# Mobile Phones

**Source**: https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/after-arrival-e/mobilephone-e/
**Parent**: https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/

Contents

- [Mobile Phones](#Mobile_Phones)
- [Technical Conformity Mark](#Technical_Conformity_Mark)
- [Support with Japanese Mobile Service Provider Contracts](#Support_with_Japanese_Mobile_Service_Provider_Contracts)

## Mobile Phones

Nowadays, there are various options to have a mobile phone in Japan, such as signing a new contract with a major cell phone carrier, buying a low-cost SIM, or renting a mobile Wi-Fi.

This page introduces some service providers as examples. Of course, you can use another service as well.

### Mobile Service Providers for Non-Japanese Residents

- [Tohoku University Co-op (GTN Mobile)](https://www.tohoku.u-coop.or.jp/service/mobile/)

### Low-Cost Mobile Service Providers

- [Y!mobile](https://www.ymobile.jp/english/)

### Major Mobile Phone Carriers in Japan

You can find instructions on how to sign up for a cell phone in English language in the webpages below.

- [New Subscription | NTT docomo](https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/support/procedure/subscribe/?icid=CRP_en_SUP_procedure_to_CRP_en_SUP_procedure_subscribe)
- [Items to prepare for a new contract | au](https://www.au.com/english/support/contract/)
- [How to purchase or reserve | SoftBank](https://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/shop/buy/)

### Travel SIM Card

Please be advised that those with stay period of **less than 3 months** will not be able to sign a contract with Japanese mobile service provider and get a local SIM Card.\
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For that reason, this group may consider getting a travel SIM card from providers such as below:

- [Japan Travel SIM](https://tr.iijmio.jp/)
- [Nippon SIM](https://www.nipponsim.jp/)
- [Sakura Mobile](https://www.sakuramobile.jp/)

## Technical Conformity Mark

In Japan, all wireless devices, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth accessories, must have the Technical Conformity Mark (Giteki Mark 技適マーク) to show that they comply with Japan’s technical standards for radio and telecommunications.

If you bring a smartphone from abroad that does not have the Technical Conformity Mark, it is technically illegal to use its wireless functions (mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) in Japan, as the device may interfere with local communication systems.

Therefore, please make sure to use a phone that has the Technical Conformity Mark. Some models sold overseas are identical to Japanese versions and already include this certification; you can usually check this in your phone’s settings or documentation.

For more details, please refer to the link below:

[FAQ on Technical Conformity Mark](https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/e/adm/monitoring/illegal/monitoring_qa/index.htm)

## Support with Japanese Mobile Service Provider Contracts

Having a Japanese number could be a necessity if you stay in Sendai long-term. \
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Getting a Japanese SIM Card can be difficult if you are not familiar with the contract registration process. \
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The International Support Center offers support to international students, researchers and faculty members in getting a SIM card, choosing a suitable mobile plan and also getting Wi-Fi for their home.

[**How to Apply**](https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/application-main-e/)

*Please be advised that, as Residence Card is required to sign a contract with Japanese mobile service providers, this service is **only*** ***available those who will be staying in Japan for more than 3 months.***