LINE Mobile Japan Review 2026: Is It Still Worth It for Expats?
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Introduction: The LINE Mobile Story Every Expat Needs to Know
If you’ve been Googling “LINE Mobile Japan review” while preparing for your move to Japan, I need to give you some important context right upfront. I’ve been helping expats navigate Japanese mobile plans for over a decade, and LINE Mobile is one of the most-searched terms that leads to the most confusion.
Here’s the deal: LINE Mobile as a standalone brand no longer exists in its original form. In 2021, SoftBank absorbed LINE Mobile into its LINEMO service. But here’s why this article still matters — thousands of expats are still on grandfathered LINE Mobile plans, LINEMO carries forward much of what made LINE Mobile great, and understanding this transition is crucial for making the right mobile choice in 2026.
I signed up for LINE Mobile back in 2018 when I was living in Osaka, and I watched the entire transition happen in real-time. So whether you’re an existing LINE Mobile user wondering if you should switch, or a newcomer trying to figure out what all the LINE Mobile hype was about and what to use instead, I’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down what LINE Mobile offered, what LINEMO offers now, how they compare to other budget-friendly options for expats, and exactly what I’d recommend if you’re moving to Japan in 2026. If you’re still in the planning stages, check out our complete moving to Japan checklist to make sure you’ve got everything sorted.
What Was LINE Mobile Japan? A Quick History
LINE Mobile launched in 2016 as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that piggy-backed on NTT Docomo’s network — and later offered SoftBank and au lines too. It was revolutionary for several reasons:
- Data-free LINE usage: All messaging, voice calls, and video calls through the LINE app didn’t count toward your data cap
- Affordable plans: Starting from around ¥1,100/month for 3GB
- English support: Relatively foreigner-friendly signup process
- No contract lock-in: Month-to-month flexibility that the big carriers didn’t offer
- Social media data-free options: Higher tier plans included free data for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LINE Music
For expats, LINE Mobile was a godsend. Before it came along, most of us were stuck choosing between expensive 2-year contracts with the big three carriers (Docomo, au, SoftBank) or confusing MVNOs with zero English support. LINE Mobile hit that sweet spot perfectly.
In 2018, SoftBank acquired a majority stake in LINE Mobile. By March 2021, LINE Mobile stopped accepting new applications, and the service was effectively replaced by LINEMO, SoftBank’s online-only budget brand.
LINEMO: LINE Mobile’s Successor — Full Review for 2026
LINEMO is what you should be looking at if LINE Mobile originally caught your eye. It runs directly on SoftBank’s 4G/5G network (not as an MVNO), which means you get full carrier-grade speeds. Here’s the current breakdown:
LINEMO Plans in 2026
| Feature | Mini Plan | Smartphone Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | ¥990 | ¥2,728 |
| Data Allowance | 3GB | 20GB |
| LINE Data-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 5G Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Network | SoftBank (direct) | SoftBank (direct) |
| Contract Period | None | None |
| Call Rate | ¥22/30 sec | ¥22/30 sec |
LINEMO Pros
- LINE app data is still free: The signature feature lives on — all LINE messaging, voice calls, and video calls don’t touch your data cap
- Full SoftBank network speed: Unlike the old LINE Mobile MVNO, you get carrier-grade speeds with no throttling during peak hours
- 5G included at no extra cost: Future-proofed for Japan’s expanding 5G coverage
- No contract or cancellation fees: Leave whenever you want
- eSIM support: Great if your phone supports it — instant activation
- Incredibly affordable: ¥990/month for 3GB is hard to beat
LINEMO Cons
- Online only: No physical stores. All support is through chat or the website
- Japanese language heavy: The website and support are primarily in Japanese, which is a significant barrier for new expats
- No phone sales: You need to bring your own device
- Limited plan options: Only two plans — no middle ground between 3GB and 20GB
- Social media data-free is gone: The old LINE Mobile plans that gave free data for Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook don’t exist anymore
- Requires a Japanese phone number for signup: Chicken-and-egg problem for new arrivals
LINE Mobile vs. LINEMO vs. Other Budget Carriers: 2026 Comparison
Let’s see how LINEMO stacks up against other popular expat-friendly options in 2026. This is where things get really useful:
| Carrier | Network | Price (20GB) | English Support | Expat Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINEMO | SoftBank | ¥2,728 | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ahamo (Docomo) | Docomo | ¥2,970 | Partial | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| povo 2.0 (au) | au/KDDI | ¥2,700 | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rakuten Mobile | Rakuten/au | ¥2,178 | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IIJmio | Docomo/au | ¥2,000 | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ |
My Top Recommendation: What I’d Choose in 2026
After testing nearly every budget carrier in Japan over the years, here’s my honest take:
For most expats, I recommend Rakuten Mobile or ahamo over LINEMO in 2026. Here’s why:
Rakuten Mobile offers the best value — unlimited data for ¥3,278/month, and their coverage has improved dramatically since the early days. They also have some of the best English support among budget carriers. If you’re in a major city (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka), Rakuten’s network is solid in 2026.
ahamo (by Docomo) gives you 20GB for ¥2,970, includes 20GB of international roaming in 82 countries, and runs on Japan’s most reliable network. The website has English support, and the signup process is more foreigner-friendly than LINEMO. If reliability is your top priority, ahamo is your pick.
LINEMO is still great if: You’re a heavy LINE user, you want the cheapest possible plan (that ¥990/month Mini Plan is unbeatable), or you’re already comfortable navigating Japanese websites. The LINE data-free feature is genuinely useful since LINE is essentially Japan’s primary communication app.
If you’re just arriving in Japan and need something immediately, you might want to start with a SIM card designed for Japan expats while you sort out your residence card and bank account, which you’ll need for most domestic carriers.
How to Sign Up for LINEMO as a Foreigner in 2026
If LINEMO is your choice, here’s the step-by-step process. Fair warning — it requires some Japanese ability or a helpful Japanese-speaking friend:
What You’ll Need
- Residence Card (在留カード): Your primary ID for signing up with any Japanese carrier
- Japanese bank account or credit card: For monthly payments. A Visa or Mastercard issued outside Japan may work, but results vary. Setting up finances is covered in our Wise Japan review
- An unlocked phone: Compatible with SoftBank’s frequency bands (most modern phones work fine)
- Email address: For account registration
- MNP number (optional): If you’re transferring from another Japanese carrier
Step-by-Step Signup Process
- Visit the LINEMO website (linemo.jp) — use Google Translate if needed, though some browsers auto-translate
- Choose your plan: Mini Plan (3GB/¥990) or Smartphone Plan (20GB/¥2,728)
- Select SIM type: Physical SIM or eSIM. I recommend eSIM if your phone supports it — it’s instant
- Enter your personal information: Name (as it appears on your residence card), address, date of birth
- Upload your ID: Take clear photos of your residence card (front and back)
- Set up payment: Enter credit card or bank details
- Wait for verification: Usually takes 1-3 business days for physical SIM, same day for eSIM
- Activate: Follow the instructions to configure your APN settings
Pro tip: If the Japanese website is giving you trouble, the LINE app itself sometimes has promotional signup flows for LINEMO that are slightly more navigable. Also, having a VPN can sometimes cause issues with the signup — if you’re using one for other purposes, check out our guide on VPNs for Japan and temporarily disable it during signup.
What About Existing LINE Mobile Users?
If you’re one of the expats still on a grandfathered LINE Mobile plan, you might be wondering: should you switch? Here’s my honest advice:
If your current LINE Mobile plan works for you, there’s no rush to switch. SoftBank has continued to honor existing LINE Mobile contracts. However, be aware of some limitations:
- You won’t get 5G access on old LINE Mobile plans
- Customer support for LINE Mobile is increasingly limited
- Some features may be deprecated over time
- If you change plans or SIM, you’ll likely need to migrate to LINEMO or another service
When to switch: If you’re paying more than ¥2,728/month, if you want 5G, or if you’re experiencing slower speeds (LINE Mobile’s MVNO speeds have degraded over time as resources shift to LINEMO).
The migration from LINE Mobile to LINEMO is relatively seamless — you can keep your phone number and it’s processed as a transfer rather than a new application.
Essential Accessories for Your Japan Mobile Setup
Regardless of which carrier you choose, here are some things I recommend every expat in Japan have:
A quality portable charger — Japan’s trains run on time, but your battery won’t always last through those long Tokyo commuting days. I never leave home without one: Check Anker portable chargers on Amazon
A dual-SIM phone or eSIM-compatible device — Having a backup SIM option is invaluable. If LINEMO goes down or you travel internationally, having flexibility matters: Browse unlocked dual-SIM phones on Amazon
A phone case with IC card holder — If your phone doesn’t have built-in NFC for Suica/PASMO, a case with a card pocket lets you tap through train gates with your IC card right on your phone: Find phone cases with card holders on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still sign up for LINE Mobile in 2026?
No. LINE Mobile stopped accepting new applications in March 2021. The spiritual successor is LINEMO, which