Who Is the 12-Month SoftBank SIM Best For? Who Shouldn't Buy It?

Quick Answer

The SoftBank 12-month SIM (prepaid data SIM, one-time payment for the whole year) is best suited for foreigners living in Japan for 1 year or more, who don't yet have a Japanese credit card or bank account, and who only need internet for LINE, Zalo, Google Maps, studying, and entertainment. You pay once, with no monthly bills, no cancellation fees, and no worry about late payments.

On the other hand, you should NOT choose this option if you need a 090/080/070 phone number for calls, bank registration, apartment rental, or if you're only staying in Japan for a few months. In that case, you should use a calling SIM or a monthly data SIM.

Who This Article Is For

This article is written for foreigners living, studying, and working in Japan, specifically:

• Newly arrived international students with a 1-year or 1-year-3-month visa, who haven't been able to get a credit card yet, and want stable internet from day one.
• Technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers who have just entered Japan, aren't yet familiar with Japanese procedures, and want to avoid the hassle of monthly bills and contract cancellation fees.
• People working under fixed-term contracts (engineers, dispatch company employees) who know for certain they'll be in Japan for at least 12 months.
• People currently using an expensive major carrier SIM who want to cut down on monthly telecom costs.
• People who have been refused a contract before due to not having a credit card, no Japanese bank account, or no guarantor.
• People who are hesitant with Japanese and don't want to go to a carrier store to sign a long contract in Japanese.

If you belong to one of the groups above, most of the content below will apply directly to you.

Cases Where This Does NOT Apply

Let's be honest so you don't waste money unnecessarily. The 12-month prepaid data SIM is not suitable in the following cases:

• You need a real calling phone number (090/080/070). Data SIMs only provide internet, not regular calling numbers. If you want to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, register for part-time work, receive calls from a company, apply for jobs, etc., you need a calling SIM.
• You're only in Japan for under 6 months (tourism, short business trip, one-semester exchange). Paying for 12 months but only using 4 is wasteful. Choose a monthly plan or pocket WiFi instead.
• Your residence card expires sooner than the SIM validity period. For example, if your card has 5 months left and you're not sure you can extend it — consider a short-term plan first, then buy a longer plan after extending.
• Your phone is network-locked (SIM lock) from another carrier, or it's a device bought overseas that doesn't support Japanese frequency bands. Locked phones must be unlocked first, otherwise the SIM won't get signal once inserted.
• You use extremely large amounts of data, such as watching 4K videos for hours daily, playing online games continuously, or livestreaming. In that case, consider a large-capacity plan or pocket WiFi so multiple devices can share it.
• You want to use an eSIM but your device doesn't support it, or conversely, you want to receive the SIM the same day without waiting for shipping — check out eSIM to get a QR code quickly.

Steps to Follow

The process of purchasing and activating a 12-month prepaid data SIM usually includes the following steps:

1. Determine your data needs. Estimate based on your habits: if you only text, call via LINE, and check maps, a low-tier plan is enough; if you watch YouTube or TikTok daily outside of WiFi, you'll need a higher tier. Also consider whether your dorm or home has WiFi.
2. Choose a plan on the product page. See detailed data amounts and pricing at 12-month prepaid data SIM. Compare with the monthly plan to make sure the annual plan is truly cheaper for you.
3. Check your phone. The device must not be network-locked and must support Japanese frequency bands. Quick check on iPhone: Settings → General → About → "Carrier Lock" section should say "No SIM restrictions".
4. Fill in order information. Full name as on your residence card, contact phone number, delivery address in Japan (clearly write the name on the mailbox so the postal carrier doesn't return the package), and email to receive information.
5. Submit required documents. Usually photos of both sides of your residence card (and passport if requested). Photos must be clear, without glare, and with no corners cut off.
6. Make payment. Bank transfer, convenience store payment, or other methods depending on instructions. See payment guidance on the support page.
7. Receive the SIM. The SIM will be mailed to the address you provided, or you can pick it up directly at the store in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo if convenient.
8. Insert the SIM and configure APN. Turn off the phone, insert the SIM, turn it back on, then set up the APN according to the included instructions. This is a step many people forget, leading them to think the SIM is defective.
9. Check that it works. Turn off WiFi, open a browser and visit any website. If it loads, you're done. If not, restart the device once and recheck the APN.
10. Remember the expiration date. Set a reminder 2 weeks in advance to renew, avoiding internet interruption right when you need it.

Required Documents

Data SIMs (internet only, no calling number) usually require fewer documents than calling SIMs. However, each provider has its own policy, so prepare the following in advance:

Important note: under Japan's Act on Prevention of Improper Use of Mobile Phones (携帯電話不正利用防止法), SIMs with a calling phone number require mandatory identity verification of the user. Data-only SIMs may require fewer documents, but the provider still has the right to request verification. Do not use someone else's documents — if an issue arises, you won't receive support and may face legal trouble.

Cost

The price of the 12-month prepaid data SIM varies depending on data capacity and ongoing promotions, so please check the updated pricing directly on the 12-month prepaid data SIM page. Below is how to compare and determine whether it's worthwhile for you:

Comparing 3 Common Options

Additional Costs to Consider

• SIM shipping fee (if any) — ask clearly before ordering.
• SIM reissue fee if you lose or break the SIM card.
• Additional data purchase fee if you use up your data before the plan ends.
• Bank transfer fee (振込手数料) — this is charged by the bank, not the provider.

Quick calculation tip: divide the total annual plan price by 12. If that number is lower than the monthly plan and you're certain you'll be in Japan for the full 12 months, the annual plan is worthwhile. If you're only certain about 7–8 months, the savings usually won't offset the risk of wasting the remainder.

Validity Period / Processing Time

• Validity period: 12 months, usually counted from the activation date or the date noted on the slip included with the SIM. Ask clearly about the start date when you receive it.
• Order processing time: usually within the business day after payment confirmation and valid documents.
• Delivery time: about 1–3 business days within Japan, depending on the region. Hokkaido, Okinawa, and remote areas may take longer.
• Activation time: after inserting the SIM and setting up the APN, the network usually connects within a few minutes. If there's no data signal after 30 minutes, restart the device and contact support.
• Renewal: should be done 1–2 weeks before expiration to avoid network interruption. Once the SIM has expired, restoring it may take additional time.

A practical note: if you're about to move, complete SIM pickup before moving, or update your new address. Packages sent to an old address where the mailbox no longer has your name will be returned, and re-delivery takes a lot of time.

Where to Apply / Where to Go

You have two options:

1. Order Online

Choose a plan on the product page, fill in your information, submit document photos, make payment, and receive the SIM by mail. This method is convenient for those far from Tokyo or busy with work or school.

2. Visit the Store in Person

HD TELECOM has an office in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo — an area very familiar to the foreign community. You can bring your residence card and phone to have your device checked, SIM inserted, and APN set up on the spot. This method suits newcomers who aren't confident doing the setup themselves.

Before going, check contact information and payment instructions on the support page to avoid arriving without the necessary documents.

Common Mistakes

Buying a 12-month plan without being sure you'll stay in Japan for a full 12 months

This is the most costly mistake. Prepaid plans usually don't refund the unused portion. If your visa has 8 months left and renewal isn't certain, use a monthly plan instead.

Thinking a data SIM includes a calling phone number

Many people buy a data SIM and only later discover they can't register a bank account or receive calls from their workplace. Data SIMs only provide internet. You can call via LINE, Zalo, Messenger, but there's no 090/080/070 number. If you need a real number, see calling SIM registration.

Not setting up the APN

Inserting the SIM and seeing signal but unable to access the internet — 90% of the time this is because the APN hasn't been set up or one character was entered incorrectly. Re-enter it exactly as instructed, paying attention to uppercase/lowercase letters.

Network-locked phone

A device purchased on installment from another carrier that hasn't been unlocked won't accept a new SIM. You must unlock the network first, usually through the app or website of the carrier that sold the device.

Choosing the wrong SIM size or breaking it incorrectly

SIMs usually come in nano/micro/standard sizes on a single card. Breaking off the wrong size or damaging the chip means you'll need a replacement SIM, costing time and money. Break it gently, following the exact outline.

Using up data in the first week

Common causes: iCloud/Google Photos automatically backing up photos and videos over mobile data, apps auto-updating, videos auto-playing on social media. Go into settings and turn off backups and updates over mobile data, allowing them only on WiFi.

Forgetting the expiration date

When the expiration date arrives, the network suddenly stops, often right when you need maps or to make contact. Set a reminder in your phone's calendar the day you receive the SIM.

Writing the wrong name on the mailbox

In Japan, postal carriers deliver based on the name on the mailbox. If you're sharing a room or just moved in without labeling your name, packages are likely to be returned. Label your name in Latin letters exactly as on the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 12-month SoftBank SIM make phone calls?

Data SIMs are for internet use only, without a regular calling number. You can still call via LINE, Zalo, Messenger, WhatsApp. If you need a 090/080/070 number, choose a calling SIM.

I don't have a credit card or a Japanese bank account — can I still buy it?

Yes. This is exactly why prepaid plans are popular among newcomers. You can pay by bank transfer or other methods — see the support page.

I'm returning to my home country in 3 months — should I buy a 12-month plan?

No. Prepaid plans don't refund the unused portion. Choose a monthly plan or monthly eSIM instead.

What happens if I run out of data before the plan ends?

Depending on the plan, speed may be reduced until the next cycle, or you can purchase additional data. Ask about the policy clearly when ordering to avoid surprises.

If I go back home for a while and return later, can I still use the SIM?

The 12-month validity is based on time, not usage. If you go home for 2 months, you'll still lose those 2 months. If you'll be away for a long time, consider this before buying a long-term plan.

Can one SIM provide WiFi for a laptop?

Most Android and iPhone devices can turn on a personal hotspot (tethering). But sharing WiFi consumes data very quickly. If you need to use it for multiple devices regularly, pocket WiFi is more suitable.

Does the SIM work throughout Japan?

The SIM runs on major carrier infrastructure, so coverage is wide, including trains, urban areas, and most rural regions. Deep mountain areas or remote islands may have weak signal — this is true for all carriers.

Should I choose a physical SIM or eSIM?

eSIM is received quickly via QR code, no need to wait for shipping, suitable for those who just landed at the airport. Physical SIMs are easy to transfer to another device when changing phones. Your device must support eSIM to use it — see monthly eSIM.

References

• SoftBank – official service information and coverage page: softbank.jp
• Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務省 / MIC) – regulations on the Act on Prevention of Improper Use of Mobile Phones (携帯電話不正利用防止法): soumu.go.jp
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) – information on residence cards and stay periods: isa.go.jp
• HD TELECOM plan information and service terms: see the product page

Note: pricing, data capacity, and service terms may change over time. Regulations related to residence cards and identity verification are set by Japanese government authorities — you should verify with the relevant authority (Immigration Services Agency, city hall where you reside) or directly with the service provider before making a decision.

Source Verification Date

Content was reviewed and cross-checked against sources on June 5, 2025. Editors should update this date and verify plan pricing on the product page before publishing.

Want More Advice?

If after reading this article you're still torn between the annual plan and the monthly plan, the simplest way is to answer two questions: how much longer will you be in Japan and do you need a calling phone number. Answering these two questions will help you choose the right plan.

You can view and compare directly:

• 12-month prepaid data SIM — pay once, no monthly bills
• Monthly data SIM — flexible when unsure of your length of stay in Japan
• Calling SIM — when you need a 090/080/070 number
• Pocket WiFi — when using multiple devices

If you need to ask questions before buying, feel free to message HD TELECOM through the support page, or visit the office in Shin-Okubo (Tokyo) to have your device checked and set up on the spot. Read more guides on our blog.