How to Create a Japanese Apple ID for Free (No Credit Card Needed)

Introduction

You want to play Uma Musume, Blue Protocol, or watch TVer, but you can’t find them in your App Store. That’s because these apps are region-locked to Japan.

To download them, you need a Japanese Apple ID. Many people think you need a Japanese credit card or a Japanese phone number to make one. You don’t.

In this guide, I will show you the “No Payment Method” trick to create a Japanese account in less than 5 minutes from anywhere in the world.

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Prerequisites (What You Need)

1. A New Email Address: (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) that is not linked to any Apple ID.
2. Your Current Phone Number: (Yes, a US/UK/European phone number works for verification!).
3. An iPhone or iPad.

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Step 1: Create the Account on the Web (Important!)

Do not create the account inside the App Store app. Do it on the browser first to avoid payment glitches.

1. Go to appleid.apple.com.
2. Click “Create Your Apple ID” (top right).
3. Fill in your details:
   • First/Last Name: (Your real name is fine).
   • Country / Region: Select Japan (This is the most important step!).
   • Date of Birth: (Enter yours).
   • Phone Number: Select your country code (e.g., +1 for US) and enter your mobile number.
4. Enter the verification codes sent to your email and phone.
5. Click Continue. Your account is created!

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Step 2: Sign In on the App Store (Not iCloud!)

You don’t want to mess up your photos or iCloud data. Only switch the App Store account.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Tap your Profile Icon (top right).
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out.
4. Scroll up and sign in with your NEW Japanese Apple ID.

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Step 3: The “Review” Process (The Trick)

When you try to sign in or download an app for the first time, a pop-up will appear:

“This Apple ID has not yet been used in the iTunes Store.”

1. Tap Review.
2. Terms and Conditions: Toggle “Agree” -> Next.
3. Payment Method:
   • Here is the trick. Since you created the ID on the web, you should see an option selected as “None”. Keep it as “None”.
   • Note: If you don’t see “None”, restart the process or try to download a FREE app to trigger the menu.

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Step 4: Enter a Japanese Address

Apple requires a valid Japanese address. Since you selected “None” for payment, Apple won’t mail you anything, so you can use a public address (like a hotel or library).

Copy and paste this sample address:

• Postal Code: 100-0005
• Prefecture: Tokyo
• City: Chiyoda-ku
• Street: 1-1 Marunouchi
• Building: (Leave empty)
• Phone Number: 03-3211-5211
  • (Note: This is just a sample format. Random numbers usually work too).

Tap Next. Congratulations! The App Store should now switch to Japanese.

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Step 5: Download Your Apps

Try searching for “Uma Musume” or “TVer”. You should see the Japanese versions now.

Do I need a VPN?

• To DOWNLOAD: Usually, you don’t need a VPN just to download the app. The Japanese ID is enough.
• To PLAY/WATCH: Yes! Once you open the app (like Uma Musume or Radiko), it will check your IP address. You must use a VPN connected to Japan.

Unlock Japanese Sites and Apps Abroad with VPNs: Your Complete Guide

Learn how VPNs help you access Japanese-exclusive sites like FANZA, NicoNico, ABEMA, and more from anywhere in the world. Stay secure and bypass region locks with ease!

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Step 6: How to Buy Items (In-App Purchases)

Since you selected “None” for payment, you cannot buy Gacha currency yet. Your foreign credit card will NOT work.

To buy items, you need to redeem Japanese iTunes Gift Cards.

1. Buy a digital code from a site like Play-Asia or Eneba.
2. Go to App Store > Profile > Redeem Gift Card or Code.
3. Enter the code. Your account now has Yen!

[>> Detailed Guide: Where to Buy Japanese Gift Cards Safely]

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FAQ

Q: Can I switch back to my main account? A: Yes! Just sign out of the App Store and sign back in with your main ID. Your Japanese apps will remain on your phone and will still work (updates might require signing back into the JP account).

Q: Why is my payment declined? A: Do not add your US/EU credit card. It will trigger a region error. Stick to Gift Cards.

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Conclusion

Now you have the key to the Japanese App Store. Remember, downloading is Step 1. Playing requires a good VPN.