[2026] Dual SIM in Japan: Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
※Updated February 4, 2026
Rakuten Mobile recently surpassed 10 million subscribers π — and one of the easiest ways to try it safely is by using dual SIM. Many people in Japan already have a main carrier, but adding a second line can give you extra data, stronger signal in weak‑coverage areas, and a reliable backup connection during emergencies.
The good news is that you don’t need to cancel your current plan or change your phone number to enjoy these benefits. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM, and Rakuten Mobile’s low‑cost “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” makes it a practical option as a second line for both Japanese and international residents.
π Quick Start: Safely Try Rakuten Mobile with Dual SIM
- Keep your current carrier — no need to cancel anything
- Add Rakuten Mobile as a second line via eSIM
- Activation can take as little as a day, all without visiting a store
- Cancel anytime if it doesn’t fit your needs
- Extra perks available through the Employee Referral Program (returning users are also eligible!)
π This is the safest way to try Rakuten Mobile.
Sign-up via Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral for extra perks!
*To be eligible for this campaign, must login to the employee referral campaign page when signing-up
*Rakuten ID required
*To be eligible, must start using Rakuten Mobile by 11:59 PM on the last day of the second month following the day of clicking and logging in the employee referral campaign
π Table of Contents
- π 3 Steps to Apply
- π What Is Dual SIM?
- π Pros of a Dual SIM Setup
- ⚠️ Cons of Dual SIM
- π Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” at a Glance
- πΆ Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
- π Employee Referral Benefits
- π Can International Residents Use Rakuten Mobile?
- π Summary
π 3 Steps to Apply via Employee Referral
The entire process can be completed entirely online! Here is how to get started and activate your line as early as today.
STEP 1: Log in via the Referral Link
First, click the Employee Referral Link and log in with your Rakuten ID. This login acts as your "Campaign Entry," meaning you have entered to participate in this referral program.
STEP 2: Complete the Application
Start your application from the campaign page that appears after login. If you are adding a second line, select "New / MNP Application."
- Select eSIM for the fastest setup (no waiting for physical SIM card to arrive).
- Have your ID (Residence Card, My Number Card, etc.) ready.
- Use "eKYC" (AI Identity Verification) for fast approval. If you already use Rakuten Bank, Securities, or Life Insurance, you might even be able to skip the ID upload!
STEP 3: Activation
Once approved, you will receive an email. Simply follow the steps in the "my Rakuten Mobile" app to activate your new line and start using it immediately!
π‘ Pro Tip:
To ensure you receive your points, you must complete activation by the last day of the second month after your initial login. It’s best to finish the whole process in one sitting!
π What Is Dual SIM?
Dual SIM simply means that one smartphone can use two mobile lines at the same time. Instead of carrying two separate phones, you can keep two different numbers or two different carriers inside a single device.
Most recent iPhones and Android phones sold in Japan support:
- πΆ 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM, or
- πΆ Dual eSIM (two eSIM profiles active at once)
With dual SIM, you can:
- π Have two phone numbers on one device
- π Use one line for data and the other for calls/SMS
- π‘ Keep your existing carrier while adding a cheaper second plan
- ⚙️ Switch which line uses mobile data with just a few taps
π Pros of a Dual SIM Setup
1. Extra data without upgrading your main plan πΎ
If your current carrier’s data is expensive, you can add a second line with a cheaper data plan and use that line as your primary data source. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly bill without changing your main number.
2. Better coverage by combining two networks πΎ
No single carrier has perfect coverage everywhere. By combining two different networks, you reduce dead zones and stay connected in more places — especially useful for rural travel, basements, or buildings with weak signal.
3. Reliable backup during outages and emergencies π¨
A backup line can help during:
- ⚡ Carrier outages: if one provider has issues, the other may still work
- π§️ Typhoons or weather disruptions: network stability varies by carrier
- π️ Rural travel: coverage differs widely by region
- π₯ Medical or safety emergencies: if your main line is congested, the other may connect
4. Separate work and personal life πΌ➡️π
Dual SIM lets you keep work and personal numbers separate and silence one line outside work hours. This is especially helpful for anyone who wants clearer boundaries without carrying multiple phones.
5. Ideal for international residents and frequent travelers ✈️
If you travel often between Japan and another country, you may be able to have two different carriers from two different countries active at the same time (your device must be unlocked).
⚠️ Cons of Dual SIM (and How to Manage Them)
1. Slightly more complex settings ⚙️
You’ll need to choose which SIM handles data, calls, and SMS, but iOS and Android make this simple with clear menus.
2. Slightly higher battery usage π
Because your phone connects to two networks at once, battery usage may increase slightly.
3. Not all phones support dual SIM π΅
Some older or budget phones may not support eSIM or dual SIM. Check your device’s specifications before setting up.
π Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” at a Glance
Rakuten Mobile offers a single, simple plan with three pricing tiers based on monthly data usage:
- 0–3GB: JPY 1,078 / month
- 3–20GB: JPY 2,178 / month
- 20GB–Unlimited: JPY 3,278 / month
*tax included
Related posts:
- π All About Rakuten Mobile’s Employee Referral Campaign
- π Reduce your phone bill to 0 JPY!? How to Get and Use Rakuten Points
- π Can International Residents Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile?
πΆ Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
1. Low cost for light to moderate data use πΈ
Many users fall into the lowest tier of JPY 1,078 / month. This is a very affordable backup network.
2. eSIM support and easy activation ⚡
Rakuten Mobile supports eSIM, allowing you to activate a second line online without visiting a store.
3. You can pay your bill with Rakuten Points π
If you use Rakuten services, you can apply points directly to your monthly bill.
4. Simple to Opt Out π
It's easy to try because you can cancel anytime via the app—no complicated contracts.
⏳ Why Try Rakuten Mobile Today?
With 10 million subscribers and the current Employee Referral Campaign offering bonus rewards, now is the ideal time to test it out.
π Extra Benefits with the Employee Referral Campaign
- Up to 14,000 Rakuten Points when switching (MNP)
- Up to 11,000 Rakuten Points for new or additional lines
- Eligibility for up to 5 lines
- Returning users are eligible only via this employee campaign!
π Can International Residents Use Rakuten Mobile?
Yes — international residents can sign up if they meet the basic requirements. Full details are linked in the related posts section above.
π Summary
A dual‑SIM setup with Rakuten Mobile is a risk-free way to boost your phone's data and reliability. With the employee referral bonus, you're essentially getting paid to try a service that could save you money in the long run.
*Conditions apply regarding login timing and activation. Points are awarded in installments starting around 4 months after the month of referral login.
*If the referred person uses the 6,000 yen OFF coupon at the official Rakuten Mobile Rakuten Ichiba store, they will receive 8,000 points instead.
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