Rakuten Mobile Free Call System Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan looking for a smartphone plan that saves you money on calls, Rakuten Mobile deserves a serious look. One of its most talked-about features is the free unlimited calling system — but how does it actually work, and is it worth switching for? This guide breaks everything down in plain English, including how to maximize your signup bonus through an employee referral campaign.
What Makes Rakuten Mobile’s Call System Different?
Most mobile carriers in Japan charge per minute for phone calls, typically around ¥22 per 30 seconds. If you make even a moderate number of calls each month, those charges add up fast. Rakuten Mobile takes a different approach.
With Rakuten Mobile, you can make unlimited free calls using the dedicated app called Rakuten Link. As long as you use this app — rather than the standard phone dialer — your domestic calls are completely free, with no time limit.
How Rakuten Link Works
Rakuten Link is a communication app developed specifically for Rakuten Mobile users. Here’s what you need to know:
- Available for both iOS and Android
- Calls are made over the internet (VoIP-style), but the recipient hears a normal phone call
- The caller’s Rakuten Mobile number is displayed on the recipient’s screen — not an app-specific number
- Supports calls to landlines and mobile numbers across Japan for free
- Also includes free SMS messaging within the app
One important practical point: the call is transmitted via Rakuten’s network or Wi-Fi, and while call quality is generally good, it can occasionally differ slightly from a standard carrier call. That said, most users find it perfectly acceptable for everyday use.
What Is Not Free
No system is completely without limits. A few call types are not covered by the free calling feature:
- Calls to toll-free numbers (0120, 0800) — though these are typically free to call from any phone in Japan
- Calls to special service numbers (0570 dial lines, international numbers)
- Calls made using the default phone app instead of Rakuten Link
This last point is easy to forget. If you accidentally call someone using the built-in phone app rather than Rakuten Link, you will be charged the standard per-minute rate. It’s worth making Rakuten Link your default or getting into the habit of opening it for calls.
The Monthly Plan: ¥3,278 for Unlimited Data + Free Calls
Beyond the free calling feature, Rakuten Mobile’s pricing structure is refreshingly simple. There is essentially one plan:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | ¥3,278 (tax included) |
| Data | Unlimited (no speed cap) |
| Domestic calls | Free via Rakuten Link |
| SMS | Free via Rakuten Link |
| Contract period | None (cancel anytime) |
For context, this is notably cheaper than the main plans offered by NTT Docomo, au, or SoftBank, which typically range from ¥4,000 to ¥7,000+ per month for comparable data. The combination of unlimited data and free calling at ¥3,278/month is one of the more competitive offers available in Japan right now.
If you’re currently on a major carrier and paying more than this, switching could save you ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per month — and that’s before any signup bonus points.
Employee Referral Campaign: Extra Points When You Sign Up
Here’s where things get especially interesting for newcomers. Rakuten Mobile currently runs an employee referral campaign that gives you bonus Rakuten Points when you sign up through a referral link — and the amounts are meaningfully higher than the standard campaign.
How Much Can You Get?
| Signup Method | Points Received |
|---|---|
| MNP (switching from another carrier) via referral | 14,000 points |
| New number signup via referral | 11,000 points |
| MNP via standard campaign (no referral) | 13,000 points |
If you’re switching via MNP (Mobile Number Portability — transferring your existing phone number to Rakuten), using a referral link gives you 1,000 extra points compared to the standard campaign. For new number signups, the referral advantage is even more significant.
Rakuten Points can be used like cash across a huge ecosystem: Rakuten Ichiba (online shopping), Rakuten Pay, partner convenience stores, and much more. For daily life in Japan, having 14,000 points to spend is genuinely useful.
When Are the Points Paid Out?
The points are distributed in three installments, starting 4 months after the month you logged in via the referral link. This is a specific timing rule worth noting:
- The “referral login month” is when you first visit and log in through the referral URL
- Points begin arriving 4 months after that month
- They are split across 3 separate monthly payments
For example, if you log in via the referral link in June, you would start receiving points in October. This is not unusual for Rakuten campaigns — it’s a standard delayed distribution structure.
Other Things to Know
- Each person can have a maximum of 5 lines registered under one account
- The referral campaign applies per line, so if you’re signing up multiple lines, each one can potentially qualify
- Terms can change, so always verify current conditions on the official campaign page before applying
Is Rakuten Mobile Suitable for Foreigners in Japan?
This is a practical question worth addressing directly. Rakuten Mobile can be a good fit for foreign residents, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Signup Requirements
To sign up, you will need:
- A valid residence card (在留カード, Zairyu Card)
- A Japanese bank account or credit card for payment
- A My Number may be required in some cases (for identity verification)
- A smartphone compatible with Rakuten’s network bands (most modern international phones are compatible, but it’s worth checking)
The online signup process is available in Japanese, but many foreign residents complete it without issues, especially with browser translation tools.
Network Coverage
Rakuten Mobile operates its own 4G/5G network, primarily in major urban areas. In more rural areas, it roams onto au’s network. For foreign residents living in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or other large cities, coverage is generally solid. If you travel or live in rural Japan regularly, it may be worth checking the coverage map for your specific area.
If you’re considering switching from au specifically, you might find the detailed breakdown in this article helpful: Rakuten Mobile for Foreigners in Japan: AU Switch Demerits & Complete Guide [2026 Guide].
Similarly, if you’re currently on Docomo, this guide covers what to expect: Rakuten Mobile Docomo Switch Demerits & Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].
Language Support
Customer support is primarily in Japanese. However, the app interfaces and basic service management can be navigated with translation apps. If you’re comfortable with everyday Japanese or have a Japanese-speaking friend to assist, setup and management are generally straightforward.
How to Sign Up via Referral Link
The process is fairly simple:
- Click the referral link — this is important; you need to log in or access the page through the referral URL to qualify for the bonus points
- Log in to your Rakuten account (create one if you don’t have it yet)
- Choose your plan — select whether you want MNP or a new number
- Complete identity verification with your residence card
- Set up payment method
- Receive your SIM or eSIM and set up Rakuten Link
The entire process can often be completed online. If you prefer to apply in person at a Rakuten Mobile store, that’s also possible — though for referral campaigns, make sure the store process correctly links your application to the referral. For guidance on applying in-store with a referral, see: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral In-Store Application: How to Apply at a Shop [2026 Guide].
Summary: Is It Worth Switching?
Let’s put the key points together:
- Free unlimited domestic calls via Rakuten Link — no per-minute charges
- Unlimited data at a flat ¥3,278/month
- Up to 14,000 Rakuten Points when signing up via employee referral (MNP)
- No contract lock-in — cancel anytime
For foreign residents who make a reasonable number of calls in Japan, the savings from eliminating per-minute charges alone can justify the switch. Add the monthly fee savings compared to major carriers, and the math often works in Rakuten’s favor.
That said, it’s worth being honest: if you need premium customer support in languages other than Japanese, or if you live in a rural area with spotty coverage, it may not be the right fit for everyone.
Ready to Sign Up?
If you’d like to sign up through the employee referral campaign to receive the bonus points (14,000 points for MNP / 11,000 points for new signup), you can access the referral link here:
👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link
Remember to log in through this link first to ensure the referral is properly recorded. The points arrive in installments starting 4 months after your referral login month, so the earlier you sign up, the sooner those points become available.
Whether you’re switching from Docomo, au, SoftBank, or another carrier, the combination of free calls and competitive pricing makes Rakuten Mobile worth considering as your next mobile plan in Japan.