Japan · +81 A real Japan number. Rented for one code.

Japanese mobile numbers start with 070, 080 or 090, and Japanese services check for those prefixes. Every voice SIM in Japan is sold against identity documents under the Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act, so a Japanese number is hard to get from abroad. A rented one receives a single code for an app such as LINE or Mercari without a Japanese contract.

Four networks carry Japanese mobiles: NTT Docomo, KDDI under the au brand, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile. The numbers rented here are real ranges on them. Numbers beginning 050 are internet phone lines, and many Japanese services refuse those for verification.

090-1234-5678 and the international version

A Japanese mobile number is eleven digits, usually written with hyphens as 090-1234-5678. From abroad the leading 0 is dropped, giving +81 90-1234-5678. Japanese forms often split the number into three boxes, and many expect half-width digits rather than full-width ones.

Landlines use area codes such as 03 for Tokyo and 06 for Osaka, and cannot receive verification texts. The 070 range was opened to mobiles when 080 and 090 filled up, so all three read the same to a service.

LINE, Mercari and Battle.net

LINE is Japan's main messenger, and people reach friends, shops and even local government offices through it. Registration sends a code by SMS, and one number holds one LINE account, so a business account or a second personal one needs another number.

Mercari confirms new accounts with a code sent to a Japanese mobile. Blizzard asks for a phone number on Battle.net for account security and for some games, and players in Japan add a Japanese one.

Keeping identity checks separate

Japanese banks, and the identity steps inside payment apps, use a My Number card, a driving licence or a residence card. A phone number does not replace that, and a rented number is not meant for it.

For messaging, marketplaces and games, a rented Japanese number handles the code and returns to the pool afterwards. Add an email or a transfer passcode where the app offers one. Prices by service are on the pricing page.