Mobile operators in Japan 2026: a ranking built on verified facts
A ranking of mobile operators and their brands in Japan, built only on facts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and from operators' official sites; SoftBank, Y!mobile, LINEMO and ahamo are not included yet because their sites could not be read. Cost is measured on a reference basket: the cheapest standard consumer tariff with at least 10 GB of data, regular price in yen including tax, normalised to 30 days; where calls are charged per 30 seconds, we add the cheapest official option that makes domestic calls unlimited, and Rakuten Mobile's calls count as free through its Rakuten Link app. The price index shows the basket against the cheapest one found in Japan (100) and is valid only inside the country; the Score is not for sale.
| # | Company | Who it serves | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rakuten Mobile | 80 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not verified | 100 | Regulator-listed Own network 5G eSIM |
| 2 | povo | 55 | Not verified | Yes | Yes | Not verified | 175 | Own network 5G eSIM |
| 3 | NTT docomo | 51 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not verified | 268 | Regulator-listed Own network 5G eSIM |
| 4 | au | 50 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not verified | 459 | Regulator-listed Own network 5G eSIM |
| 5 | UQ mobile | 48 | Not verified | Yes | Yes | Not verified | 226 | Own network 5G eSIM |
How we calculate the Score
40%
Network
Whether the operator is listed by the telecom regulator as an authorised or registered provider, whether it runs its own radio network or uses another operator's (MVNO), whether consumers have commercial 4G and 5G (pilots do not count), and the share of the population covered, as stated by the operator or the regulator. Territory shares and the word "nationwide" are not counted. Stated coverage is not a measurement of quality or speed.
30%
Cost
The monthly price of a reference basket: the cheapest standard published consumer tariff, postpaid or prepaid, with at least 10 GB of domestic data and at least 100 domestic minutes, open to any new customer. Regular price without temporary promotions, bundles with home internet, handsets, age-limited tariffs or multi-line discounts, normalised to 30 days. The index shows the price against the cheapest basket found in the same country: 100 is the cheapest, 150 is 50% dearer, 300 or more scores zero. The original price in local currency is shown on the company page. The index is comparable only within one country.
20%
Service
Whether eSIM is offered to new customers, whether international roaming is available on consumer plans, whether the operator has its own self-care app, and whether human support by phone or chat is stated as 24/7.
10%
Transparency
Whether the full price list or tariff terms are public without logging in, and whether the operator publishes how to file a complaint.
How to choose a mobile operator
Check coverage at your address
The share of the population covered says little about one street or village. Use the operator's coverage map for the places where you live, work and travel.
Look at the regular price
Compare the price after any promotional period, including the contract term, activation fee and what happens once the data allowance runs out.
Read the roaming terms
Roaming being available does not mean it is cheap or included. Check the price in the countries you actually visit.
Check the exit terms
See the minimum contract term, the notice period and how to keep your number. Your phone also has to support the operator's bands and eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates mobile operators in Japan?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). It assigns spectrum: in April 2019 it approved the 5G deployment plans of NTT docomo, KDDI with Okinawa Cellular, SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile.
Can I keep my number when I switch?
Yes. Mobile number portability (MNP) works between Japanese operators, and every operator in this ranking accepts customers switching with their number.
Do I need ID to get a SIM in Japan?
Yes. Under the Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act (Act No. 31 of 2005), operators must verify the subscriber's identity when a new mobile voice contract is signed, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Is eSIM available?
Yes. Every operator and brand in this ranking offers eSIM to new customers; povo's data-only plan is eSIM only.
Why are povo and UQ mobile listed apart from au?
They are separate KDDI brands with their own tariffs on the au network. We rank brands separately, as in other countries; the licence fact is recorded only for the network operator itself.