👉 From June 4, 2025, NTT DOCOMO stopped accepting new subscribers for the eximo, irumo, and eximo Poikatsu plans.
Here’s the breakdown:
📌 What it means in practice
- No New Applications
- If you are a new customer (or an existing customer wanting to newly switch into one of these plans), you cannot apply for eximo, irumo, or eximo Poikatsu after June 4, 2025.
- The application portal for these plans is closed.
- Existing Subscribers
- If you already have one of these plans, you can continue using it.
- DOCOMO will keep providing service, billing, and support.
- However, you won’t be able to newly re-enter the plan if you leave it.
- Phased Out, Not Cancelled Immediately
- “Phased out” means these plans are being replaced by DOCOMO’s new lifestyle-based pricing plans (Docomo MAX, Docomo Poikatsu MAX, Docomo Poikatsu 20, Docomo mini).
- Over time, DOCOMO will encourage customers to migrate to the new structure, but there is no forced immediate switch.
- Reason for Change
- DOCOMO is reorganizing its plans to simplify the lineup, reduce overlaps, and introduce perks tied to lifestyle (bundled streaming, Amazon Prime discounts, DAZN, d-point returns, etc.).
- This makes their offerings more modern and competitive with rival carriers (au, SoftBank, Rakuten).
✅ In short:
If you already have eximo, irumo, or eximo Poikatsu, you can keep it.
If you don’t, you can’t newly sign up for them anymore. Instead, DOCOMO wants new customers to choose from the new lifestyle-based plans launched in June 2025.
Here’s a VERY DETAILED tabular breakdown of NTT DOCOMO’s new lifestyle-based mobile plans—docomo MAX, docomo Poikatsu MAX, docomo Poikatsu 20, and docomo mini—introduced on June 5, 2025:
Overview Table
| Plan | Data Structure & Volume | Key Benefits & Content | Base Monthly Fee (Before Discounts) | Discount Options & Value | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| docomo MAX | Unlimited data; includes international roaming (30 GB free abroad, 15-day limit from Autumn 2025) () | Amazon Prime discount (600 ¥ off/month for up to 6 months); DAZN for docomo free; “Lemino Premium” offer; overseas data (, ) | Not explicitly listed; implied around 8,448 ¥ post-discount (source base) () | – Long-time user discount: 20+ years → 220 ¥; 10+ years → 110 ¥ ()- d-card payment: up to 550 ¥ off ()- Set discounts (docomo Hikari/home 5G): up to 1,210 ¥ off- “docomo denki” electricity: 110 ¥ off () | Users needing unlimited data and value-added streaming benefits |
| docomo Poikatsu MAX | Unlimited data | All MAX benefits plus enhanced d-point rewards on payments (e.g., up to 10% back), same content perks as MAX (, ) | Similar to MAX base (around 8,448 ¥ after same discounts) (, ) | Same discount structure as MAX; plus elevated d-point cashback on eligible payments (5–10%) () | Heavy data users who want media perks and point rewards on daily spending |
| docomo Poikatsu 20 | Step-tier: up to 20 GB, then unlimited | Includes point reward features like Poikatsu; less data volume than MAX, but cheaper tier to start (, ) | – Up to 20 GB: 7,898 ¥– Above 20 GB (unlimited): 9,570 ¥ () | – Family Discount: up to 1,210 ¥ off ()- Set discounts: up to 1,210 ¥ ()- d‑card payment: up to 550 ¥ ()- “docomo denki” discount: 110 ¥ () | Users needing moderate data but desire rewards; cost-effective step-up solution |
| docomo mini | Two fixed data levels: 4 GB or 10 GB | Basic plan with minimal data; no fancy perks (, ) | – 4 GB: 2,750 ¥– 10 GB: 3,850 ¥ () | – d-card payment: up to 550 ¥ off (Gold/Gold U/Platinum), or 220 ¥ (regular d-card)- Set discounts: up to 1,210 ¥ off- docomo denki: 110 ¥ off () | Light data users seeking affordable plans with basic discount benefits |
Notes & Context
- Launch Date & Purpose: All four plans launched on June 5, 2025, replacing older offerings like eximo and irumo to provide more lifestyle-aligned options. ()
- Discount Enhancements Introduced:
- Family (Minna DOCOMO) Discount increased to max 1,210 ¥ per month
- d-Card Payment Discount now tiered: Up to 550 ¥ off for Gold‑class cards
- Home bundle (docomo Hikari/home 5G) improved to 1,210 ¥ off
- New docomo denki electricity discount added (110 ¥ off) ()
- International Roaming: Both MAX and Poikatsu MAX include 30 GB roaming data (via “世界そのままギガ”) for free in 200+ countries from Autumn 2025. ()
- Point Rewards:
- Poikatsu MAX accelerates point earning on payments
- Poikatsu 20 includes loyalty point mechanics with up to 2,500 ¥ worth of monthly points applied to your bill, lowering effective cost significantly depending on usage. (, )
Example Effective Pricing
Imagine you choose Poikatsu 20, get all applicable discounts, and redeem points:
- Base up to 20 GB: 7,898 ¥
- Apply discounts (family, set, payment, electricity) totaling ~3,081 ¥ → 4,817 ¥
- Redeem max d‑points (2,500 ¥) → effectively 2,317 ¥ per month ()
1. New Core Plans (Available since June 5, 2025)
These four are the latest offerings, tailored for different usage patterns and budgets:
- ドコモ MAX (Docomo MAX) – Unlimited data with tiered pricing (≤1 GB / 1–3 GB / ≥3 GB) (, )
- ドコモ ポイ活 MAX (Docomo Poikatsu MAX) – Unlimited data plus perks like Amazon Prime discount, DAZN, generous d‑point returns ()
- ドコモ ポイ活 20 (Docomo Poikatsu 20) – Up to 20 GB (with an over‑limit tier), offering point bonuses and Amazon Prime discounts ()
- ドコモ mini (Docomo mini) – Light‑use plan (around 4 GB or 10 GB), budget‑friendly ()
2. Online-Only & Legacy Popular Plans
These plans were available before June 2025:
- eximo – Multi-tier unlimited data plan (legacy) (, )
- irumo – Tiered data plans: 0.5 GB, 3 GB, 6 GB, 9 GB ()
- ahamo – Online-only: 30 GB (¥2,970/month) and 110 GB (¥4,950/month) tiers ()
- Often referred as “ahamo 大盛り” for the 110 GB option ()
3. Traditional Basic Plans (Voice/Data Bundles)
These are older but still recognized categories (some no longer accepting new sign-ups):
- Kake‑hodai Plan – Unlimited domestic calls (separate versions for smartphones/tablets, feature phones) ()
- Kake‑hodai Light Plan – Calls under 5 minutes free (smartphone/feature phone versions) ()
- Simple Plan – Data‑only usage (smartphone/feature phone versions) ()
- Data Plan – For smartphones/tablets and routers (no longer available to new users) ()
- Kids Keitai Plus – For children’s phones (~¥550/month) ()
- Keitai Plan (regular feature phones) – Including Xi-based options (~¥1,507/month) ()
4. Packet (Data-Only) Add-Ons
For users who prefer separate voice and data pricing under share groups:
- Basic pack (Ultra Data Pack) – Tiered data-only add-ons (up to ~20 GB), e.g. Step 1–4 up to ¥7,700/month (, )
5. Plans No Longer Open for New Subscriptions
Old-generation plans that are still maintained for existing subscribers but closed to new sign-ups include:
- 5G plans: eximo, irumo, 5G Gigaho Premier, 5G Gigalight, 5G Gigaho
- Xi/4G plans: Gigalight, Giga‑ho Premier, Giga‑ho, Type Xi (various), and Data Plus legacy versions ()
6. Corporate & Business-Oriented Plans
Tailored plans for business or IoT use:
- 5G Data Plus – For mobile routers, paired with personal plans
- home 5G Plan – Home Wi‑Fi routers—broadband replacement, no installation needed
- IoT-specific lines – Machine-to-machine or IoT device plans
- Keitai Plan (business-specific), Data Plus, Hajimete Sumaho Plan, etc. (, )
Summary Table
| Plan Category | Plan Names |
|---|---|
| New (June 2025) | Docomo MAX, Poikatsu MAX, Poikatsu 20, Docomo mini |
| Online/Legacy Popular | eximo, irumo (0.5/3/6/9 GB), ahamo (30 GB, 110 GB) |
| Traditional Basic Plans | Kake-hodai, Kake-hodai Light, Simple, Data Plan (smartphone/router), Kids Keitai Plus, Keitai Plan |
| Packet Add-Ons | Basic pack (Ultra Data pack) Step 1–4 (up to ~20 GB) |
| Closed to New Users | 5G Gigaho Premier/Light, Giga-ho, etc., early Xi plans, legacy Data Plus |
| Business/IoT | 5G Data Plus, home 5G plan, IoT lines, business Keitai/Data Plus |
Perfect 👍 Let’s compare old irumo plans (now discontinued for new sign-ups after June 2025) with the new lifestyle-based plans (docomo MAX, Poikatsu MAX, Poikatsu 20, mini).
📊 Comparison: irumo vs New Lifestyle Plans
| Feature / Plan | irumo (Old) | docomo MAX | docomo Poikatsu MAX | docomo Poikatsu 20 | docomo mini |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Options | 0.5 GB / 3 GB / 6 GB / 9 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited (plus enhanced d-point rewards) | Up to 20 GB (tiered) → unlimited above 20 GB | 4 GB or 10 GB |
| Monthly Fee (Base) | ¥550 → 0.5 GB¥2,167 → 3 GB¥2,827 → 6 GB¥3,377 → 9 GB | ~¥8,448 (pre-discount) | ~¥8,448 (pre-discount) | 20 GB = ¥7,898Unlimited = ¥9,570 | 4 GB = ¥2,75010 GB = ¥3,850 |
| Post-Discount Lowest | 3 GB: ¥8806 GB: ¥1,5409 GB: ¥2,090(0.5 GB tier not discount-eligible) | ~¥4,928 (after family, set, d-card, electricity discounts) | ~¥4,928 (after same discounts) + higher point rewards | 20 GB: ~¥4,817 effective (after discounts + point usage)Unlimited: ~¥6,489 | 4 GB: ~¥99010 GB: ~¥2,090 (after discounts) |
| Voice Calls (default) | ¥22 / 30 sec | ¥22 / 30 sec | ¥22 / 30 sec | ¥22 / 30 sec | ¥22 / 30 sec |
| Voice Add-Ons | +¥880 (5 min free)+¥1,980 (unlimited) | +¥880 (5 min free)+¥1,980 (unlimited) | +¥880 / +¥1,980 same | +¥880 / +¥1,980 same | +¥880 / +¥1,980 same |
| Perks / Benefits | None beyond discounts | Amazon Prime discount (6 months)DAZN & Lemino Premium offers30 GB roaming | Same as MAX + enhanced d-point rewards (5–10% back) | Moderate plan with monthly d-point rebates (up to ¥2,500) | Budget-friendly, simple, only discounts apply |
| International Roaming | Standard roaming (pay-per-use, not bundled) | Yes – 30 GB (from Autumn 2025) | Yes – 30 GB (from Autumn 2025) | Pay-per-use only | Pay-per-use only |
| Point Rewards | Standard d-point accrual | Standard | Elevated cashback multipliers on d-payments | Monthly rebate (points applied to bill) | Standard |
| Target Audience | Light to mid-range users needing cheap small data tiers | Heavy data users wanting unlimited + streaming perks | Heavy users who want both perks + boosted point rewards | Moderate to heavy users who want data but lower effective costs via points | Very light or budget users, kids, or secondary devices |
🔎 Key Differences
- Data Strategy
- irumo = small & fixed tiers (max 9 GB). Great for light/moderate users.
- New Plans = shift towards unlimited or larger bundles, except docomo mini (4 GB/10 GB).
- Discounts
- irumo had basic discounts (Hikari/home 5G, d-card, family).
- New plans increase discounts (family/home set up to ¥1,210, d-card up to ¥550, new electricity discount).
- Perks
- irumo = no bundled perks.
- New plans = streaming (Amazon, DAZN, Lemino), roaming data, and loyalty point systems.
- Cost Efficiency
- irumo was cheapest for very light users (0.5 GB at ¥550).
- docomo mini (4 GB at ~¥990 after discounts) replaces this role.
- For mid-tier users (3–9 GB), irumo was very cheap compared to new plans.
- For 20 GB+ or unlimited, new plans are more competitive with bundled perks.
✅ Bottom Line
- If you were a light data user, irumo was much cheaper (0.5–9 GB range). The new docomo mini (4 GB / 10 GB) is the closest replacement but slightly more expensive.
- If you’re a heavy data user, the new MAX / Poikatsu MAX are better because of unlimited data, streaming perks, and roaming.
- If you’re a medium user (10–20 GB), Poikatsu 20 is designed to replace irumo’s mid-range tiers but with point-rebates to keep costs effective.
Here’s a clear and concise breakdown of all available options in the NTT DOCOMO “irumo” mobile plan, summarized in a table for easy reference:
Overview of irumo Plan Options
| Data Tier | Base Monthly Fee (inc. tax) | Post-Discount Price* | Data Overage Speed | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 GB | ¥550 | ¥550 | Max 3 Mbps | LTE (4G) only; not eligible for Home 5G or Hikari discounts; overage throttled to 128 kbps () |
| 3 GB | ¥2,167 | ¥880 | Same as eximo/ahamo | Eligible for home 5G or Hikari (-¥1,100) and d-card payment discounts (-¥187) () |
| 6 GB | ¥2,827 | ¥1,540 | Same as eximo/ahamo | Same discount eligibility as 3 GB tier () |
| 9 GB | ¥3,377 | ¥2,090 | Same as eximo/ahamo | Same discount eligibility as 3 GB and 6 GB tiers () |
* Post-discount price assumes applicable discounts:
- Home 5G Set Discount or Docomo Hikari Set Discount (‑¥1,100)
- d‑Card Payment Discount (‑¥187)
The 0.5 GB tier does not qualify for these discounts (even if you have a home 5G or Hikari subscription) ().
Additional Details: Call, Mail, and Overage Options
- Voice Calls: Charged at ¥22 per 30 seconds for all tiers ().
- Voice Options (available as add-ons):
- 5-Minute Free Call Option: ¥880/month — unlimited calls up to 5 minutes per session (beyond that, pay standard ¥22/30s) ().
- Unlimited Call Option: ¥1,980/month for full flat-rate domestic calls ().
- Carrier Email (@docomo.ne.jp): Requires the Docomo Mail Option. To retain/carry over the email address, apply at the same time as subscribing to irumo; otherwise, you’ll lose access to carrier email ().
- d Payment: Supported with irumo (unlike sp‑mode payment, which is not available) ().
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the eximo and eximo Poikatsu plans from NTT DOCOMO, arranged neatly into easy-to-read tables:
1. Standard eximo Plan (Introduced August 2024)
Overview:
The eximo plan is a bundled package combining voice, ISP, and data services, available on compatible 5G devices. It features tiered pricing and includes an upper limit setting to prevent bill surprises.()
| Data Tier | Base Monthly Fee | Post-Discount Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1 GB | ¥4,565 | ¥2,178 | Savings up to ¥2,750() |
| ~30 GB | ¥5,665 | ¥3,278 | Savings up to ¥1,650() |
| Unlimited | ¥7,315 | ¥4,928 | Unlimited data + tethering, with max savings available() |
Key Features:
- Unlimited tethering included()
- Upper Limit Setting Option—lets you cap your spending and control costs()
- Discounts available via Family lines and home services (e.g. Hikari, home 5G), though specific rates weren’t detailed directly in this source.
2. eximo Poikatsu Plan (Enhanced Rewards Version)
Overview:
A higher-tier version of eximo, launched August 2024, requiring sp-mode (ISP subscription) and d CARD usage. Offers additional rewards and discounts.()
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Volume | Unlimited, with speed throttled to 1 Mbps beyond 30 GB Sekai Sonomama Giga usage() |
| Monthly Fee | ¥10,615 (incl. tax)() |
| Family Only Call Rates | Free domestic calls within the Family Discount group() |
| Other Domestic Calls | ¥22 per 30 seconds() |
| SMS Charges (Japan) | From ¥3.3 per send; receiving is free() |
| International SMS | From ¥50 per send; receiving is free() |
Voice Options (Add-ons):
- Kake-hodai Option: ¥1,980/month – unlimited domestic calling()
- 5 min Free Call Option: ¥880/month – unlimited calls up to 5 minutes; ¥22/30 sec afterward()
Discounts & Benefits Table (per line):
- Minna DOCOMO Wari (3+ lines in Family Discount group): –¥1,100()
- docomo Hikari or home 5G Set Discount: –¥1,100()
- d CARD Payment Discount: –¥187()
Example Discounted Total:
- ¥10,615 base − ¥1,100 (Family) − ¥1,100 (Hikari/home 5G) − ¥187 (d CARD) = ¥8,228/month()
Summary: eximo vs. eximo Poikatsu
| Feature | eximo | eximo Poikatsu |
|---|---|---|
| Data & ISP | Combined voice, ISP, and data | Same, but with sp-mode requirement |
| Data Volume | Tiered (1 GB / 30 GB / Unlimited) | Unlimited (throttled after 30 GB) |
| Monthly Cost (base) | ¥4,565–¥7,315 | ¥10,615 |
| Voice Call Options | Standard rates apply | Add-ons available for flat-rate calls |
| Discounts Available | Yes (via Family, home services) | Yes (Family, home 5G/Hikari, d CARD) |
| Reward Scheme | No specific rewards | Offers rewards via eximo Poikatsu plan |