Press Releases 2026

Japan's Mobile Carriers Launch "JAPAN Roaming,"
a Nationwide Emergency Roaming Service

Carriers to provide alternative service through cross-carrier network access during major emergencies

March 18, 2026
NTT DOCOMO, INC.
KDDI Corporation
Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company
SoftBank Corp.
Rakuten Mobile, Inc.

Tokyo, March 18, 2026 – Japan's five leading mobile carriers – NTT DOCOMO, INC., KDDI Corporation, Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company, SoftBank Corp. and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. – today announced the launch of "JAPAN Roaming," a nationwide emergency roaming service available from April 1, 2026*1. "JAPAN Roaming" enables users to temporarily connect to another carrier's 4G LTE network if their primary service is disrupted by large-scale disasters or major outages*2. The initiative aims to ensure critical mobile communication remains available to people when they need it most.

Background

Mobile services are an essential lifeline for daily life, and ensuring continuous connectivity during large-scale disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, or significant infrastructure failures, is critical. While the five mobile carriers have promoted landlines, public payphones and free Wi-Fi services, including "00000JAPAN," as alternative communication methods during such incidents, maintaining connectivity for customers without access to these alternatives has remained a significant challenge.

About "JAPAN Roaming"

1. Service Overview

"JAPAN Roaming" provides users with an emergency network via other mobile carriers when their contracted service is unavailable due to major disasters or outages. The service is intended as an alternative during emergencies and should be used in conjunction with other available options, including landlines, public payphones, fixed internet lines and "00000JAPAN."

[Note]
  1. *
    The service will not be available during normal operating conditions or for minor communication disruptions.
About “JAPAN Roaming”

2. Service Modes

The "JAPAN Roaming" service offers two distinct operating modes, which will be activated by the five participating carriers based on the severity of the disaster, including the extent of network damage, the number of affected users and the overall status of communication infrastructure.

Mode Voice Calls Data SMS
Full Roaming Available (including emergency calls) Available (up to 300kbps) Available
Emergency Calls Only Outgoing calls only to 110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance), 118 (Japan Coast Guard) (no callback available) Not available Not available
[Note]
  1. *
    MVNO customers can use voice calls under the Emergency Calls Only mode, and voice calls and SMS under the Full Roaming mode. More details are available from the respective MVNOs.

3. How to Use

(1)Full Roaming Mode

For users with compatible smartphones, the device will automatically connect to an available network after the full roaming service is activated. The phone's signal indicator will display "JPN-ROAM" or "JpnRoam."

[Notes]
  1. *
    When using an Android device for data communications, users may need to turn on data roaming in device settings. Please note that when traveling overseas with data roaming turned on, unexpected data charges may occur. (Some devices may still function even with data roaming turned off.)
  2. *
    If users are unable to connect even when "JPN-ROAM" is displayed, the issue may be resolved by changing the network selection setting to Manual Selection. From the list, try selecting one of the following: "JPN-ROAM D," "JPN-ROAM K," "JPN-ROAM S," or "JPN-ROAM R." (After choosing Manual Selection, please remember to switch the setting back to Automatic Selection once "JAPAN Roaming" has ended.)

(2)Emergency Calls Only Mode

To make an emergency call, users may follow these steps:

  1. 1)
    Set the network selection to Manual Selection (turn off Automatic Selection) and then select a carrier that is not your contracted provider.
    Carrier Network Names
    NTT DOCOMO "NTT DOCOMO", "DOCOMO", "44010"
    KDDI, Okinawa Cellular "KDDI", "KDDI_50", "44050"
    SoftBank "SoftBank", "44020"
    Rakuten Mobile "Rakuten", "44011"
    [Note]
    1. *
      Selection is possible even if "(Forbidden)" is displayed next to the network name.
  2. 2)
    Although "No Service" may appear, try making the call repeatedly.
  3. 3)
    After completing the emergency call, revert your network selection to Automatic Selection. If the setting is not reverted, it might prevent normal communication once "JAPAN Roaming" ends.

4. Compatible Devices

Devices released from spring 2026 onwards are scheduled to support the full range of "JAPAN Roaming" features. For information on the compatibility of other devices, please refer to each carrier's website.

5. Information on Service Provision

If "JAPAN Roaming" is activated during a large-scale disaster or outage, the five mobile carriers will provide information on service availability, service modes and coverage areas on their respective websites.

Enabled by cross-carrier network access, "JAPAN Roaming" is a collaborative initiative that represents the carriers' latest commitment to providing secure mobile services that everyone can rely on with peace of mind.

For further details regarding eligible customers, usage and compatible devices, please visit each company's website.
TCA (Telecommunication Carriers Association)
SoftBank Corp.: 'SoftBank' , 'Y!mobile' , 'LINEMO' , 'SoftBank for Business' (Japanese only)

[Notes]
  1. *1
    The service is provided based on coordination among the five mobile carriers in the event of a large-scale disaster or major network outage. It is not available during normal conditions or minor service disruptions.
  2. *2
    Some services may not be available while using "JAPAN Roaming". Please check each company's website for specific details.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan "Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness," DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society.
https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/

About KDDI

KDDI is a telecommunication service provider in Japan, offering multitude of services to individual customers through its "au", "UQ mobile" and "povo" brands, and to corporate customers through its "KDDI BUSINESS" brand.

In May 2022, KDDI had stated "KDDI VISION 2030: The creation of a society in which anyone can make their dreams a reality, by enhancing the power to connect". Under this vision, KDDI is promoting its business strategy in the Mid-Term Management Strategy (FY2022–FY2025), defined as the "Satellite Growth Strategy". With a focus on 5G communications, data-driven practices, and generative AI, KDDI will accelerate business growth by providing value-added services in the growth areas of DX, finance, energy, and life transformation (LX) which encompasses five areas of future growth (Mobility, Sports/Entertainment, Web3/Metaverse, Healthcare, and Space).

Placing "sustainability management" at the core, KDDI will aim to achieve the sustainable growth of society and the enhancement of corporate value together with our partners, by harnessing the "Satellite Growth Strategy" and strengthening the management base.

About Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company

Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company has provided telecommunications services rooted in the local community since its establishment in 1991, guided by its corporate philosophy of contributing to the development of the Okinawan economy.
In May 2025, the company announced its mid-term management plan, "OCT VISION 2030," which aims to address the social challenges facing Okinawa and create a sustainable future for the region by leveraging the power of telecommunications and digital technologies. To realize this vision, Okinawa Cellular has introduced a new strategic framework known as "Cellular 6X Management."
The company strives to enhance services that meet customer expectations and deliver enjoyable user experiences, while fostering a workplace where employees feel a strong sense of fulfillment and excitement. In addition, by supporting the digital transformation of local communities and businesses, Okinawa Cellular seeks to improve operational efficiency and generate new value, while promoting workstyle reforms that foster creativity in everyday work.
By using renewable energy and conserving the natural environment, the company fulfills its responsibility to pass on Okinawa's rich natural heritage to future generations. Okinawa Cellular is also advancing company-wide initiatives to build a sustainable organization in which each employee can grow while actively contributing to resolving regional challenges.

About SoftBank Corp.

Guided by the SoftBank Group's corporate philosophy, "Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone," SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) operates telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally. Building on its strong business foundation, SoftBank Corp. is expanding into non-telecom fields in line with its "Beyond Carrier" growth strategy while further growing its telecom business by harnessing the power of 5G/6G, IoT, Digital Twin and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions, including High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based stratospheric telecommunications. While constructing AI data centers and developing homegrown LLMs specialized for the Japanese language, SoftBank is integrating AI with radio access networks (AI-RAN) with the aim of becoming a provider of next-generation social infrastructure.

About Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, centered on its mobile network operator (MNO) business. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services for diverse customer needs.

  • SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
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