: what it does, how to set it up, and why it matters for daily life in Japan.

What Is the Rakuten Link App?

Rakuten Link is a free communication app included with Rakuten Mobile. It’s not just a VoIP app for calling other Rakuten users — it enables free domestic calls to any phone number in Japan, including landlines and mobile numbers on other carriers. It also supports free domestic SMS messaging.

This is one of Rakuten Mobile’s most unique selling points. Most carriers in Japan charge per-minute fees for calls even on “unlimited” plans. With Rakuten Link, those charges disappear entirely.

Why This Matters Especially for Foreigners

Living in Japan as a foreign resident involves a surprising amount of phone-based communication. You’ll need to call:

City hall or ward offices for residency registration and procedures
Banks and financial institutions, many of which still require phone verification
Hospitals and clinics for appointments
Utility companies when setting up electricity, gas, or internet
Landlords and real estate agencies

Many of these numbers are landlines or toll-free numbers that can be costly on standard plans. With Rakuten Link, all of these calls are free, which makes day-to-day life significantly more affordable and stress-free.

How to Set Up Rakuten Link

Getting started with Rakuten Link is straightforward. Here’s the basic process:

After activating your Rakuten Mobile SIM, download the Rakuten Link app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). It’s free.

Step 2: Log In with Your Rakuten ID

Open the app and log in using your Rakuten ID — the same account you used to sign up for Rakuten Mobile. Make sure you’re connected to either your Rakuten Mobile data or Wi-Fi during setup.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

The app will prompt you to verify your Rakuten Mobile phone number via SMS. This is a quick process and confirms the link between your account and your number.

Step 4: Grant Required Permissions

Allow Rakuten Link access to your microphone and contacts. Without these, calls and messaging won’t function properly.

Step 5: Start Calling and Messaging

Once set up, simply open the app and dial any domestic number directly. The interface is similar to a standard phone dialer, so there’s no steep learning curve.

Important Tips for Using Rakuten Link Effectively

Always Use the App for Calls

Free calls are only free when made through the Rakuten Link app. If you use your phone’s default dialer instead, standard call charges apply. Make it a habit to open Rakuten Link whenever you need to make a domestic call.

Wi-Fi Calling Works Too

Rakuten Link supports calling over Wi-Fi. This is helpful when you’re in an area with weak or no mobile signal, such as underground floors of buildings. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, calls and messages go through without issue.

International Calls Are Not Free

It’s worth clarifying: international calls are not included in the free calling feature. Rakuten Link does offer international calling to select countries at reduced rates compared to standard carriers, but these are paid services. If you frequently call family abroad, you may want to combine Rakuten Link with apps like WhatsApp or LINE for overseas communication.

SMS via Rakuten Link

You can also send free SMS messages through Rakuten Link to any domestic number. This is particularly useful for receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) from banks and services — though keep in mind that some financial institutions in Japan require SMS reception on a standard phone number, which Rakuten Mobile’s number does support.

Rakuten Link and MNP: Even More Reason to Switch

If you’re considering porting your number from another carrier (MNP), combining that move with the right campaign can make the switch significantly more rewarding financially.

Currently, Rakuten Mobile runs a standard MNP campaign offering 13,000 Rakuten Points. However, if you apply through an employee referral link, that figure increases to 14,000 points for MNP — that’s 1,000 points more than the regular campaign. For a new signup (without number transfer), the referral campaign offers 11,000 points.

Points are distributed in three installments, beginning approximately four months after the month of your referral login. This is worth keeping in mind when planning your switch timing. For a detailed breakdown of when exactly to apply for maximum benefit, check out this helpful guide: Best Time to Switch to Rakuten Mobile Using Employee Referral – When Is It Really Worth It?

Is Rakuten Link Reliable Enough for Everyday Use?

A fair question. Rakuten Link’s call quality depends largely on your connection quality — whether mobile data or Wi-Fi. In major urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, most users report stable, clear call quality. In rural areas, reliability may vary depending on network coverage.

One thing to keep in mind: some automated phone systems (like those used by government offices or banks) may not recognize calls coming from Rakuten Link in rare cases. If this happens, try calling back using a standard dialer — though you’ll incur standard charges for that specific call.

For most users, Rakuten Link handles the vast majority of everyday calls without issue.

Who Benefits Most from Rakuten Link?

Rakuten Link is particularly well-suited for:

Foreign residents who frequently deal with Japanese institutions by phone
Students and young professionals looking to minimize monthly expenses
Freelancers and remote workers who need reliable communication without a heavy bill
Families — Rakuten Mobile allows up to 5 lines per person, so the savings on calls multiply across a household

If you’re still comparing options and want a broader overview, this article covers the landscape well: Best SIM Card for Foreigners Living in Japan – Why Rakuten Mobile Stands Out

Getting Started with the Referral Bonus

If you’ve decided Rakuten Mobile is right for you, applying through an employee referral link is simply a smarter way to sign up — you get more points for the same plan, with no additional cost or commitment.

The referral link below connects you to an active employee referral campaign:

👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link

MNP (number transfer): 14,000 Rakuten Points
New signup: 11,000 Rakuten Points
Monthly fee: ¥3,278 (tax included), unlimited data

If you’d like a step-by-step walkthrough of the actual application process, this guide covers it in plain, practical terms: How to Apply for Rakuten Mobile via Employee Referral Link Step by Step

Final Thoughts

The Rakuten Link app might not be the flashiest feature in the world, but for foreigners navigating daily life in Japan, free domestic calls to any number is genuinely useful. Combined with an affordable unlimited data plan and a generous point bonus through a referral campaign, Rakuten Mobile presents a compelling package — not just on paper, but in practice.

If you’re ready to make the switch, the referral link above is a straightforward starting point.