Recommended for foreigners starting life in Japan! Best lifeline services in Japan
Lifeline services are essential for living in Japan. With so many options, it can be hard to know which one to choose. So, this time we will introduce carefully selected services for electricity, water, gas, mobile phones, and online shopping that are recommended for foreign residents in Japan. We will also focus on the Rakuten economy and include ways to earn points at great prices.
1. Electricity services
1st place: TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company)
Applicable area : Kanto region
Features and details : TEPCO is the main electricity supplier in the Kanto region and offers a wide range of rate plans. The appeal is that there are options to suit your lifestyle, such as "nighttime plans" and "plans for dual-income households." TEPCO also has customer support in English, so you can feel at ease even if it's your first time using the service.
Advantages : TEPCO has a proven track record of stable supply throughout Japan and is extremely reliable. In addition, the smartphone app allows you to check your usage and has a rate simulation function, so you can prevent overuse of electricity.
2nd place: Rakuten Electric
Applicable area : Nationwide
Features and details : Rakuten Denki's main feature is its simple pricing system, with a basic fee of 0 yen and a pay-as-you-go fee (pay only for what you use). Since there are no fixed costs, you can keep your monthly payments reasonable by limiting your electricity usage. For those who use the Rakuten economy (Rakuten's various services), Rakuten points are given back when you pay your electricity bill, so you can efficiently accumulate points while paying your utility bills.
Advantages : Rakuten Denki also accepts payments with Rakuten Card, and regular Rakuten points are awarded according to the payment. In addition, the "SPU (Super Point Up)" system applies, which increases the points multiplier when used in combination with Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Card, etc., so it is attractive that points can be accumulated in various situations in daily life.
3rd place: Looop Denki
Applicable area : Nationwide
Features and details : Looop Denki has a simple plan with a basic fee of 0 yen and only a pay-as-you-go fee. It is especially recommended for short-term foreigners and people living alone who don't use much electricity. Another attractive feature is that there is no cancellation fee and you can sign up and cancel freely.
Advantages : Looop Denki is not tied to any contracts and offers a high degree of freedom, making it easy to adapt to changes in your lifestyle. In addition, all procedures can be completed online, minimizing the hassle of moving.
2. Water Services
In Japan, water services are provided by each local government, so you will need to sign a contract with the local water bureau depending on where you live. In most areas, tap water is managed to very high standards to ensure its safety. Below are some points to keep in mind when using water services in Japan.
Procedures for opening the water supply : When you move, contact the waterworks bureau and tell them the date you want to start using the water. They will open the water supply for you. Most waterworks allow you to apply online or over the phone.
Payment methods : Many areas allow for direct debit and credit card payments, so if you're staying for a long time, it's convenient to set up automatic payments.
Safe to drink tap water : Japan's tap water is among the safest in the world, so it is safe to drink in most areas.
3. Gas services
1st place: Tokyo Gas
Applicable area : Kanto region
Features and details : Tokyo Gas is a city gas company with a wide presence in the Kanto region, and is characterized by a stable supply of gas and high-quality service. They also offer discounts for electricity and gas bundles, so you can get cheaper rates by signing up for both gas and electricity together. They also offer comprehensive support in foreign languages, and procedures for moving and starting use are smooth.
Pros : Tokyo Gas is highly reliable and responds quickly to gas leaks and other problems. In addition, if you sign up for a contract with electricity, the price will be lower, which will help you save on living expenses.
2nd place: Osaka Gas
Applicable area : Kansai region
Features and details : Osaka Gas, which supplies gas to the Kansai region, is known for its wide range of plans. Some plans include discounts for electricity and gas, so you can reduce your living expenses by signing up for both plans.
Advantages : When used in conjunction with electricity, costs are kept low, and the service is highly reliable in the Kansai region, so you can enjoy stable service over the long term.
3rd place: Eneos City Gas
Applicable area : Urban area
Features and details : Eneos City Gas is a new gas company that emerged following deregulation and offers competitive rate plans. By signing up for gas and electricity together, you can receive a set discount and reduce your monthly living expenses.
Advantages : Eneos gas is only available in urban areas, but you can expect significant cost savings by signing up for a set of electricity and gas. The initial costs and procedures are also smooth, making it convenient for foreigners who move around a lot.
4. Mobile phone services
1st place: Rakuten Mobile
Features and details : Rakuten Mobile is compatible with 4G and 5G areas, and its unlimited data plans are popular. As a service that belongs to the Rakuten economic sphere, the point redemption rate is significantly increased due to the synergistic effect with Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Card, so you can kill two birds with one stone by reducing communication costs and earning points.
Pros : The unlimited data plan is a great choice for those who watch a lot of videos or make a lot of online calls. Rakuten Mobile also maximizes points earned on Rakuten Ichiba shopping and when using your Rakuten Card, so you can expect to save money in the long run.
2nd: Y!mobile
Features and details : Y!mobile offers simple and reasonable pricing plans, and because it uses SoftBank's lines, the communication quality is high. In addition, it is linked to Yahoo! Shopping, so you can earn points, which can be used to save money on everyday shopping.
Advantages : Despite its low price, it offers high quality calls and a wide communication area, allowing stable communication from urban areas to suburban areas. By combining it with Yahoo! Shopping, you can earn more points, making your daily shopping more efficient.
3rd place: ahamo
Features and details : Ahamo, which is being developed as a sub-brand of Docomo, offers large amounts of data communication at low cost and has a wide communication area. It has simple and easy-to-understand fee plans, and the contract can be completed online.
Advantages : This plan is compatible with Docomo's communication area, has a stable signal, and can be used comfortably anywhere in the country. It is also recommended for foreigners staying long-term.
5. Online Shopping Services
1st place: Rakuten Market
Features and details : Rakuten Ichiba is one of the largest online shopping malls in Japan, and is attractive for its wide range of products and point rewards. Especially when used in combination with Rakuten Card and Rakuten Mobile, the "SPU (Super Point Up)" system is applied, which multiplies the points you earn with each purchase, making everyday shopping a great deal.
Advantages : The point redemption rate on Rakuten Ichiba is very high, and by using other Rakuten services, you can accumulate points. In addition, many stores offer international shipping, making it convenient for gifts not only within Japan but also to your home country.
2. Amazon Japan
Features and details : The Japanese version of the world-famous Amazon is attractive for its wide range of products and speedy delivery. If you become a Prime member, you can enjoy free delivery and Prime Video, making it extremely convenient.
Benefits : By becoming an Amazon Prime member, you can enjoy music, movies, and e-books at no additional cost. The key point is that you can buy everything you need in your daily life in one place, making shopping more convenient.
3rd place: Yahoo! Shopping
Features and details : This is an online shopping mall that offers great deals for SoftBank and Y!mobile users. PayPay points are given back and there are many point campaigns.
Advantages : By linking with PayPay, you can earn cashless rebates and enjoy shopping smartly. During campaigns, the point rebate rate is very high, so you can get what you need at a good price.
In this way, by choosing the most useful lifeline services for your life in Japan, you can enjoy your daily life comfortably and at a great price. In particular, by taking advantage of the Rakuten economy, you can expect to earn points by combining various services, which will also help you save on living expenses.
If you want to use your mobile phone cheaply in Japan, we definitely recommend Rakuten Mobile's best plan!
1. Features of Rakuten Mobile
Unlimited Data
Fast and stable communication
Easy to deploy
Rakuten Mobile offers unlimited data communication, making it an excellent alternative to fixed internet lines.
Another attractive feature is that it allows for fast and stable communication and is easy to install. For example, no construction is required and you can start using it on the same day, making it ideal for people moving or starting a new life.
2. Rakuten Mobile Area Coverage
Covering major cities nationwide
Available locally
Rakuten Mobile covers major cities across the country and is also available in rural areas. This means that you can have a stable internet environment no matter where you live. For example, it is available not only in urban areas, but also in mountainous areas and remote islands, so it is suitable for a wide range of users.
3. Rakuten Mobile's support system
24/7 customer support
Online chat and phone support
Rakuten Mobile offers 24-hour customer support, including online chat and phone support, so you can get immediate help when you need it, and use the service with peace of mind.
Introducing Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure and additional services! Don't miss out on the great deals!
Pricing
Monthly fee : from 2,980 yen
Unlimited plans available
Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure is very simple, and it is available from 2,980 yen per month. There is also an unlimited plan, so you can use it without worrying about data usage. For example, you can enjoy streaming videos and online games for a long time.
Additional services
Earn Rakuten points
Shopping at Rakuten Market is now even more affordable
By using Rakuten Mobile, you can earn Rakuten points and get even more value when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba. This makes your daily life more convenient and profitable. For example, there are campaigns that double your points when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba, which is kind to your household budget.
Rakuten Mobile Benefits
First month free campaign
Contract renewal benefits
Rakuten Mobile also offers a first month free campaign and special benefits when you renew your contract. This allows even first-time users to start with peace of mind. For example, the first month's fee is free, so you can try it out.
We are currently running an employee referral campaign! Get great benefits!
Campaign Details
Rakuten points will be given to the introducer and the person introduced
Check the official website for details on the benefits
Rakuten Mobile is currently running an employee referral campaign. Those who refer someone will receive 14,000 Rakuten points, which is a great deal.
How to use the campaign
Click the link below to go to the campaign page
Click the Entry button
Log in with your Rakuten ID
Once the application page appears, your entry is complete!
By using Rakuten Mobile, you can enjoy a sufficient performance as a replacement for a fixed internet line, and you can also receive advantageous benefits. We hope you will take this opportunity to consider Rakuten Mobile.