Your Japanese phone number
MNP is designed to move the number from the current carrier to the new carrier.
KEEP YOUR JAPANESE NUMBER
How to Switch to Rakuten MobileWithout losing your Japanese phone number
MNP transfers your existing Japanese mobile number to Rakuten Mobile. The essential checks are your current carrier, application channel, applicant name, and the order in which you select a campaign route.
MNP One-StopName matchTimingReferral order
QUICK ANSWER
MNP keeps the number; it does not keep every part of the old contract
Separate the phone number transfer from your old carrier's email, device installments, options, points, and cancellation conditions.
Old-carrier obligations
Review device installments, email retention, family discounts, and other services separately.
Campaign entry before application
If you plan to use an employee referral, review and complete its required pre-application steps first.
MNP ONE-STOP OR RESERVATION NUMBER?
Choose the correct path for your carrier and application channel
| Situation | Likely path | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Online + eligible carrier | MNP One-Stop may let you proceed without obtaining a reservation number. | Check the current official participating-carrier list. |
| Rakuten Mobile shop | The official English guide states that a reservation number is needed for in-store MNP applicants. | Obtain it from the current carrier and check its validity. |
| Carrier not supporting One-Stop | Obtain an MNP reservation number before applying. | Confirm the number, expiration date, and applicant name. |
| Already obtained a number | Follow the official application screen and current instructions. | Do not assume obtaining a number cancels the old line. |
Official source: Rakuten Mobile describes MNP One-Stop as an online-only system that removes the reservation-number procedure for supported carriers. See the official English MNP One-Stop guide for the current carrier list and conditions.
THE SAFE SEQUENCE
Use this order before you switch
The main avoidable mistake is submitting the mobile application before deciding which campaign route you intend to use.
- Check the contract holderConfirm the name on the current carrier account and the person applying to Rakuten Mobile.
- Choose One-Stop or a numberUse the official list to decide whether an MNP reservation number is needed.
- Choose the campaign routeRead the official conditions and complete any required referral login before applying.
- Apply and activateFollow Rakuten Mobile's instructions. Keep the old line active until transfer completion.
Planning to use the employee referral route?
Check how the Rakuten ID login works and confirm the official campaign conditions before the Rakuten Mobile application.
NAME CONSISTENCY
Small spelling differences can become a large application detour
Foreign residents may have different name order, middle-name handling, spacing, or character limits across systems. Before MNP, compare the legal applicant information used by your current carrier, Rakuten membership, identity document, and payment method.
- Do not change the current carrier's contract holder at the last minute unless the carrier instructs you to.
- Update incorrect Rakuten membership information before beginning the application.
- Use the applicant's own Rakuten ID for the referral login and mobile application.
- If the name cannot be made consistent online, ask official support which route to use.
MATCH THESE RECORDS
- Current carrierContract holder and mobile number
- Identity documentLegal name and current address
- Rakuten membershipApplicant's own ID and current details
- Payment methodCheck official accepted-payment rules
DO NOT CANCEL TOO EARLY
Let the MNP process close the old voice line
Do not manually cancel the number you intend to transfer before completing the official MNP process. Also check any separate services that may remain or end.
Current mobile line
Keep it usable while you follow the transfer and activation instructions.
Carrier email
It may require a separate paid retention service; review your carrier's terms.
Installments
Remaining device payments are separate from transferring the mobile number.
Activation method
Physical SIM and eSIM have different delivery and setup steps.
RELATED ENGLISH GUIDES
Complete the remaining checks
OFFICIAL INFORMATION FIRST
Carrier lists and procedures can change
This independent guide does not guarantee that MNP One-Stop is available for your carrier or application. Confirm the latest process on Rakuten Mobile's official site.
Open the official MNP One-Stop guide