Is There 7G Network Available in Japan Right Now? (2025 Update)

The global race for faster and more reliable internet continues to accelerate as nations invest heavily in next-generation wireless technology. Over the past few years, Japan has remained at the forefront of innovation in the telecommunications sector. From pioneering 3G and 4G technologies to being among the first to roll out 5G networks, Japan is often seen as a country that lives in the future. But with global discussions now shifting toward the mysterious 7G network, many people are asking: Is there a 7G network available in Japan right now?

The short answer is no, Japan does not have a 7G network in 2025. However, the country is making significant progress toward developing the technologies that will eventually form the foundation of 7G. To understand what’s happening and what to expect, let’s explore Japan’s current telecom status, its plans for 6G, and the vision for 7G.

Understanding What 7G Network Means

Before we talk about Japan’s position in the 7G race, it’s important to clarify what the term “7G” actually means.

At present, the 7G network does not exist anywhere in the world — not even in experimental form. Most countries are still working on 6G, the next step after 5G, which is expected to become commercially available around 2030. The 7G network, theoretically, represents a future generation of wireless communication that could deliver unimaginable data speeds, ultra-low latency, and complete integration between the digital and physical worlds.

While 5G networks offer speeds up to 10 Gbps, 6G could reach 1 Tbps (1,000 Gbps). In contrast, 7G might push connectivity beyond even those boundaries — potentially enabling instant communication, AI-driven real-time networks, and seamless global satellite-based internet coverage.

So, when people ask if 7G is available in Japan, what they’re really asking is whether Japan has begun working on or implementing technologies that could eventually evolve into 7G. And in that regard, Japan is certainly a global leader.

Japan’s Current Network Status in 2025

1. 5G: Fully Established and Widely Available

Japan launched its 5G services in March 2020, led by telecom giants like NTT Docomo, KDDI (au), SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile. By 2025, Japan’s 5G infrastructure has become one of the most extensive in the world, with coverage across major cities, rural areas, and even remote islands.

5G in Japan powers everything from autonomous vehicles and smart factories to telemedicine, augmented reality, and high-definition streaming. The Japanese government’s goal was to cover 99% of the population with 5G by 2024 — and that target has essentially been achieved.

2. 6G Development: Actively in Progress

While there is no 7G in Japan right now, the nation is already investing billions into 6G research and development. Japan aims to launch 6G commercially by 2030, in collaboration with companies like NTT, NEC, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and Sony, alongside global partners such as Nokia and Ericsson.

In 2021, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced a “Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy”, outlining plans to make Japan a world leader in 6G innovation. Research institutions like Osaka University and Tokyo Institute of Technology are actively experimenting with terahertz frequency bands (THz), AI-driven network optimization, and quantum communication technologies — all critical components of 6G.

7G: Japan’s Vision for the Future

Although 7G does not exist yet, the concept of 7G is already inspiring Japan’s long-term research strategy. The 7G network will be far more than just an upgrade in speed; it will represent a complete transformation of how humans and machines interact.

Here’s what Japan envisions for its future 7G goals:

1. Beyond Terrestrial Networks

While 5G and 6G rely primarily on terrestrial base stations, 7G networks will combine satellite, aerial, and underwater communication systems. Japan has been testing low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites similar to SpaceX’s Starlink. This would allow 7G to provide global coverage, even in the most remote areas.

2. Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Japan is known for its technological advancements in robotics and AI. The 7G era is expected to feature AI-managed autonomous networks capable of self-repair, optimization, and decision-making without human intervention. This would create zero-latency communication, a necessity for autonomous systems like self-driving cars and drones.

3. Holographic and Virtual Reality Communication

Imagine being able to interact with someone as a 3D hologram in real time — that’s one of the long-term visions for 7G. Japan’s entertainment and gaming industries are already experimenting with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), paving the way for immersive communication in the 7G future.

4. Integration of Human Senses

While 5G connects devices, and 6G aims to connect intelligence, 7G will connect human senses. It could potentially transmit smell, taste, touch, and emotion through ultra-advanced neural communication. Japan’s research into neurotechnology and brain-computer interfaces aligns perfectly with this futuristic goal.

Japan’s Global Role in Future 7G Development

Japan is not working in isolation. It collaborates closely with other technology-driven countries such as South Korea, the United States, Finland, and Sweden, all of which are developing next-generation communication systems. Through its Beyond 5G Consortium, Japan aims to set international standards for future network generations, ensuring compatibility and interoperability worldwide.

In 2023, NTT Docomo and NTT Corporation published a white paper detailing future 6G/7G vision, where they outlined that 7G could emerge around 2040–2045. The paper emphasized the importance of sustainable energy consumption, quantum-level security, and universal connectivity.

Japan’s commitment to eco-friendly technology will also shape the 7G landscape. Future networks will not only be faster but also greener, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency through AI-managed power control systems.

The Path Toward 7G: Step-by-Step

Let’s break down the likely timeline Japan will follow toward 7G implementation:

As of 2025, Japan is at the peak of its 6G research phase and has no commercial or experimental 7G networks yet.

Why Some People Think Japan Has 7G Already

There are several misleading reports and social media posts claiming that Japan, China, or South Korea already have 7G networks. These claims are false and usually stem from marketing exaggerations or confusion with advanced 5G testbeds.

Some small telecom providers in countries like Norway or South Korea use the “7G” or “8G” label as a marketing term to describe high-speed broadband connections, but these are not true 7G mobile networks.

In Japan, even the fastest mobile speeds available in 2025 come from 5G and early 6G prototype tests, not actual 7G technology. The country’s research community remains transparent about the fact that 7G is still a concept under exploration.

Japan’s Telecom Giants and Their Role in Future Networks

1. NTT Docomo

Japan’s largest mobile operator, NTT Docomo, is heavily involved in 6G R&D. The company is working on AI-driven network automation, terahertz transmission, and satellite-based mobile connectivity, which will later serve as stepping stones for 7G development.

2. KDDI (au)

KDDI focuses on developing ultra-low-latency communication systems and smart city applications. The company’s “KDDI Accelerate 5.0” program explores how data, robotics, and connectivity can transform human life — a core aspect of the 7G future.

3. SoftBank

SoftBank has been investing in stratospheric platform stations (HAPS) and non-terrestrial networks, which will play a vital role in 7G’s global connectivity. Their partnership with Project Loon and satellite internet initiatives positions them as a key player in the evolution beyond 6G.

4. Rakuten Mobile

As the world’s first fully virtualized mobile network operator, Rakuten Mobile is exploring cloud-native technologies that will make 7G more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient.

Potential Benefits of 7G for Japan

When 7G eventually arrives, Japan will likely experience significant advancements in several areas:

• Healthcare: Remote surgeries using real-time holographic communication.

• Education: Fully immersive virtual classrooms without latency.

• Transportation: Smart, interconnected traffic systems powered by quantum communication.

• Manufacturing: Hyper-automated factories with zero human error.

• Defense and Security: Quantum-encrypted communication channels resistant to hacking.

• Space Technology: Continuous communication with space missions via satellite-integrated networks.

The 7G revolution will not just make the internet faster — it will redefine human civilization.

Challenges in Developing 7G

Despite the excitement, several challenges must be overcome before Japan or any other nation can deploy 7G:

• Technical Barriers: 7G will require extremely high-frequency spectrums (possibly above 300 GHz), which are difficult to manage.

• Cost: Building new infrastructure, satellites, and AI systems could cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

• Security Risks: As networks become more intelligent, they also become more vulnerable to advanced cyber threats.

• Regulation: International standards for 7G are still decades away from being established.

Japan is actively working on solving these issues through international collaboration and early research.

Is There 7G in Japan Right Now?

As of 2025, Japan does not have a 7G network. The country is currently focused on expanding 5G and developing 6G technologies that will pave the way for 7G in the future. Japan’s government, universities, and tech corporations are already laying the groundwork for what could become the most advanced communication system in human history.

While 7G remains a dream for now, Japan’s commitment to innovation ensures that it will play a leading role in making that dream a reality — likely sometime around 2040–2045. 

So, if you’ve heard that 7G is already available in Japan — that’s a myth. But given Japan’s technological leadership, when 7G finally becomes real, you can be sure Japan will be among the first nations to launch it.