080 (Mobile)
080 is a mobile phone number range. Assigned after 090, it is widely used for personal mobile phones.
Regional Characteristics
The 080 prefix was opened in 2002 to handle the depletion of 090 numbers, dedicated to mobile phones. It is widely allocated across the three major carriers (NTT Docomo, au/KDDI, and SoftBank), as well as Rakuten Mobile and various MVNOs (low-cost SIM providers). Use is primarily personal, but business mobile lines are also issued under 080. Because of mobile number portability (MNP), users keep their number when switching carriers, so an 080 number does not necessarily map to a specific carrier. The prefix is national, and the caller's region cannot be determined from the number.
Common Nuisance Call Patterns
Calls or SMS messages claim "Congratulations, you've won XX" and demand a "handling fee" or personal information to release the prize. Treat any prize notice for a contest you never entered as a scam.
Callers pitch side gigs with claims like "earn 300,000 yen a month from your smartphone" or "pay an initial fee and start right away." Many cases involve hefty charges for course materials or software, so don't sign up casually.
Someone you met on social media calls from an 080 number, builds rapport over time, then pivots to pitching investments or asking for transfers. Never send money in response to demands from someone you have never actually met.
Consumer Affairs Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 080 number a mobile phone?
Yes, 080 is a mobile-phone prefix. It was introduced in 2002 and is widely used across major carriers and MVNO low-cost SIMs alike.
How should I handle an unknown 080 call?
Look up the number on Denwa first to check the caller. Use the user reports and spam-call score to decide whether to call back, and if anything looks off, block the number.
Are 080 numbers used by businesses?
Yes - 080 numbers are also assigned to business mobile lines under corporate contracts. They are widely used for roles that need to communicate from the field, such as sales reps and delivery drivers.
Can I look up the carrier of an 080 number?
Because of mobile number portability (MNP), it is hard to pinpoint the current carrier from the number itself. You can, however, check the original assignment of a number block in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' telecommunication number registry.