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  5. Get ¥20,000 Fast in Japan (2026): TikTok Lite + Rakuten Card Step-by-Step
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Get ¥20,000 Fast in Japan (2026): TikTok Lite + Rakuten Card Step-by-Step

Published on November 30, 2025
Updated on June 11, 2026
Author:JapanLifeStart Editorial Team
Smartphone showing 20,000 yen balance on a Japanese payment app screen, blurred Tokyo background
Portrait of Yushi Yamamoto, CEO of ibis
Yushi Yamamoto

CEO / Native Japanese Expert

Updated on: June 11, 2026

Money & Cards

How this guide is checked

Updated against official, partner, and reviewed site evidence where available.

Last updated: June 11, 2026

Source separation

Official or partner facts are separated from practical notes.

Fast-changing details

Prices, screening, documents, and rules can change.

Affiliate link handling

Some next-step links may be monetized.

Needs review: Approval, visa/tax/legal, availability, and campaign terms are not guaranteed. Confirm on the official or partner page.

💌

Send to Friends (Summary)

  • •[Japan phone number needed / Wi-Fi OFF / 10-day check-in] Detailed strategy to get ¥20,000. Avoid the 3 major traps where 50% fail and get rewards securely.

Great for LINE / WhatsApp sharing

A happy international resident in Japan looking at a smartphone with Japanese Yen coins and bills floating around, Tokyo city background.

Conclusion: Get ¥20,000 in 10 Days (2026)

Here is the summary of this strategy.

  • Total Amount: Approx. ¥20,000 ($130)
  • Time Required: 10 Days (Check-in daily)
  • Must Have: Smartphone + Japanese Phone Number + Bank Account
  • Difficulty: Easy but Strict Rules

⚠️ 3 Reasons Why 50% Fail

Follow these rules strictly or you get ¥0.

  1. Wi-Fi ON = Fail: You must use Mobile Data (4G/5G) throughout the process.
  2. Missing a Check-in: Forgetting even one day resets the bonus.
  3. Ignoring the Order: You must download via the link -> return to link -> open app.

⚠️ Preparation: You Cannot Start Without These

To receive your rewards, you need the following two items immediately:

  1. A Japanese Phone Number (SIM Card):
    • TikTok Lite will error out on smartphones that do not have a Japanese SIM card inserted. You cannot participate with a Wi-Fi-only device.
    • Don't have one yet? → Recommended SIM Card Comparison
  2. A Japanese Bank Account:
    • Necessary for withdrawing your cash rewards.
    • Don't have one yet? → Bank Account Opening Guide

Campaign 1: TikTok Lite (Earn Your Food Money)

  • Reward: ¥5,000 – ¥5,300 value (PayPay / Amazon Gift Card / Rakuten Points)
  • Difficulty: ★★★ (One wrong move and it's over)
  • Speed: 10 Days

This is the easiest campaign to earn from, but 50% of people fail. The reason is that they "don't follow the rules." TikTok Lite gives you money just for pressing a "Check-in" button every day for 10 days.

🚫 The "3 Death Traps" You Must Avoid

Smartphone screen showing Wi-Fi icon crossed out in red and 5G mobile data icon with a green checkmark.

  1. Wi-Fi is the Enemy: When downloading and registering, you must turn Wi-Fi OFF and use mobile data (4G/5G). If your IP address is deemed a duplicate (e.g., shared Wi-Fi at a sharehouse), you will be instantly banned.
  2. Delete the Existing App: If you already have the regular "TikTok" app, please delete (uninstall) it first. They conflict with each other.
  3. The "10-Day" Rule: You must tap "Check-in" every single day. If you forget on Day 4, your ¥5,000 vanishes completely.

✅ Complete Strategy Checklist

  1. If you have the regular "TikTok" app installed, delete it.
  2. Turn OFF Wi-Fi (Switch to mobile data).
  3. Tap the Invitation Link below.

TikTok Lite Invitation Campaign

⚠️ Turn OFF Wi-Fi before clicking. Get ¥5,000+ by checking in for 10 days!

Open Invitation Link
  1. Press "Participate" to download the app (Do not open the app directly from the App Store!).
  2. Return to the Invitation Link above again, and launch the app from there. (This ensures the invitation tracking works).
  3. Create a new account (Use a new email address you haven't used for TikTok before).
  4. Tap "Check-in" from the "Gift" tab within the app within 24 hours.
  5. Tap "Check-in" every day for the next 10 days.

Pro Tip: Set a smartphone alarm for 8

PM every night. Do not trust your own memory.


Campaign 2: Rakuten Card (The Ultimate Life Defense)

  • Reward: ¥5,000 – ¥8,000+ value (Rakuten Points)
  • Difficulty: ★☆☆ (Easy)
  • Speed: 1 Month

The Rakuten Card is a necessity for foreigners living in Japan. Usually, the reward is 5,000 points, but during campaign periods (weekends, Super Sales), it jumps to 8,000–10,000 points.

  • 1 Point = 1 Yen. You can use it like cash at McDonald's, FamilyMart, Seiyu (supermarkets), and more.

🚫 The "e-NAVI" Trap

Many foreigners receive their card but fail to get their points. The reason is that they forget to register for the online statement service "Rakuten e-NAVI". Points are not given automatically. You must "claim" them yourself.

✅ How to Claim

Point of view shot holding a silver credit card at a Japanese convenience store counter.

  1. Apply from the Campaign Page:

Rakuten Card New Member Campaign

No annual fee. The #1 easiest credit card for foreigners to pass screening.

Check Current Bonus
  1. Pass the Screening:

    • Struggling with the Japanese form? → Rakuten Card Application Guide
  2. Register for "Rakuten e-NAVI": As soon as your card arrives, register and press the "Receive Points" button on the top page to get 2,000 points.

  3. Use it Once: Buy a coffee (¥100) at a convenience store by the end of the following month. This will get you the remaining 3,000–6,000 points.

Warning: Many of the points you receive are "Limited Time Points" (valid for about 40 days). Don't hoard them; use them immediately for groceries at Seiyu or FamilyMart.


Campaign 3: Mercari & PayPay (Instant Cash)

  • Reward: Total ¥800 – ¥1,500 value

It's a small amount, but these are essential apps for life in Japan. You might as well get paid to download them.

📦 Mercari (Flea Market App)

You get ¥500 just for registering. Use this to buy used furniture, a kettle, or cheap clothes.

  1. Download the Mercari app.
  2. Enter the invitation code during registration: [Code from System] (Link below automatically applies if on mobile)

Mercari Invitation

Get ¥500 points immediately upon registration.

Download Mercari

📱 PayPay (Payment App)

You get ¥300 – ¥500 depending on the current campaign.

  1. Download the PayPay app.
  2. Enter the invitation code: [Code]
  3. Make a payment of ¥1,000 or more (e.g., one grocery run) to receive the bonus.

Campaign 4: Amazon Prime (Entertainment & Savings)

  • Reward: 1,000 Points (Targeted) + 30 Days Free Shipping

If you aren't using Amazon Japan yet, you are likely eligible for the "Welcome Campaign." This saves you shipping fees on your furniture orders.

  1. Prime Student / Prime Free Trial: Free for 30 days (6 months for students).
  2. Music Unlimited: New users often get "3 months free."

Amazon Prime Free Trial

30-day free trial. 6 months free for students. Essential for ordering heavy items.

Start Free Trial

💰 Advanced: Tricks to Use Points as "Cash"

Do you think, "Even if I get points, I have no way to use them"? Actually, Japanese points are almost the same as cash.

1. Reduce "Credit Card Payments" with Rakuten Points

Rakuten Card has a feature that allows you to apply accumulated points to your "monthly bill."

  • Steps: Rakuten e-NAVI App → Select "Pay with Points" (ポイントで支払い).
  • Effect: If your bill is ¥20,000 and you use 5,000 points, only ¥15,000 is withdrawn from your bank. This is effectively cashing out.

2. Pay Utility Bills (Electricity/Gas)

Scanning a Japanese electricity bill barcode with a smartphone payment app. PayPay and Rakuten Pay have a "Bill Payment" (請求書払い) feature. Simply scan the barcode on the electricity or gas bill you receive, and pay using your points.

  • Benefit: No need to go to the convenience store + Keep your cash in the bank.

Summary: Your "First Month's Food Budget" is Covered

The total amount earned if you execute everything above:

ServiceEarnings (Approx.)Recommended Use
TikTok Lite¥5,300Food (Exchange to PayPay for Supermarkets)
Rakuten Card¥8,000+Daily necessities / Drugstores
Mercari¥500Used furniture / Appliances
PayPay¥300Convenience store bento
TotalApprox. ¥14,000+1 Month of Groceries!

Do not wait. Giveaway campaigns like TikTok Lite often end or lower their rewards without notice. Pick up your smartphone right now, turn off Wi-Fi, and start from Step 1.

💰 Further Savings: Get Your Taxes Back

After getting your points, read this guide to save on your Residence Tax using "Furusato Nozei".

[Until Dec 31] Amazon Furusato Nozei Guide: How to Get Rice & Meat for ¥2,000

Read Guide

FAQ: Common Questions

Q: Do I strictly need a Japanese SIM card?

A: Yes. TikTok Lite requires a Japanese SIM to verify your location and eligibility. It often fails on Wi-Fi-only devices or foreign SIMs.

Q: What happens if I miss one day of check-in?

A: You will likely lose the main bonus (e.g., the ¥5,000 reward). You might still get small daily points, but the big campaign reward will vanish. Set an alarm!

Q: Can I use mobile Wi-Fi (Pocket Wi-Fi)?

A: It is risky. We maximize success rates by recommending Mobile Data (4G/5G) directly from your SIM card. Shared IPs from public/pocket Wi-Fi are often flagged as fraud.

Q: Is this safe?

A: Yes. These are official marketing campaigns from massive companies (Bytedance, Rakuten) aggressively acquiring new users in the Japanese market.

Related money task

If you have side or freelance income, review tax filing prep

This internal guide does not decide individual eligibility; it helps organize document prep and software options.

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Disclaimer

※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.

Related Articles

Japan Tax Season Survival Guide for Foreigners (2025 Income)

Furusato Nozei: One-Stop Exception vs Tax Return — Which to Use

Credit Card in Japan With No Credit History (2026): How Foreigners Get Approved for a First Card

Currency Exchange in Japan: How to Get the Best Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ポイ活 (poi-katsu) in Japan?

A: ポイ活 (Point Activity) is the practice of strategically accumulating loyalty points through everyday spending. Popular points currencies include Rakuten Points, dポイント, Tポイント (V Point), and PayPay Points. Active poi-katsu practitioners can earn ¥30,000–100,000+ worth of points per year.

Q: Which point program is best for foreigners starting poi-katsu in Japan?

A: Rakuten Points is the easiest starting point for foreigners: free to join, Rakuten Card is foreigner-accessible, points are usable at thousands of stores. Alternatively, PayPay/Yahoo! Japan Points (JPY Bank card required) suits people already using PayPay. Pick ONE ecosystem and maximize it before diversifying.

Q: What are the easiest ways to earn points daily in Japan?

A: Easy daily earning: (1) Pay with Rakuten Pay or PayPay at convenience stores, (2) Use a points-linked credit card for all purchases, (3) Buy Amazon vouchers at lawson using Ponta points during bonus campaigns, (4) Vote in My Rakuten campaigns, (5) Click daily bonus buttons in loyalty apps.

Q: Is furusato nozei (ふるさと納税) considered part of poi-katsu in Japan?

A: Yes. Furusato Nozei is considered a major poi-katsu technique: donations to municipalities effectively prepay residence tax AND earn loyalty points on the donation platform (Rakuten, Amazon, etc.). A ¥100,000 annual donation via Rakuten Furusato Nozei earns Rakuten Points and provides substantial local product gifts.

Q: Are there any risks to poi-katsu for foreigners in Japan?

A: Main risks: (1) Overspending to chase points — only earn points on purchases you would have made anyway, (2) Points expiry — set calendar reminders, (3) Credit card annual fees eating into point value — choose no-fee or low-fee cards, (4) Complexity overwhelm — start with one platform and expand gradually.

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