Compare the contract you can complete, not the lowest headline
Compare Mobal and Sakura Mobile for long-term use
Working rule: Mobal is the first route to check when ordering before arrival, needing voice-only or using a specialist non-resident route. Sakura Mobile is the first route to check when you are settling in Japan, have the documents/address its monthly plan requires and want voice plus data with full English support. Confirm the current checkout before buying.
Public plan information checked: 2026-09-16
This is not a speed ranking and no provider is best for every applicant. Eligibility, number functions, device compatibility and total paid over your own usage period decide the result.
Choose the first provider page from your condition
Check Mobal first
You need a voice-only option, want worldwide delivery or Japan pickup, are comparing a route before arrival, or need published roaming options for keeping access to a Japanese number outside Japan.
Check Sakura first
You will live in Japan for more than 90 days, want voice plus data, can complete its registered-address/ID route, and value English support across sign-up, billing and account help.
Choose neither voice plan yet
You only need data for a short visit. Compare travel eSIM/SIM instead; paying monthly for voice is unnecessary unless a real Japanese number is required.
Recheck both
You need a number for one specific bank, app or ticket site. Confirm that service accepts the number type before buying either line.
Compare facts that change the contract
| Point | Mobal | Sakura Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Published long-term voice entry | Voice-only and voice-plus-data options | Voice-plus-data monthly options |
| Japanese number and SMS | Published on voice products | Published on monthly voice products |
| Before-arrival route | Worldwide delivery/Japan pickup are published; check exact product lead time | Check monthly-plan ID/address and pickup/delivery route for your order |
| Payment | Check accepted card and billing on checkout | States cards issued outside Japan are accepted |
| eSIM delivery | Voice eSIM access code is currently sent as a physical document | Online ID verification; check activation and delivery route |
| Support | English support | English-first support |
Calculate your own total from today’s checkout
Prices and promotions change. Copy the setup, monthly and one-off amounts displayed on each provider’s current checkout, then compare the same number of months. The calculation stays in this browser.
Open both official offers and record the same fields
Mobal voice plans
Record the product price, first monthly charge, data size, calls/SMS, delivery, roaming and cancellation method.
Sakura Mobile voice plans
Record the setup/activation amount shown, monthly fee, data size, calls/SMS, ID/address route, delivery and cancellation method.
What this comparison deliberately does not claim
No independent nationwide speed test was performed by Tsutawarule, and network experience depends on place, time, device and congestion. The comparison therefore uses published contract functions and your own total-cost inputs rather than inventing a “fastest” winner.