![How to Start the Rakuten Ecosystem: Recommended Registration Order for New Workers & Beginners — Complete Guide [2026 Guide]](/assets/ogp/2026-06-04-rakuten-keizaiken-beginner-order.png)
Thinking about joining Rakuten Mobile and diving into the Rakuten ecosystem? Whether you’re a new worker in Japan, a student, or a foreign resident just getting started, this guide walks you through everything step by step — including how to maximize your points through an employee referral campaign that most people don’t even know exists.
Let’s break it down clearly so you can sign up the smart way from day one.
What Is the Rakuten Ecosystem, and Why Should You Care?
The Rakuten ecosystem is a connected network of services — mobile, shopping, banking, travel, insurance, and more — all tied together through Rakuten Points. The more services you use, the higher your point return rate gets.
For foreign residents in Japan, the Rakuten ecosystem can be especially useful because:
- Rakuten Ichiba (online shopping) ships a huge variety of products
- Rakuten Bank integrates with everyday spending
- Rakuten Card offers strong point rewards
- Rakuten Mobile is the entry point that unlocks higher point multipliers across the board
If you’re weighing your options before committing, you might also want to check out this comparison: Rakuten Ecosystem vs PayPay Ecosystem: Which Is Better in 2026? A Thorough Comparison for Foreign Residents in Japan.
But if you’ve already decided Rakuten is the direction you want to go — keep reading. Here’s how to start correctly.
Step 1: Understand the Rakuten Mobile Plan First
Before registering for anything, it helps to know what you’re actually signing up for.
Rakuten Mobile’s current unlimited plan:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | ¥3,278 (tax included) |
| Data | Unlimited (no speed cap in Japan) |
| Calls | Free via Rakuten Link app |
| Lines allowed | Up to 5 per person |
At ¥3,278/month for unlimited data, it’s one of the most straightforward plans in Japan. No tiered pricing, no surprise bills. For someone new to Japan’s mobile landscape, that simplicity is genuinely valuable.
Step 2: Use an Employee Referral Link — Here’s Why It Matters
This is the step most beginners skip, and it’s a costly mistake.
Rakuten Mobile has an employee referral campaign that gives you significantly more points than the standard public campaign. Here’s how the numbers compare:
| Signup type | Normal campaign | Via employee referral |
|---|---|---|
| MNP (switching carriers) | 13,000 points | 14,000 points |
| New number signup | — | 11,000 points |
That’s 1,000 extra points just for using the right link when switching via MNP. And for brand new signups, the employee referral link unlocks point rewards that aren’t available through the standard campaign at all.
Employee referral link: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE
Make sure you log in through this link before or within 7 days of submitting your application — this is the qualifying window. If you apply first and forget to log in via the referral URL, you can still qualify as long as you do so within 7 days of your application date.
Step 3: Know the Point Rules Before You Apply
The points sound great — and they are — but there are a few things you need to know upfront so you’re not confused later.
Points Are “Limited-Period Points”
This is important: the points you receive through the employee referral campaign are limited-period points, not regular Rakuten Points. Limited-period points expire sooner than regular points, so make sure you use them promptly after they arrive. Don’t let them sit in your account — spend them on Rakuten Ichiba, pay with Rakuten Pay, or use them wherever Rakuten Points are accepted.
Points Are Paid in 3 Installments
Points are not given all at once. They’re distributed in 3 separate installments, starting 4 months after the month in which you logged in via the referral link.
For example: if you log in via the referral URL in June 2026, your first installment would arrive around October 2026. Plan your spending accordingly.
A Call Is Required (From March 2, 2026 Applications)
This is a rule that tripped up many people who signed up for data-only use:
For applications made from March 2, 2026 onward, you must make at least one call of 10 seconds or more using the Rakuten Link app to be eligible for points.
Data-only SIM users are not eligible for the referral points. If you’re signing up mainly for a phone number and calls, this won’t be an issue — but if you were thinking about using only data, keep this in mind.
Re-Contracts and Additional Lines Are Also Eligible
Here’s something that even long-time Rakuten users sometimes don’t know: re-contracts and second/additional lines are also eligible for the employee referral campaign. This is exclusive to employee referrals — the regular friend referral program does not cover these cases. So if you’ve been a Rakuten Mobile user before, or you want to add a second line for family or work use, you can still benefit from this campaign.
Step 4: Recommended Registration Order for Beginners
If you’re new to the Rakuten ecosystem and want to maximize your setup from the start, here’s the order we recommend:
① Create a Rakuten Account (if you don’t have one)
Go to Rakuten’s main site and register for a free Rakuten ID. This is the foundation of everything — your ID connects mobile, shopping, banking, and more.
② Apply for a Rakuten Card (optional but recommended early)
The Rakuten Card is free to get and immediately starts bumping up your SPU (Super Point Up Program) multiplier. Applying before your mobile plan means you’ll be earning more points from your very first Rakuten Ichiba purchase.
③ Log In Through the Employee Referral Link
Before applying for Rakuten Mobile, log in to your Rakuten account via this link: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE
This is the step that activates your eligibility for the higher point reward. Don’t skip it.
④ Apply for Rakuten Mobile
After logging in via the referral URL, complete your Rakuten Mobile application. Choose:
- MNP if you’re transferring your number from another carrier (you’ll get 14,000 points)
- New number if you’re signing up fresh (you’ll get 11,000 points)
You’ll need your My Number card (or residence card + passport) for identity verification as a foreign resident.
⑤ Make Your First Rakuten Link Call
Once your SIM is active and you’ve set up the Rakuten Link app, make a call of at least 10 seconds to qualify for your points. Call a friend, call a shop, call anyone — just make sure the call goes through the Rakuten Link app (not your default phone dialer).
⑥ Set Up Rakuten Bank (Optional but Beneficial)
Linking a Rakuten Bank account to your Rakuten Card can further increase your point multiplier. It also makes managing your Rakuten finances simpler, especially for online shopping refunds and point redemptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a guide like this, some people still run into issues. Here are the most frequent ones:
1. Applying before logging in via the referral link You have a 7-day grace period after applying, but don’t rely on remembering. Log in via the referral URL first, then apply.
2. Forgetting that points are limited-period Check your Rakuten Point history regularly after your installments begin. Set a reminder so you don’t let those limited-period points expire unused.
3. Not making a Rakuten Link call This is a newer rule (effective March 2, 2026), so some older guides online don’t mention it. Don’t forget: 10 seconds or more via Rakuten Link app.
4. Expecting all points at once Points come in 3 installments starting 4 months after your referral login month. Don’t worry if nothing shows up immediately.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your points don’t seem to be arriving, this guide may help: Rakuten Mobile Points Not Received? [2026 Guide] Reasons, How to Check & Solutions for Foreign Residents in Japan.
Is Rakuten Mobile Right for You as a Foreign Resident?
For most foreign residents in Japan who use a decent amount of data, Rakuten Mobile’s unlimited plan at ¥3,278/month is genuinely competitive. The main things to consider:
- Coverage: Rakuten Mobile’s own network covers major cities well, with au roaming in rural areas. If you spend a lot of time in the countryside, check coverage maps for your specific area.
- Language support: The app and website are primarily in Japanese, though some English support is available.
- Identity verification: You’ll need a valid residence card or My Number card.
The point rewards through the employee referral make the initial months particularly attractive — 14,000 points for MNP or 11,000 points for new signup is real value, equivalent to a few months of discounted service.
Quick Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ¥3,278 (unlimited data) |
| MNP referral points | 14,000 points |
| New signup referral points | 11,000 points |
| Point type | Limited-period points (use promptly) |
| Point delivery | 3 installments from 4 months after referral login |
| Call requirement | 10 seconds+ via Rakuten Link app |
| Re-contracts / 2nd lines | Eligible (employee referral only) |
| Max lines | 5 per person |
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve read through this guide and you’re ready to sign up, use the employee referral link below to make sure you get the maximum point reward:
👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link — Up to 14,000 Points
Remember to log in through the link before or within 7 days of your application, then make at least one 10-second call via the Rakuten Link app once your SIM is active.
Setting up the Rakuten ecosystem properly from the beginning makes a real difference in how much value you get out of it long-term. Take the extra few minutes to do it right — your future self (and your point balance) will thank you.