I’m trying to decide between Mobal or Sakura to use for the first few months. The general consensus when looking through threads that mention both seems to be don’t stick with either of them long term, however at least starting with them sounds pretty convenient. However, for Sakura in particular I have been seeing the most DON’T USE warnings because of how hard it is to cancel apparently, the charges you get, etc. Yet, unlike Mobal it seems with Sakura you can keep your number if you switch. So I was thinking if it’s easier since we’ll need permanent numbers to use Sakura then switch later, but I’m worried it’s really that much of a pain to deal with if I do. I have very, very low Japanese ability so I was thinking it would be easier to start with one of them especially because the English support offered.
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Edit: I’m also working in Meguro if anyone has recommendations for what cellphone/internet providers seem to work best in an area like that specifically.
12 comments
Cancelling was very easy and they’re very upfront with the charges you’ll be paying each month. I recently cancelled my pocket WiFi and all I had to do was login, click terminate contract, and then like 1-2 confirmations and it was done.
Apparently Mobal just recently (as in fall 21) updated that you can keep your number.
An important factor would be SoftBank or Docomo, both are generally very spread out but wouldn’t hurt to reach out to those in your city and see which service works “better”
Sakura was like pulling teeth to get even minimal service from them and they “forgot” to refund my deposit after two months of reminding them. Spotty service. Piss poor attitude too.
Mobal was a dream. Better prices, great service, better plans and they *DO* have number portability but just not with all plans. If you call they explain it all in native English and I had not one problem with them. Number ported and the transactions and paperwork was so simple I am extremely happy I quit Sakura and then went with Mobal.
Was with Sakura for two years never had any problems, was able to do everything over email with the customer support and in English. Also had no problems cancelling and no fees just had to pay my last months contract and had to pay a small fee to get the code to keep the same phone number. Was SIM only contract not sure if that makes any difference.
I still have Sakura, so no experience canceling but I’ve had nothing but lovely experiences. I lost my Sim once after a trip abroad and they responded to my email promptly and got a new Sim to me the next day. I did have to pay a lost Sim fee, but I found the fee to be very reasonable
Both are good starters but it would be better to switch off just later down the line for better pricing and/or coverage. Mobal isn’t bad at all, pretty decent coverage and better pricing. However, you can’t transfer your number to another company so you’ll have to go through the process of changing your number with city hall, bank etc. Sakura is a bit more expensive and tends to have spotty coverage in certain locations but it does let you transfer your number which will remove the hassle of dealing with that in the long run. If you7re starting with either one, I’d say Sakura. I did Mobal and just trying to remember where I had to change my number after i switched to a different plan was a pain. Then having to take nenkyuu so I could go and actually change it was also annoying.
I used Sakura for 3 years when I first moved to Tokyo, had no trouble at all. Switched to Rakuten Mobile about a year back and there were no issues with canceling or extra fees.
You can keep your number after your switch from Mobal. I was able to do so. You just need to ask them for your MNP. Make sure to use it before it expires!
I have mobal for phone and Sakura for home internet. Both do what I want them to do. Waiting for a good offer from mobile companies.
Anyone know any good deals with an iPhone included? Ta.
I have used Sakura for five years now, so no canceling experience, everything is pretty straightforward. There is a area in one of my schools where I lose service, but I am pretty inaka so it is nbd.
I used mMobal then cancelled after 3 months via website. It was easy to use.
You can keep your number with Mobal if you switch no problem – I literally transferred my number from Mobal to Rakuten just last week. Mobal were super slow at getting the required MNP code thing to me though, so allow a week to organise the number transfer.
I picked Mobal because they were cheaper than Sakura and had a booth at the JET orientation to help us set up the SIM cards. I wouldn’t stick with either company longer term as they’re significantly more expensive than most other options – once you’re here and have a registered Japanese address you can easily switch.
Subbed to Mobal in 2021 November and cancelled during the 1 week trial for the data SIM. No problems, money back.
Then switched to Sakura Mobile the following week. Cancelled July 2022. Sent the cancellation application. Gave me the option to return it via mail or in person at their office by appointment. Said I’d do it in person but changed my mind, paid for the ¥540 prepaid envelope and I’m just waiting for the last month’s bill.
Same deal with Sakura fibre optic internet except they mail the prepaid return pack for the modem. Sent it off to NTT and after leaving Japan i barely remember dealing with them so I’d say it was a positive experience.