GUIDE · PHONE & NET
Phone and internet for your business
事業用の電話・ネット回線The number banks, offices and customers will ask for
Banks, government systems and customers in Japan expect a Japanese phone number. Get one early — many setup steps cannot be finished without it.
Needed for
Setup
Bank, online services and registrations
Options
3 types
Major carriers, budget SIMs, English-support providers
Usually asked
ID
Residence card and a payment method
Subsidy?
Rarely
Phone plans are usually not covered
Why a Japanese number matters
- Banks may call to confirm details when you open a business account
- Many online services, including online banking, send verification codes by SMS
- Registrations and application forms ask for a contact number in Japan
- Customers and suppliers trust a local number on your website and invoices
Your options
| Type | Good for | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Major carriers大手キャリア | Shops nationwide, business plans, strong coverage | Contracts and support mostly in Japanese |
| Budget SIMs格安SIM | Low monthly cost | Online sign-up in Japanese; identity checks; some are data-only (no number) |
| English-support providers | Contracts, billing and support in English; some accept foreign credit cards | Price compared with budget SIMs; voice number included or not |
For example, Sakura Mobile offers monthly voice and data SIMs, pocket Wi-Fi and home internet with full English support, and states that foreign credit cards are accepted. Compare the total monthly cost and whether you get a voice number.
Internet for your office
- Fiber lines can take weeks to install — order as soon as your office lease is signed
- A pocket Wi-Fi or home router can cover you until the fiber line is ready
- Use the business’s name on the contract if you want it to count as a business expense
What to prepare
- Residence card (most providers ask for it)
- A credit card or bank account for monthly payments
- Your address in Japan — for SIM delivery and the contract
- For a business contract: the company’s registration certificate
FAQ
Do I need a Japanese phone number to open a bank account?
In practice, yes. Banks contact you during screening, and online banking and many services verify you by SMS. Get a number before you apply.
Can foreigners get a phone contract in Japan in English?
Yes. Some providers offer contracts, billing and support in English, and some accept foreign credit cards. Major carriers and budget SIMs mostly work in Japanese.
Can subsidies pay for phone and internet costs?
Usually not. Most programs exclude ongoing communication costs. Check the eligible expenses in each program’s guidelines.
Sources
- Sakura Mobile — monthly SIM, home internet and English support
- Setting up business in Japan — practical steps — JETRO
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- English-support mobile plans
- Home and office internet
- Business phone numbers