Mobal Japan: SIM Cards, eSIMs & WiFi with a Cause

Connecting you to Japan—and making an impact in the process

Get connected in Japan with a Mobal SIM. Image credit: Mobal Japan. 

Mobal Japan’s SIMs are unlike any other, and that’s because the company itself is unlike any other telecommunications provider. Rooted in their mission to “Not only travel the world, but change the world,” the majority of profits generated from across the business in the UK, US, and Japan support school building and school meal programs in Malawi, Africa. 

In this blog, we’ll share more about how the Mobell Group and Mobal Japan began, their unique model of charity and business, and what the team focuses on to achieve their impact. Whether you’re simply looking to make your start in Japan or will stay for a while and need some options to stay connected, a SIM card or wifi from Mobal Japan will allow you to make a difference at the same time. 

Mobal is recognized as a social impact organization. Image credit: Mobal Japan. 

Why choose Mobal? 

If you’re traveling to Japan, having speedy data is likely at the top of your list of requirements. You don’t want to miss out on planning your trip, finding the next exciting destination and food spot, and the chance to share about it with friends online. Of course, having a Japanese phone number and data can make everyday life smoother for anyone living in Japan, from setting up utilities to receiving deliveries. While there are a number of SIM card options, with Mobal Japan, you know you’re also contributing to meaningful causes. 

As a group, Mobell supports a number of causes including:

• Seibo Japan: A Not-for-Profit that provides school meals for up to 18,000 children in Malawi daily. In December 2024 alone, Seibo Japan served 256,711 meals to nursery and primary school children.

• Krizevac Project: Creates employment and educational opportunities in underdeveloped African communities.

• Warm Hearts Coffee Club: Fairly trades Malawian coffee, boosting local economies while fueling coffee lovers in Japan.

Mobell team. Image credit: Mobal Japan. 

Tony’s story: How it all began 

“Not only travel the world, but change the world.” Mobal’s mission is woven into everything they do. They believe that travel isn’t just about consuming experiences—it’s about becoming a conscious change-maker. This vision stems from Mobell Group chairman Tony Smith.

Tony founded Mobell Group in 1989 after struggling to stay connected with loved ones while traveling. His solution—a SIM card that works overseas—was pioneering at the time. For over 35 years, Mobell has been at the forefront of cellular technology, supporting businesses operating in remote locations.

Mobell Group began by providing international calling services primarily for American travelers and expanded to Japan when a local branch launched in 2000 to assist tourists and expats in Japan. Today, the company focuses on Japan, offering SIM cards and phone numbers to the many tourists and expats who come to the country. 

“Doing Charity by Doing Business”

The Mobell Group has included charity as part of its operations and donates the majority (over 90%) of gross profits to charity. For example, in 2023, the Mobell Group donated approximately 2.5 million pounds to the UK-registered charity responsible for the disbursement of funds in Malawi. Mobell’s Chairman also sold properties in the UK to fund a project in Malawi bringing the total amount of donations made to GBP 4.42 million. How did the company come to operate in this way? 

Tony’s guiding philosophy of “Doing Charity by Doing Business” came about when a friend invited Tony to Medjugorje, a pilgrimage site in Bosnia. While climbing Mount Krizevac in Medjugorje, Tony reflected deeply on his life and realized he wanted his work to serve a greater purpose. After this experience, he decided to incorporate charity into his expanding business. 

According to Tony, there are three important components to "Doing Charity by Doing Business". Since Tony grew up in a farming family in a rural British town, he noticed how people in remote areas needed ways to communicate, whether across farmlands or while hiking. Developing this observation led to “Creating businesses from everyday needs”. SIM cards were often sold as one unit so it wasn’t possible to swap a SIM for a connection overseas. Tony was one of the first to realize this market gap. Mobell’s SIM cards, therefore, allowed travelers to use local networks and phone numbers simply by swapping SIMs, making international communication much more affordable and accessible.

Another component Tony reflects on is “Expanding through rental business expertise”. Tony had experience working across a variety of rental businesses, including heavy machinery. He realized that the rental model meant products could be recirculated to meet demand. As global trends shifted, mobile phone purchase plans became more affordable than rentals, so Tony pivoted his business model accordingly, with Mobell now offering SIMs, eSIMS, and wifi. 

Finally, the third component is “Jobs for young people”. While expanding his business, Tony visited Malawi and asked local women what they needed most. Expecting answers like food or shelter, he was surprised when they replied, "We need jobs for young people." Their forward-thinking mindset left a lasting impression on him and since then employment opportunities have become an important part of the impact work Mobell Group supports.

Drone view of an educational campus in Malawi built using donations from the Mobell Group. Image credit: Mobal Japan

What services can you use with Mobal Japan? 

Mobal Japan has everything you need for connection in Japan. They offer short-term SIMs and eSIMs are perfect for tourists who need a simple, no-fuss option, while long-term SIMs and pocket WiFi are ideal for expats, students, and anyone settling into life in Japan. Mobal Japan has also released MobalPay, a credit card with a charity promise—not only does the card come with English customer support, but it ensures some of the proceeds go towards school meals in Malawi. 

Meet the Mobal Japan team

The Mobal Japan team consists of a passionate and hard-working group of people including Declan Somers, the CEO of Mobal Japan. After volunteering in Malawi from 2012 to 2015, he stepped into developing the Inbound Market at Mobal Japan’s Tokyo office. After residing in Poland for a few years, Declan is back in Japan and admits that adjusting to another country can always be a challenge. That’s something he takes pride in: being able to provide a straightforward way to get a Japanese phone number that helps to unlock a much smoother start for many expats.

Tokyo office team. Image credit: Mobal Japan. 

Learn about charity and social enterprise with Mobell’s virtual internship

The Mobell Group offers an online internship program that allows students to learn about charity and social enterprise. The course has had interns from all over the world, including the US, Australia, and Korea, and it allows interns to develop their leadership, communication, and business English skills. 

Jioh Kim, a Korean student at a UK University at the time, interned at Seibo Japan in the Summer of 2019. She describes the experience as "... a great opportunity to gain hands-on marketing experience in the non-profit sector” and “Because Seibo Japan works closely with Mobell, I also got to see how a charity and business can work together. These experiences and skills I have built helped me to secure roles after I returned to the UK."

Mobal Japan at the Expat Expo, 2024. Image credit: Mobal Japan.

How to get involved

Getting involved is simple—consider a Japan SIM with Mobal Japan or help spread the word. Every SIM purchase supports its mission, directly contributing to school meal programs and community development in Malawi. Mobal Japan proves that staying connected can go beyond convenience—it can also help create a brighter future for children. 

See more at: Mobal Japan