HOW TO GET A JAPANESE eSIM WITH A PHONE NUMBER (Using IIJmio Voice eSIM)

A Comprehensive Guide by Your Friend Chris

Perhaps you are in a situation like mine where you have a non-Japanese phone without a SIM card tray and you need to get a Japanese phone plan without buying a new phone. Look no further! I got you. I used IIJmio’s Docomo plan, and as such, this guide will show you how to successfully get a Japanese phone number and mobile data using the same plan. This is not necessarily an endorsement of the company, nor is it meant to steer you away from other companies. It’s just the one that I know for sure how to use.

NOTE: For this guide, you will need to have a Residence (Zairyu) Card, Japanese driver’s license, OR a My Number card. The exact specifications of the documents needed can be found here (use your browser to translate the page if needed): https://www.iijmio.jp/hdd/miofone/verify.html. You also need to be at least 18 years old.

You will also, obviously, need a smartphone that is compatible with eSIM. Just in case that wasn’t clear already.

AND A DISCLAIMER: This method is NOT foolproof. I cannot guarantee that it will work for you, unfortunately. However, I can attest to the fact that it is possible

STEP 1: Pick your plan

Go here to browse the available Voice eSIM plans: https://www.iijmio.jp/gigaplan/esim/phone/ 

This webpage does have an English version, but it doesn’t include all of the same information, nor are the other pages on IIJmio’s website in English, so I recommend you use your browser to translate it. Note that on top of the monthly costs, there is an initial fee of 3,300 yen (minus tax), plus an additional issuance fee of 433.4 yen for Docomo or 200 yen for au.

I personally chose the 15GB plan without flat rate calls, because I don’t anticipate needing to make phone calls (as opposed to calls on LINE) except in the case of emergencies. By the way, you can’t make international calls using IIJmio Voice eSIM.

STEP 2: Apply

When you’re ready, hit that big green button. You will notice that it tells you which items to prepare, one of which is a 「MNP予約番号」or “MNP Reservation Number.” This is only for those who have an existing Japanese phone number and want to keep it on this plan. If you’re reading this guide, you probably don’t fall under that umbrella. Beneath that, it asks if you have prepaid for a plan already in a store. Answer accordingly.

Answer the questions as they appear. Make sure you select the voice + SMS + data plan, NOT data only. The insurance, IIJmio WiFi, flat-rate call plans, and everything listed under the オプション選択/Option selection page are all optional. The only one I would really recommend is maybe flat-rate calls IF you anticipate making many phone calls. You’ll be asked toward the end if you have a mioID. If you do, click through. If you don’t, hit No/持っていない（新規登録）and enter your email. You’ll get an email with the subject “[IIJmio] please confirm your mioID,” and the string of letters and numbers listed by “mioID” will be your username for IIJmio. When you’re asked to make a password, that’s what it’s for. Don’t lose it!

You will then be asked to proceed with an identity verification process in which you scan your documents and take photos of/record your face. It’s very simple. I believe you will be asked to provide a (Japanese) phone number as well. This is not the phone number you will use, and as far as I can tell, it doesn’t serve a purpose relevant to you, so put whatever you want. You will also be asked for your payment info somewhere along the line. After this, submit your application and await its approval. It should come within a day or so.

STEP 3: EID Verification

Before you can activate your eSIM, you need to provide your EID. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with the subject “[IIJmio] 開通手続き（EID入力）のお願い.” Go to the first link in the email to enter it. If you don’t know where to find your EID, look at the second link (https://help.iijmio.jp/answer/64cc8eadf4db9b16fb7f80fb) or Google it. No matter what phone you have, it’s in your settings somewhere. I’m not going to list how to find it on every type of phone. Triple-check that it’s entered correctly! I would suggest copying and pasting it, just in case. Once you submit it, wait a little bit longer to receive your activation email.

STEP 4: eSIM Activation

Once you’ve received the email with the subject “[IIJmio] ご利用開始のお知らせ,” you’re ready to begin the activation process. Click the first link in the email, select your line, and continue. On some phones, like newer iPhones, you will get a push notification and/or a pop-up in your settings that says something along the lines of “Activate your new eSIM.” Tap on it and follow through. Otherwise, go to your cellular settings, hit “Add eSIM” (or its equivalent), and scan the QR code. You can find a guide to the activation process based on your phone here: https://www.iijmio.jp/hdc/guide/norikae.html.

It should load for a bit and then it will be visible as one of your existing SIM cards. Make sure to adjust your settings to your liking, such as which lines you want to send SMS messages/make calls from, which lines you want to use for mobile data, and whether or not you want data roaming on.

If the IIJmio Voice eSIM is not the only SIM you are using, there’s one step left. If you leave this undone, you will not be able to use mobile data, so don’t skip it!

STEP 5: APN Configuration

Find your exact specifications under this page and follow the guide linked next to it to configure your APN: https://www.iijmio.jp/service/manual/setting/apn_dual.html.

If you have to download the app called My IIJmio, you will notice that it is not available anywhere but the Japanese App Store. Never fear! You can easily make a Japanese Apple ID without messing up anything else on your phone. Use this guide to do so: https://www.reddit.com/r/SchoolIdolFestival/comments/12mybxz/comprehensive_guide_to_making_a_japanese_apple_id/.

After you’ve made your ID and logged in, you can download the app. Then, once it’s downloaded, you can switch back to your regular ID. Finish following the instructions on the APN configuration guide, and it will all finally fall into place. You’re done! Congrats!

FINAL NOTE: Voice eSIM Reissuance

If, for any reason, you accidentally delete your IIJmio eSIM from your phone, you will need to reissue it for a small fee. This can be done here: https://www.iijmio.jp/service/setup/hdc/simchange/select/.

There have also been instances in which, due to some error, an eSIM couldn’t activate properly and had to be reissued. Sim-kun, the little customer service bot at the bottom right of IIJmio’s webpage can help you troubleshoot your issues within the limits of its existing prompts. Google Translate can help you with this if you can’t read Japanese.