Finding A Japan Virtual Phone Number For Your Business

Having a phone number helps establish your business presence locally. 

However, a great alternative is to have a Japanese virtual phone number to localize your business in Japan.

Thus, this Japan virtual phone number guide is here to help your business enhance your customer engagement.

What is a virtual phone number?

A virtual phone number is a telephone number that is not tried on a physical phone line.

Instead, calls made to a virtual number will be forwarded to a different device. It allows businesses to handle calls in different locations. 

So, a virtual Japanese phone number allows foreign companies to establish a local presence in Japan, even when you are abroad.

Different types of virtual phone numbers

There are 3 main different Japan virtual phone numbers that you can pick depending on what you are looking for.

Toll-free numbers

Toll-free numbers allow customers to call your business without incurring charges.

Local Japan numbers

A local Japanese phone number gives the impression that your business is physically in Japan, even if it operates in another country. 

Usually, a local Japan phone number starts with 070, 080, or 090. If you are calling a local number abroad, you'll input Japan's international calling code of +81.

Mobile virtual numbers

Mobile virtual numbers are popular in Japan. They allow businesses to communicate with voice calls and SMS. These numbers are not associated with a telephone line, making them portable.

So, a Japan virtual number may start with 050 since it's not assigned to a specific region or prefecture.

Why use a virtual phone number for a business?

A Japanese virtual number allows calls on a designated device such as a mobile phone, landline, or computer. 

So businesses can receive calls from anywhere without needing an international phone system. 

Improved local credibility

Japanese phone numbers give your company credibility within Japan, so customers, especially Japanese ones, will feel comfortable contacting your business. 

Better handling for Japanese customer inquiries

You can handle Japanese inquiries for better customer service operations if you have bilingual customer support.

Need a bilingual receptionist service?

When launching a business in Japan, it’s important to have someone bilingual to accommodate and communicate with your customers. 

Here’s where MailMate’s bilingual receptionist service is the perfect solution. 

Our receptionists can handle incoming calls in Japanese and English. So, no matter who your customer base is, you’ll be relieved to know that they can answer their questions.

Have a specific calling request, such as call forwarding and message taking? Get in touch with MailMate to see how you can elevate your customer service with local clients in Japan.

More cost-effective international communication

Japan's virtual phone numbers reduce international communication costs by eliminating physical offices and landline lines in Japan. 

Additional features

It also includes:

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Helps route calls to the right department automatically.

• Call forwarding: Direct calls to different devices or locations.

• Call recording: For monitoring quality purposes or to revisit important conversations.

• SMS/Messaging Features: Allows receiving and sending texts from the virtual number.

Step-by-step guide to registering for a virtual number

To get a Japanese phone number virtually, here's how you can get started:

1. Choose a Provider: Providers like Google Voice (Japan), Skype, or Japanese-specific services offer virtual Japanese numbers.

2. Sign Up: Create an account with the provider and choose a plan that includes Japanese numbers.

3. Select a Number: Pick a local Japanese number.

4. Verify & Activate: Complete any required verification steps (such as providing ID or business details) and activate the number.

Setting up call forwarding

Every virtual phone number provider has specific call forwarding for their numbers. 

Here are the general steps:

1. Access the virtual phone number application or dashboard.

2. Go into the settings or call the management section.

3. Find the call forwarding options. Toggle it.

4. Enter the phone number to which the calls should be forwarded to.

5. Save the settings.

Now, any incoming calls can be transferred to the new forwarded number.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Japanese phone number virtually?

Japan's virtual numbers are offered by Skype, Google Voice (Japan), or local services. Once you've selected a provider and plan, you'll undergo verification stamps to activate your new virtual Japanese phone number for incoming and outgoing calls.

In closing

Finding a Japan virtual phone number is a great asset for your business looking to expand its support communication. Its integration with your business system will ensure that your operations run smoothly.