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The Japan guide

What works in Japan, and what doesn't

Networks, tax-inclusive prices and kids watches in Japan.

Every 3G network in Japan is off: au in March 2022, SoftBank in April 2024 (Ishikawa until July 2024), and docomo on March 31, 2026. Rakuten runs only 4G and 5G. Only 4G/LTE watches work.

    Sources:news.kddi.com · softbank.jp · docomo.ne.jp

    • Apple Watch:
    • Apple Watch For Your Kids:
    • Pixel Watch 5 LTE:
    • Galaxy Watch LTE:
    • myFirst Fone R1c:

    Carriers and watch plans

    All four major carriers let an Apple Watch share your number (¥385-550/month). For Pixel or Galaxy LTE watches, use docomo or au.

    • docomo, ワンナンバーサービス (One Number): ¥550/month; 1 accessory device. Apple Watch (GPS+Cellular), Pixel Watch LTE, Galaxy Watch LTE (non-LTE models not supported). (Verified) docomo.ne.jp · docomo.ne.jp
    • au (KDDI), ナンバーシェア (Number Share): ¥385/month (¥55 service + ¥330 sub-line base). Apple Watch; Pixel Watch 1-4; Galaxy Watch4-8, Watch8 Classic, Watch Ultra / Ultra (2025). Ultra 3 gets au Starlink Direct texting with Number Share. (Verified) au.com
    • SoftBank, Apple Watch モバイル通信サービス: ¥385/month (first 3 months ¥0 under campaign). Apple Watch; needs an eligible SoftBank voice plan. (Verified) softbank.jp · softbank.jp
    • Rakuten Mobile, 電話番号シェアサービス (Number Share): ¥550/month; Apple Watch Family Setup ¥1,078/month. Apple Watch Series 3 or later Cellular only; iPhone must be on Rakuten Saikyo Plan (not data type). (Verified) network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp · network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp
    • SoftBank Pixel/Galaxy support not checked this pass (Google's JP support page lists SoftBank setup for Pixel Watch: source) (partly confirmed).

    • The ECG app isn't available in Japan. Heart-rate tracking still works.

    Prices are in JPY including 10% consumption tax.

    Networks: 4G/LTE only

    Every 3G network in Japan is off: au in March 2022, SoftBank in April 2024 (Ishikawa until July 2024), and docomo on March 31, 2026. Rakuten runs only 4G and 5G. Only 4G/LTE watches work.

      Sources: news.kddi.com · softbank.jp · docomo.ne.jp

      Cellular on a watch

      Not every carrier supports every watch.

      • Apple Watch: au, docomo, Rakuten and SoftBank.
      • Apple Watch For Your Kids: SoftBank and au (¥385 a month) and Rakuten (¥1,078 a month). Not docomo. The parent needs an iPhone.
      • Pixel Watch 5 LTE: au, docomo and SoftBank.
      • Galaxy Watch LTE: au, docomo and SoftBank. Not Rakuten.
      • myFirst Fone R1c: SIMs on the docomo or SoftBank network only, not au.

      Carriers and watch plans

      All four major carriers let an Apple Watch share your number (¥385-550/month). For Pixel or Galaxy LTE watches, use docomo or au.

      • docomo, ワンナンバーサービス (One Number): ¥550/month; 1 accessory device. Apple Watch (GPS+Cellular), Pixel Watch LTE, Galaxy Watch LTE (non-LTE models not supported). (Verified) docomo.ne.jp · docomo.ne.jp
      • au (KDDI), ナンバーシェア (Number Share): ¥385/month (¥55 service + ¥330 sub-line base). Apple Watch; Pixel Watch 1-4; Galaxy Watch4-8, Watch8 Classic, Watch Ultra / Ultra (2025). Ultra 3 gets au Starlink Direct texting with Number Share. (Verified) au.com
      • SoftBank, Apple Watch モバイル通信サービス: ¥385/month (first 3 months ¥0 under campaign). Apple Watch; needs an eligible SoftBank voice plan. (Verified) softbank.jp · softbank.jp
      • Rakuten Mobile, 電話番号シェアサービス (Number Share): ¥550/month; Apple Watch Family Setup ¥1,078/month. Apple Watch Series 3 or later Cellular only; iPhone must be on Rakuten Saikyo Plan (not data type). (Verified) network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp · network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp
      • SoftBank Pixel/Galaxy support not checked this pass (Google's JP support page lists SoftBank setup for Pixel Watch: source) (partly confirmed).

      Health features in Japan

      Apple health features are available; Samsung ECG is not.

      • Apple: ECG, irregular rhythm and sleep apnoea notifications.
      • Samsung: the ECG app isn't available in Japan. Heart-rate tracking still works.
      • Garmin: Garmin JP lists ECG watches; its country list did not load for us.

      How we show prices in Japan

      Prices are in JPY including 10% consumption tax.

      • Verified: read on the maker's or carrier's own page.
      • Retailer price: seen on a retailer page only.
      • Partly confirmed: seen on the named page but not fully checked.
      • Imported watches need the Japanese 技適 mark to be legal to use here.
      • The beginner runners order has not yet been checked for Japan.
      Methodology & sources

      How this database is built

      Most models are verified against an official manufacturer page or launch announcement; models that exist only at retailers or are press-sourced are explicitly marked on their card. Coverage: every qualifying model from the csmobiles catalog, after documented exclusions (accessories, rings, non-smart watches and more). The full source list, by brand, is below.

      Sources for every model