[URGENT] Get ¥20,000 Free Cash Immediately Upon Arrival in Japan: TikTok Lite & Rakuten Card Guide (2025)

"Isn't moving to Japan expensive?"

Security deposits (Shikikin), key money (Reikin), furniture, appliances... Your savings disappear at an alarming rate right after you arrive. Are you worried, thinking, "I have to cut back on food until my next paycheck"?

What if I told you that you could get "¥20,000 cash (approx. $130)" just by operating your smartphone?

"Is this a scam?" It is natural to think so. However, this is not a scam. Currently in Japan, major companies like TikTok and Rakuten are spending huge marketing budgets to acquire users. They want new users like you to use their services, even if it means "giving away money."

However, there is a major catch. These campaigns have strict "traps" set up.

• Forgot to turn off Wi-Fi? ... ¥0.
• Forgot to check in for just one day? ... ¥0.
• Forgot to press the receive button? ... ¥0.

In this article, I will share the "Complete Strategy Checklist" to ensure anyone can receive that ¥20,000.

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⚠️ Preparation: You cannot start without these

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

1. Japanese Phone Number (SIM Card):
   • TikTok Lite, in particular, 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? → Best Japan SIM Card Comparison
2. Japanese Bank Account:
   • Necessary for withdrawing cash or paying credit card bills.
   • Don't have one yet? → Japan Bank Account Guide

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Campaign 1: TikTok Lite (Earn Your Food Money)

Reward: ¥5,000 - ¥5,300 (PayPay / Amazon Gift Card / Rakuten Points) Difficulty: ★★★ (One wrong step and it's over)

This is the easiest way to earn money, but 50% of people fail. The reason is simply "not following the rules." TikTok Lite gives you money just for pressing a "Check-in" button every day for 10 days.

🚫 The 3 "Death Traps" to Avoid

1. Wi-Fi is the Enemy: When downloading and registering, you must turn OFF Wi-Fi and use mobile data (4G/5G). If your IP address is considered a duplicate, you will be banned immediately.
2. Delete the Existing App: If you already have the regular "TikTok" app, please delete (uninstall) it first.
3. The "10-Day" Rule: You must tap "Check-in" every single day. If you forget on Day 4, the entire ¥5,000 disappears.

✅ Complete Strategy Checklist

1. Delete the regular "TikTok" app if installed.
2. Turn OFF Wi-Fi (Switch to mobile data).
3. Tap the Invitation Link below.
   • 👉 Invitation Link
4. Tap "Participate" to download the app (Do not open the app yet!).
5. Return to the Invitation Link above again and launch the app from there. (This ensures the invitation is linked).
6. Create a new account (New email address recommended).
7. Tap "Check-in" from the "Gift" tab in the app within 24 hours.
8. 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 memory.

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Campaign 2: Rakuten Card (The Strongest Life Defense)

Reward: ¥5,000 - ¥10,000 (Rakuten Points) Difficulty: ★☆☆ (Easy)

The Rakuten Card is a necessity for foreigners living in Japan. Usually, the reward is 5,000 points, but during campaign periods (weekends in November/December, etc.), it jumps to 8,000 - 10,000 points.

• 1 Point = ¥1. You can use it like cash at McDonald's, FamilyMart, Seiyu (Supermarket), etc.

🚫 The "e-NAVI" Trap

Many foreigners receive the card but fail to get the 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

1. Apply from the Campaign Page:
   • 👉 Campaign Page
2. Pass the Screening: (Tips on how to fill it out here: Rakuten Card Application Guide)
3. Register for "Rakuten e-NAVI": Register as soon as the card arrives, and press the "Receive Points" button on the top page to get 2,000 points.
4. Use it Once: Buy a coffee (¥100) at a convenience store by the end of the following month. This will get you the remaining 6,000 - 8,000 points.

Warning: Many of the points received are "Limited Time Points" (valid for about 40 days). Don't waste them; use them for groceries at the supermarket immediately.

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Campaign 3: Mercari & PayPay (Instant Cash)

Reward: Total ¥800 - ¥1,500

It's a small amount, but you lose out if you ignore it since you get it just for registering. These are essential apps for life in Japan.

📦 Mercari (Flea Market App)

Get ¥500 just for registering. Use this to buy cheap used furniture or a kettle.

1. Download the Mercari app.
2. Enter the invitation code during registration: Invitation Code Link
   • Note: You cannot enter the code after registering.

📱 PayPay (Payment App)

Get ¥300 - ¥500.

1. Download the PayPay app.
2. Enter the invitation code during registration: Invitation Code Link
3. Make a payment of ¥1,000 or more (like grocery shopping) once to get the bonus.

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Campaign 4: Amazon Prime (Entertainment & Savings)

Reward: 1,000 Points + Unlimited Movies/Music

If you haven't used Amazon Japan yet, you are eligible for the "Welcome Campaign."

1. Prime Student / Prime Free Trial: Free for 30 days (6 months for students).
2. Music Unlimited: New users often get "3 months free."
3. Points: Check if a campaign like "Get 1,000 points when you charge ¥5,000 to Amazon Gift Card" is displayed.

👉 Check Amazon Campaigns

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Summary: This Covers Your "First Month's Food Bill"

Here is the total amount you can earn if you execute everything above:

Service	Earnings (Approx.)	Recommended Use
TikTok Lite	¥5,300	Food (Exchange to PayPay for Supermarkets)
Rakuten Card	¥8,000+	Daily necessities / Drugstores
Mercari	¥500	Used furniture / Appliances
PayPay	¥300	Convenience store bento
Total	Approx. ¥14,000 - ¥16,000	One month of food expenses!

Do not wait. Giveaway campaigns like TikTok Lite will end without notice as soon as the budget runs out. Pick up your smartphone right now, turn off Wi-Fi, and start from Step 1.

First, you need a SIM Card

To get the TikTok Lite bonus, a Japanese phone number is mandatory. If you don't have one yet, check here.

👉 See Recommended SIM Card Comparison