Y!mobile Japan Phone Plans: English Review for Expats

Are you looking for an affordable phone plan in Japan with physical store locations? Y!mobile, SoftBank's budget sub-brand since 2014, operates over 850 stores nationwide and runs on SoftBank's 4G LTE and 5G network, offering competitive prices.

While Y!mobile offers in-person support, most services, including the application process and customer service, are in Japanese.

In this guide, we'll summarize Y!mobile's current plans and pricing (updated for 2025), share user feedback, and discuss its suitability for international residents. We'll also compare it with English-friendly options like Sakura Mobile.

By the end, you'll know if Y!mobile is the right choice for you. Let's get started!

Y!mobile Phone Plans Overview

Y!mobile is SoftBank's budget sub-brad that's been around isnce 2014 (born from a merger of eAccess and Willcom). The big draw? You get SoftBank's nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network—the same infrasturcture as their premium plans—but at much lower prices.

As of November 2025, Y!mboile offers the "Simple 3" (シンプル3) plans: Simple 3 S, M, and L.

(Prices include tax unless noted)

Simple 3 Plan Details

All plans include data rollover to the next month and come with LYP Premium membership (formerly Yahoo! Premium) at no extra cost.

Note: The previous "Simple 2" plans stopped accpeting new sign-ups on September 24, 2025, but exisiting users can keep their plans.

Difference Between SoftBank and Y!mobile

Both run on the same SoftBank network, but here's what sets them apart:

(Prices include tax unless noted)

Bottom line: Y!mobile is SoftBank's way of competing with budget carriers. You're getting the same network quality at a fraction of the cost, but you give up in-person support and deal with Japanese-only interface.

Do I Have to Purchase a Device?

No. Y!mobile doesn't require you to buy a phone from them. You can bring your own device as long as it meets two requirements:

• Unlocked (SIM-free) – Your phone must not be carrier-locked.
• Compatible – Must support SoftBank's frequency bands (LTE Bands 1, 3, 8; 5G n77, n78, n79)

What If I Don't Have a Device?

If you need a phone, Y!mobile sells devices at their online store and physical locations. They offer:

• iPhones (usually previous-generation models at discounted prices)
• Android smartphones (mid-range to budget options from manufacturers like OPPO, Xiaomi, and Sharp)

Y!mobile often runs device discounts when you sign a new contract. However, all interactions are in Japanese, so buying a phone through Y!mobile can be challenging without Japanese language skills.

Alternative: If you don't speak Japanese and need help choosing/setting up a device, Sakura Mobile offers full English support with device compatibility checks and setup assistance—all in your language.

Advantages of Using Y!mobile

Y!mobile has some genuine benefits that make it appealing compared to both premium carriers and other budget options. Here's what works:

Lower Rates Than SoftBank (Same Network)

Y!mobile runs off SoftBank's premium 4G LTE and 5G network—the same infrastructure—but at a fraction of the cost. SoftBank's premium unlimited plans start around 7,425 yen per month, while Y!mobile's Simple 3 plans range from 3,058-5,258 yen base price.

Real user feedback (translated):

"Changed from SoftBank to Y!mobile! I lowered my monthly phone bill by 3,000 yen even including the fee for a new phone...nothing but good things lol."—@aya_476, March 2021

If you don't need unlimited data, Y!mobile saves you money every month without sacrificing connection quality.

Fast, Reliable Speeds

Y!mobile has a solid reputation for speed. Because it runs on SoftBank's main network (not a deprioritized MVNO connection), you get the same fast speeds as premium SoftBank customers.

Independent tests show Y!mobile consistently outperforms many budget carriers on speed and stability.

Free LYP Premium Membership (Worth 508 Yen Monthly)

This is a big one. Y!mobile users automatically get LYP Premium (formerly Yahoo! Premium) at no extra cost—a service that normally costs 508 yen per month.

Real user feedback (translated):

"The Yahoo Premium membership and Yahoo Shopping cashback rate increase that came with Y!mobile is more convenient than I expected, and I'd say that's mostly why I'm sticking with Y!mobile."—@SanoSeiryu, February 2021

Important note: To access all LYP Premium benefits, you need to complete Y!mobile's initial registration and link your Yahoo! JAPAN ID, LINE account, and PayPal account for full benefits. The setup process is in Japanese.

Plenty of Physical Store Locations

Unlike most budget carriers that are online-only, Y!mobile has more than 850 physical stores across Japan where you can get in-person support in Japanese. This is rare for a budget carrier.

What you can do at stores:

• Sign up for new service
• Troubleshoot technical issues
• Get help with billing questions
• Purchase or exchange devices

Real user feedback (translated):

"I'm sure with Y!mobile you'll have all the peace of mind you need with all of the stores they have! They offer an internet set that has a monthly discount and family discount where the second line is cheaper."—@takutaku_2525, February 2021

Disadvantages of Using Y!mobile

Y!mobile has some real benefits, but there are several frustrations that make it difficult for many long-term international residents. Here's what doesn't work:

Almost Zero English Support

This is the biggest problem for international residents. Y!mobile has very limited English-language support throughout the entire experience.

What's in Japanese:

• The entire application process (online and in-store)
• The My Y!mobile app for checking usage and managing your plan
• Customer service (email, phone, chat)
• Billing statements
• Contract terms and conditions
• All plan changes and troubleshooting

Y!mobile does have a basic English website that explains their plans, but that's where English support ends. Once you sign up, everything—checking your data usage, changing your plan, solving problems—is in Japanese.

Bottom line: If Japanese isn't your strong suit, Y!mobile will be frustrating to use.

Not the Cheapest Option Available

Y!mobile is cheaper than premium SoftBank plans, but it's not the cheapest carrier in Japan. Several competitors offer lower prices:

Real user feedback (translated):

"Y!mobile is more expensive than other cheap ones. I'll either go with Rakuten's zero yen or UQ's smallest plan, which is cheaper."—@shinji_daaaa, February 2022

If cost is your number one concern and you're comfortable with Japanese-only support, carriers like Rakuten Mobile or povo will save you more money.

Mixed Reviews on Customer Service

Despite having 850+ physical stores, Y!mobile has a reputation for inconsistent customer service. Multiple user reviews mention long wait times, unhelpful staff, and difficulty reaching support during busy periods.

Common complaints:

• Long wait times at stores during peak times (new iPhone releases, holidays)
• Phone support is hard to reach during busy seasons

Real user feedback (translated):

"In my personal opinion, the clerk at Y!mobile was so incompetent and unfriendly that I think I'd sell better if I were the clerk, so I went to docomo...Goodbye SoftBank!"—@NOROCHAAAAA, December 2020

To be fair, customer service quality varies by location—some stores get excellent reviews, while others get terrible ones. It's inconsistent.

Complex Discount Structure

Y!mobile advertises low prices, but those prices often require meeting multiple conditions:

• Home internet bundle discount:Requires signing up for SoftBank Air or SoftBank Hikari home internet.
• PayPay card discount:Requires paying with a specific PayPay credit card.

Without these discounts, the base prices are higher than advertised. For international residents who don't have family in Japan or don't want to bundle services, you're paying the full base rate—which makes Y!mobile less attractive compared to flat-rate competitors like povo or LINEMO.

Who Should Use It, and Who Shouldn't?

After looking at Y!mobile's pros and cons, here's who it actually makes sense for—and who should look elsewhere.

Y!mobile Works Well If You:

• Aren't fluent in Japanese –You're comfortable with Japanese apps, contracts, and support
• Want SoftBank's network at a lower price –You need a reliable coverage without premium rates
• Prefer in-person support –You like resolving problems at a physical store
• Use 5-35 GB of data monthly –Y!mobile's plans match your needs
• Can take advantage of discounts –You have family sign ups, or are willing bundle home internet for savings
• Frequent Yahoo! or PayPay user –Enjoy added value from LYP Premium membership and PayPay Points

Skip Y!mobile If You:

• Need English Support –All services are in Japanese, making it difficult for non-fluent users.
• Want the absolute cheapest option –Alternatives like povo (990 yen for 3 GB) and Rakuten Mobile (1,078 yen for up to 3 GB) are more affordable.
• Use very little data –If you primarily use WiFi and need only 1-3 GB, Y!mobile's 5 GB minimum will cost you more.
• Need unlimited data –Y!mobile caps at 35 GB
• Don't have time for store visits –Long wait times at physical stores make quick online support difficult
• Can't meet discount requirements –Without bundling options or a home internet plan, you'll pay the full price (3,058-5,258 yen), which isn't competitive.

The Bottom Line

Y!mobile is a solid mid-tier option if you speak Japanese and want SoftBank's network quality without premium pricing. But for international residents who need English support or want the absolute cheapest rates, there are better alternatives, like Sakura Mobile.

Comparison with Other Carriers

How does Y!mobile stack up against other options for long-term residents in Japan? Here's a comprehensive comparison with updated 2025 pricing.

(All prices include tax)

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

Y!mobile's position:

• Significantly cheaper than parent company SoftBank while using the same network.
• More expensive than ultra-budget options (povo, LINEMO, Rakuten).
• Similar pricing to Sakura Mobile, but no English support.
• Physical stores available (850+ locations), unlike most budget carriers.

For international residents: The only carrier offering full English support is Sakura Mobile. All others (including Y!mobile) operate primarily or entirely in Japanese. If English support matters to you, Sakura Mobile is worth the extra 200-300 yen per month over Y!mobile.

Want to learn about other carriers in Japan? Check out our guide on docomo's ahamo plans below!

ahamo Phone Plans: Full English Guide to Pricing & Features

Quick Guide to Start the Service

The Y!mobile application process is entirely in Japanese, which makes it challenging for non-Japanese speakers. Here's a step-by-step breakdown to help you understand what to expect.

Before you start, you'll need:

• Valid ID (residence card, My Number card, or passport + residence card)
• Japanese address (you cannot apply without one)
• Credit card or bank account for payment
• Email address
• Phone number that can receive SMS (for verification)

Important: Consider using Sawkura Mobile if you want full English support from start to finish

Step 1: Choose Your Plan

Visit the Y!mobile online store and select whether you want:

• New contract (getting a new number)
• MNP transfer (bringing your existing number from another carrier)
• SIM only or SIM + device

You'll also choose your plan (Simple 3 S, M, or L) and whether you want a physical SIM or eSIM. If you are applying for an eSIM, you can only do so on your phone. If you attempt to apply on your computer or tablet, it will show a QR code to have you apply on your phone.

What they ask:

• Are you switching from SoftBank or another carrier?
• Do you want to buy a phone or bring your own device?
• Which plan do you want?

Step 2: Fill Out Personal Information

Next you'll enter:

• Full name (in romaji/alphabet)
• Email address
• Phone number for SMS verification
• Current address in Japan

Critical requirement: You must already have a Japanese address. Y!mobile will not accept applications from people who haven't moved to Japan yet or don't have an address registered.

If switching from SoftBank: You'll need to log in with you My SoftBank credentials.

Step 3: Upload ID Documents

Y!mobile requires identity verification. Accepted documents include:

For foreign residents:

• Residence card (with permanent residence)
• My number card
• Passport + residence card (without permanent residency)

Important photo requirements:

• When uploading ID photos online, cover the gender field with a plain piece of paper. If gender is visible, your application will be automatically rejected.
• If your ID shows a different address than your current address, you'll need supplementary documents (utility bill, residence certificate).

You'll also set a network security PIN code and choose your payment method (credit card or bank account).

Step 4: Agree to Terms and Conditions

You'll need to agree to Y!mobile's service agreement and data usage terms. Y!mobile does provide an English translation of key contract points in their "Important Notes on Data Service" document (7 pages, updated October 2025), but this is only a summary—the full legal contract you're agreeing to is in Japanese.

Step 5: Confirmation and Activation

After submitting your application, Y!mobile will review it (usually 1-3 business days). You'll receive a confirmation email once approved.

If a setup in Japanese is overwhelming: Sakura Mobile offers the same type of service (voice + data SIM on docomo's network) with:

• Full English website and application
• Email/phone support in English if you have questions
• Clear English contract terms
• Same-day assistance if something goes wrong

The price difference is minimal (200-300 yen per month), but the peace of mind is significant.

FAQ

Get Phone Service That Actually Supports You in English

Y!mobile offers decent value if you speak Japanese, but why struggle with menus you can't read and support you can't understand?

Sakura Mobile gives you the same quality service—in English—for just 200-300 yen per month.

• Full English support (email, phone, chat, in person at office)
• Similar pricing (3,278-5,478 yen for 5-40 GB)
• docomo's reliable network (99% coverage)
• Data rollover + suspend option when traveling

Stop guessing what error messages mean. Stop waiting hours for help you can't communicate with.

👉Sign up for Sakura Mobile today and get a phone plan that works in your language.

Related article

Are you looking for cell phone plans you can use in Japan? Check out our other article below. It compares various mobile carriers in Japan that we recommend.

Best SIM Cards in Japan | Cell Phone Plans for Long-Term Stay