This article compares Rakuten Mobile's Rakuten Saikyo Plan and Japan Communications SIM's Reasonable Simple 290 from the perspectives of pricing, call charges, data allowances, and speed, providing a basis for deciding which one to choose.
This article focuses on Rakuten Mobile's Rakuten Saikyo Plan and Japan Communications SIM's Reasonable Simple 290, two representative low-cost SIM plans, and compares them primarily in terms of their pricing structures. In conclusion, the Rakuten Saikyo Plan is often cheaper overall for users who make calls frequently, while Japan Communications SIM may be cheaper for those who make few or no calls.
The Rakuten Saikyo Plan has three monthly pricing tiers, ranging from ¥1,078 to ¥3,278. The price is ¥1,078 for up to 1GB, ¥2,178 for 3–20GB, and ¥3,278 for 20GB or more, with calls free when made through Rakuten Link. By contrast, Japan Communications SIM's Reasonable Simple 290 starts at ¥290 for 1GB and adds ¥220 for every additional 1GB, using a usage-based pricing structure.
For calls, Japan Communications SIM charges ¥11 per 30 seconds and offers options such as unlimited five-minute calls for ¥390. Rakuten Mobile, meanwhile, offers free calls through Rakuten Link, while standard calls cost ¥22 per 30 seconds, so the total cost can vary significantly depending on call usage. Both services use usage-based data pricing, but Japan Communications SIM allows users to set a data cap, after which speeds are reduced.
Rakuten Mobile offers handset bundles, whereas Japan Communications SIM does not. In practical terms, the Rakuten Saikyo Plan is more likely to be advantageous for people who make calls regularly, while Japan Communications SIM tends to be cheaper for those who limit their calling.