Everything Foreigners in Japan Need to Know About Switching to Rakuten Mobile in 2026
Thinking about switching your mobile carrier in Japan? You’re not alone. With the cost of living on everyone’s mind, more and more foreign residents are taking a closer look at Rakuten Mobile — and for good reason. One unlimited data plan, one monthly fee, and right now, some genuinely impressive point bonuses if you sign up the right way.
This guide walks you through the current Rakuten Mobile switch campaign, how the employee referral program works, and exactly how to get the most points as a foreigner living in Japan.
What Is the Rakuten Mobile Switch Campaign?
Rakuten Mobile regularly runs promotions to attract new subscribers, but the numbers can vary depending on how you sign up. Here’s the current breakdown for 2026:
| Sign-up Method | MNP (Carrier Switch) | New Number Sign-up |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Campaign | 13,000 points | — |
| Employee Referral Link | 14,000 points | 11,000 points |
The difference is clear: using an employee referral link gives you 1,000 extra points on top of the already generous MNP bonus, and a solid 11,000 points even if you’re signing up with a brand new number.
These are Rakuten Points, which can be used across the Rakuten ecosystem — shopping, travel, food delivery, and more. For many foreign residents already using Rakuten services, this can be genuinely useful value.
Why the Referral Link Makes a Difference
You might be wondering: what exactly is an “employee referral,” and is it legitimate?
Yes, it’s completely official. Rakuten Mobile has a program where employees and authorized partners share referral links. When you sign up through one of these links, both you and the referrer receive bonus points. It’s a standard marketing channel — no tricks, no catches.
The employee referral link for this guide is: https://r10.to/henTIE
Using this link at the time of application is all you need to do to qualify for the higher point bonus.
Quick tip: Make sure you access the referral link before starting your application. Points are tied to the referral session, so don’t skip this step.
How Much Is 14,000 Points Actually Worth?
Let’s put this in perspective. Rakuten Mobile’s main plan costs ¥3,278 per month (tax included) for unlimited data. That’s it — one plan, one price.
14,000 Rakuten Points is roughly equivalent to more than four months of service paid back in rewards. Even the 11,000-point new signup bonus covers more than three months of equivalent value.
For foreign residents who may not be locked into Japan’s traditional carrier ecosystem, this is a low-friction way to get solid value from day one.
If you’re thinking about how to make the most of Rakuten’s broader ecosystem while living in Japan, it’s worth reading our related guide: Rakuten Mobile Smartphone Carrier Economic Zone: Maximize Your Benefits — Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]. It covers how stacking Rakuten services can work in your favor beyond just the mobile plan.
When Do You Receive the Points?
This is something a lot of people miss, so pay attention here.
The 14,000 (or 11,000) points are not paid all at once. They’re distributed in three installments, starting 4 months after the month in which you completed your referral login.
Here’s a simplified example:
- You sign up in June 2026
- Point payments begin in October 2026
- Points are split across three separate months
This means you’ll want to keep your line active during that period. As long as you’re using the service — which most people do — there’s nothing special you need to do. The points arrive automatically into your Rakuten account.
Rakuten Points have an expiration system, so make sure you use them within the validity period once they arrive. Checking your Rakuten account regularly is a good habit to build.
The Plan Itself: Is Rakuten Mobile Worth It?
Before we go further into the campaign details, it’s fair to ask: is Rakuten Mobile actually a good choice for foreigners in Japan?
One Plan, No Complexity
Rakuten Mobile keeps it simple. There’s one plan:
- ¥3,278/month (tax included)
- Unlimited data
- Calls via the Rakuten Link app are free (domestic)
- No data caps or throttling tiers to worry about
For someone navigating life in Japan in a second language, the simplicity is genuinely appealing. You don’t need to decode a complicated tier system or calculate overages.
Network Coverage
Rakuten Mobile has expanded its network significantly, and in major urban areas — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka — coverage is solid. In rural areas, it partners with AU (KDDI) for coverage, though there are some data usage conditions in those zones.
If you’re primarily based in a city, this shouldn’t be a concern in day-to-day use.
Roaming Possibilities
One feature that’s particularly relevant for foreign residents: Rakuten Mobile offers 2GB of free overseas roaming data per month in eligible countries. If you travel home or visit other countries for work, this can be a real perk.
For full details on how the roaming works and which countries are covered, see: Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming 2GB Free 2026 Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].
Step-by-Step: How to Sign Up via Referral Link
Here’s the process in plain language:
Step 1: Access the Referral Link
Click on or open https://r10.to/henTIE on the device you’ll use to apply. This is essential — the referral tracking is linked to this session.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Type
You’ll be choosing between:
- MNP (Mobile Number Portability) — switching from your current carrier and keeping your number → 14,000 points
- New number sign-up — getting a fresh Japanese number → 11,000 points
For MNP, you’ll need to request an MNP transfer code from your current carrier before applying. Most carriers allow you to do this online or via their app.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
As a foreign resident in Japan, you’ll typically need:
- Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card)
- Rakuten ID (or create one during the process)
- A credit card or payment method linked to your Rakuten account
The application is online and can be completed in Japanese. If navigating Japanese websites is a challenge, browser translation tools work reasonably well for this process.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Follow the on-screen steps. If you’re doing MNP, make sure your current contract doesn’t have an early termination period that would create fees. Check with your current carrier before proceeding.
Step 5: Receive and Activate Your SIM
Rakuten Mobile will ship a SIM card (or you can choose eSIM in many cases — faster and more convenient). Once you activate the SIM and log in, the referral period begins.
Up to 5 Lines Per Person
One useful detail for households or families: each Rakuten Mobile account can hold up to 5 lines. If you have a partner, children, or family members also considering a switch, each line is eligible for the referral bonus — meaning the total point benefit can add up significantly.
At 14,000 points per MNP line, a two-person household switching together could be looking at 28,000 points between them. That’s a meaningful amount of value within the Rakuten ecosystem.
Common Questions from Foreign Residents
“Do I need to speak Japanese to apply?”
The application process is in Japanese, but many foreigners manage it with translation tools. If you’re unsure, Rakuten Mobile also has physical stores (Rakuten Mobile Shop) in many cities where staff can sometimes assist in English or help guide you through the process.
“What happens if I cancel early?”
Rakuten Mobile has no long-term contract lock-in, which is a genuine advantage. However, if you cancel before receiving all three installments of your points, you may lose the remaining unpaid points. Staying subscribed through the payout period (roughly 6–7 months from sign-up) is recommended.
“Can I use my existing phone?”
Many unlocked smartphones and phones originally purchased from AU, SoftBank, or Docomo can be used with Rakuten Mobile. You can check compatibility on Rakuten Mobile’s website. eSIM-compatible iPhones and modern Android devices typically work without issues.
“Is the referral link available for a limited time?”
Campaign details can change. The current 14,000-point MNP / 11,000-point new signup offer is valid at the time of publishing this guide (2026). Checking the referral link directly will confirm the current offer.
Summary: Points at a Glance
| Scenario | Points You Receive |
|---|---|
| MNP via referral link | 14,000 points |
| New number via referral link | 11,000 points |
| MNP via standard campaign | 13,000 points |
| Points paid in | 3 installments |
| Payment starts | 4 months after referral login month |
| Monthly plan cost | ¥3,278 (unlimited data) |
| Max lines per account | 5 |
Final Thoughts
For foreigners living in Japan who want a simple, affordable mobile plan with a meaningful welcome bonus, Rakuten Mobile is one of the more straightforward options available in 2026. The unlimited data plan at ¥3,278 is genuinely competitive, and the referral campaign adds real value on top.
The key is making sure you apply through the referral link to get the maximum points — 14,000 for MNP or 11,000 for a new number — rather than signing up directly through the standard campaign.
If you’re ready to get started, use the employee referral link below to qualify for the full bonus:
👉 Apply via Referral Link — https://r10.to/henTIE
Take your time reviewing your current contract, gather your documents, and when you’re ready, the process is straightforward. Good luck with the switch.