RResidents in Japan

Using a Chinese smartphone that doesn’t have the “Giteki Mark”

  • September 22, 2025

As I understand it, it is illegal to use a smartphone that doesn't have the "giteki mark" certification. (illegal for long-term use).

Is anyone using a Chinese smartphone without the giteki mark?

Has it been OK?

I'm thinking of buying one online but just a little worried that my provider will block me from the network or else I'll end up in jail😆

Or maybe it's just one of these rules that go unenforced as long as there is no trouble.

by koyanostranger

9 comments

  2. The PRC is so burrowed into JP businesses, I really wouldn’t use a Chinese phone. Same deal with Chinese computers that have the Chinese TPM installed. Everything you do will be sniffed and saved.

  3. Yes, planning to break the law and to make sure there is no doubt about it.
    Why would you want to use an unsafe Chinese phone?

  4. Been using a Chinese phone for multiple months now. I dont think it has the Giteki Mark. No issues so far.

    4G/5G works perfectly and havent had connection issues. Can also receive Emergency Wireless Alerts.

  5. Have been using Blackview and Oukitel phones (both Chinese brands) ever since. No idea if they have whatever-that-mark-is, probably not? No issues though.

  6. I’m pretty sure what you’re talking about is what neither of the phones I’ve had in Japan have had. First one was when I first came and they said “you should have one with it but it’s fine for now,” but when I bought a new one that I had assumed would have it but didn’t they said “laws got stricter so now we can’t switch you over without it.” I happened to have a friend working at that company who did it for me, and since I was switching to an e-sim he said in the future I could move to a new phone doing everything online where they can’t check if it has the mark or not. I’ve been using that phone ever since without a peep from the company or the government. It’s been 5 years now. I do still plan on getting a phone in-store rather than online when I finally upgrade in the next few months though, in part to be sure it’s compliant.

  8. You’ll be fine. No one cares although some carriers may tell you a phone can’t be used on their network if it’s not on their approved list – that goes for Japanese phones too. Sign up online rather than at a counter to avoid issues.

  9. If you are an English Teacher, probably nothing will happen.

    If you are the chief engineer of GE/Hitachi BWR nuclear reactors, you are likely to end up in jail.

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