Telephone cards (teleca) are prepaid magnetic cards for public phones. NTT launched them in 1982 in 50-unit (500 yen) and 105-unit (1,050 yen) denominations. One unit provides about 57 seconds of local calling, with remaining units decreasing per call.
In the 1980s-90s, telephone cards were a cultural phenomenon. Idol and anime character designs became collector's items, with limited editions trading at premium prices. Used widely as corporate promotions and souvenirs, annual issuance peaked at about 400 million cards in the early 1990s.
Mobile phone adoption devastated demand. Cards remain available at NTT offices and some convenience stores, though retail availability is shrinking. Unused cards can offset NTT phone bills or be sold at ticket shops for 70-90% of face value.
During disasters, public phones allow free emergency calls (110/119) without coins, but other numbers require telephone cards or coins. Keeping one card as emergency preparedness is recommended. See disaster public phone guide.