How eSIM Technology Empowers Entrepreneurs Traveling to Japan

One of our favorite topics to blog about on Catalyst for Business is how emerging communication technologies can make global entrepreneurship easier and more cost-effective. As more Americans expand their business interests into Japan, knowing how to stay connected efficiently is crucial. You can gain a major advantage by understanding eSIM technology before traveling abroad, since reliable communication is one of the foundations of successful international business trips. It is also becoming a defining tool for entrepreneurs who want to stay connected without relying on expensive roaming plans.

A report from the International Trade Administration states that the bilateral US-Japan trade in goods and services reached $309 billion in 2022 and continues to grow each year. You can see why more American entrepreneurs are heading to Japan to explore its markets, particularly because the country has been one of the least affected by tariffs. There are clear incentives for those looking to establish or strengthen partnerships across the Pacific. Keep reading to learn more.

How eSIM Technology Helps Entrepreneurs Stay Connected in Japan

A study reveals that the number of eSIM devices has increased by 45 percent over the past year, showing how fast the technology is spreading. You can now switch between mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card, which simplifies travel across multiple countries. It is a feature that eliminates many of the frustrations business travelers faced in the past when changing carriers or purchasing local SIMs. There are now more phones, tablets, and laptops that support eSIMs than ever before.

You may be part of the growing number of entrepreneurs who see global travel as essential to their company’s future. A 2024 survey found that 44 percent of businesses planned expansion during that year, emphasizing a continued push toward new markets. It is becoming increasingly common for founders to spend time abroad meeting clients, negotiating partnerships, and attending trade events. You can strengthen your brand’s international reach by having dependable data access wherever you go.

There are more reasons than ever for business owners to prepare before arriving in Japan. A study shows that 97 percent of U.S. companies aim to enter new language markets within five years, meaning travel to non-English-speaking countries will rise sharply. It is only natural that many of these trips will require reliable communication tools like eSIMs, which help bridge digital and language gaps. You can easily download local network profiles in Japan, access translation apps instantly, and stay connected with teams back home.

You will also appreciate that Japan’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure supports high-speed networks nearly everywhere. There are convenient eSIM plans designed specifically for foreign travelers that activate instantly upon arrival. You can purchase and install them using your smartphone before leaving the airport. It is a major benefit for entrepreneurs who value time and flexibility during short business trips.

You might be surprised by how much smoother travel logistics become once you make the switch. There are no physical SIM cards to lose, no waiting lines at airport kiosks, and no compatibility issues between carriers. It is as easy as scanning a QR code and selecting your preferred data plan. You can even manage multiple lines at once—one for Japan and one for the United States—to keep both professional and personal calls separate.

There are a few things you should check before your flight. You can confirm that your device supports eSIM technology and that your carrier doesn’t restrict international activation. It is also smart to research which Japanese providers offer the best short-term or monthly packages. You can then arrive ready to connect instantly, avoiding the delays that often interrupt the start of a productive trip.

eSIMs are revolutionizing global connectivity and travel. Tourists, businesspeople, and remote workers love them because of their many advantages over traditional SIM cards.

Their benefits are twofold: they benefit the user and the environment. As a traveler, you no longer have to swap your SIM card every time you travel, which reduces plastic waste and lowers carbon emissions.

In Japan, this technology has helped ensure connectivity among travelers, while opening new ways for travel firms to innovate. Join us below as we discuss the future of global travel in this interconnected world. 

Evolution of sim technology

Did you know that the 1st mobile phone didn’t use a SIM card? The phone launched in 1983 by Motorola weighed close to 1kg. Its release paved the way for the implementation of the Global System for Mobile Communication in the early 90s.

Since then, the size of the SIM card has continued to shrink with every new release.

• Giesecke+Devrient, a German company introduced the first SIM card in 1991. As you’d imagine, it was big and was around the size of today’s credit card.
• Five years later, a mini SIM card was introduced. And unlike its predecessor, this variation was simple to use, as all you had to do was remove the battery pack and insert it.
• In 2010, the micro SIM was introduced. During this time, Apple released the iPhone 4, the first device to use this new SIM technology.
• Two years later, the Nano SIM was introduced. Even though it’s still in use in some phones, this technology released in 2012 helped pave the way for the advancements happening today.
• The eSIM is different from the others as it’s integrated into your phone. This allows you to download an eSIM plan from Holafly’s plans for instant connectivity.      

Japan’s adoption of eSim

It’s estimated that 10,000 travelers in Japan use eSIMs today! The popularity of eSIM technology in this country is due to the need for people to stay connected. Many of the people making their way to Japan are business people and remote workers.

These are individuals who can’t afford to go offline, even for a few hours. Therefore, by adopting eSIM technology, they get to avoid challenges such as:

• Patchy coverage when travelling to rural areas. Some of the areas these groups like to visit are remote and don’t have enough public and private Wi-Fi coverage.
• And in areas where there’s coverage, the available networks may lack the signal strength needed to live stream meetings.

As a result, choosing to adopt eSIM technology during your travels to Japan may prove beneficial in three ways:

• Convenience: The eSIM allows you to switch between different plans and carriers effortlessly and even store several carrier profiles on one device.
• Easy Setup and Installation: eSIMs are available online, at mobile carrier stores, and even at airports.
• Environmentally Friendly: eSIM technology is helping reduce global environmental waste by doing away with plastic SIM cards and bulky packaging. 

Impact on traditional telecom services

In an era where innovations and partnerships in the telecom space are celebrated, the rising popularity of eSims is a testament to the change happening in this sector. Until a few years ago, very few people had access to devices that could support eSims. Today, almost every traveler to Japan has access to an eSim that they use to go online and check the best travel apps. 

On the global scene, its adoption has entered a high growth phase aided by its application in low to mid-level priced phones. In 2022, for example, global shipments of eSim capable devices grew to reach 424 million units. Experts in the tech space estimate that by 2030, 80% of all smartphones in use will support eSim technology. 

As its use spreads, the telecommunication landscape is also changing. In past years, you had to have a physical SIM card to get your smartphone working. This came about with many limitations such as having to stay with one provider for years. 

All these limitations are now becoming a thing of the past with continued eSim adoption. 

Traveler testimonials

For people who haven’t used eSims in the past, they may want to know what other travelers have to say about this technology. If you’re one of these travelers, these testimonials by past users may help you get an idea of what to expect.

Anna, a self–confessed adventurer and travel blogger has this to say:  “After using a Local’s eSIM on my last trip to Japan, I can confidently say this technology is a game changer for global  travel. I loved every bit of it, from the easy setup process, to the flexible and affordable data plans. I recommend it for anyone planning on visiting Japan.”

Meera is yet another traveler who has seen its benefits firsthand and is quick to echo Anna’s comment. She says, “ I’ve used an eSIM for international travel, and it made things much easier for me and my family. I activated eSIM before my flight, and as soon as I landed, I had data— this meant no hunting for SIM cards and, more importantly, no overpriced airport plans. All I had to do was scan the QR code, activate it, and stay connected to my loved ones hassle-free.”

These two comments represent what many other travelers are saying about eSim technology. 

Future prospects

eSims will continue to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of mobile connectivity. This will make it easier for travelers to switch carriers without having to switch physical cards. Thanks to this increased flexibility, consumers are likely to see continued competition among telecom providers.

Some of the sectors that it will impact are:

Consumer Convenience 

Travelers will enjoy simplified processes for managing multiple devices, upgrading plans, and switching carriers. And the best part is that they’ll be able to do all this without having to visit a physical store.

Business and Remote Work

For remote workers and business travelers, eSim technology will continue to provide unparalleled convenience. Global coverage, instant activation, and affordable plans will make it possible to stay connected across multiple jurisdictions. 

You can see how eSIM technology has become an essential resource for entrepreneurs planning to explore Japan’s growing market. It is a practical way to maintain communication, reduce travel hassles, and take advantage of Japan’s exceptional digital infrastructure. There are few tools that combine convenience and flexibility as effectively for global business travelers.

It is clear that the increasing adoption of eSIMs, combined with expanding global trade, creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs to work efficiently abroad. You can prepare for success by researching eSIM plans, ensuring device compatibility, and embracing the freedom of instant connectivity before stepping onto Japanese soil.