Upfirst

Get a Japanese number and a 24/7 AI receptionist for your business

Take messages

Let Upfirst answer every call and collect messages from your customers in Japanese. Receive full details instantly by text or email—no more missed opportunities.

Answer questions

Provide answers to your most common questions—like business hours or access info—so your customers receive quick, accurate responses every time they call.

Illustration of an AI answering service in action, showing a smartphone screen with a caller and chat bubbles where the AI answers calls, books appointments, and collects caller information.

Book appointments

Easily schedule appointments by sharing your booking link or having our AI receptionist ask for the customer’s preferred date and time. Keep your calendar full, even outside business hours.

Transfer calls

Seamlessly transfer important calls to you or your team. Upfirst makes sure urgent matters reach the right person without delay.

See all features

Japanese virtual receptionist

How to set up your answering service in Japan

Easily connect with your customers in Japan—our bilingual AI receptionist answers every call, day or night.

1. Add your information

Tell us about your business and let us know how you’d like your calls handled. You can set instructions for different types of calls, transfer options, and how you want call summaries delivered.

Upfirst AI receptionist setup screen showing how a real estate agent can add info about showing availability and buyer/seller services.

2. Set the rules

Choose your local Japanese number. To activate your number, you’ll need to provide a valid Japanese address and a copy of your company registration certificate. If you need help, our support team is ready to assist you through the process.

Call transfer rule setup for a real estate agent, showing how to forward tour requests or property inquiries to a mobile number.

3. Forward your calls

You’re all set! With your answering service live, every call is picked up promptly. You’ll receive a summary of each conversation by email and text, so you never miss an important message or opportunity.

AI receptionist greeting an incoming call for Lemon Tree Real Estate, demonstrating 24/7 answering service for realtors.

4. Never miss a call again

Whether it’s a new buyer, seller, or tenant calling, your AI answering service answers 24/7. You’ll get a detailed call summary by text and email so you can follow up fast.

Call summary and transcript of a real estate lead asking about a 3-bedroom home, showing how Upfirst captures buyer inquiries for real estate agents.

Get a Japanese phone number

What information is needed to get a virtual number in Japan?

Japan has strict regulations around phone numbers to help prevent misuse and ensure security. The exact documents required can vary depending on your specific situation (such as whether you’re an individual or a business), and the type of number you need.If you’re interested in getting a Japanese virtual number, just let us know and we’ll quickly share the latest requirements for your case. Once your number is set up, you can forward calls from your existing line so Upfirst’s AI receptionist can answer them for you.

key features

Get your Japanese number and start using your AI receptionist

Our affordable answering service gives your business a professional touch, with features designed to help small businesses in Japan save time and impress customers.

24/7 live call answering

Stay connected around the clock. Answer every call and capture leads automatically even when you're busy or out of office.

Bilingual receptionist

Answer calls in Japanese, English, and 90+ other languages. Make it easy for customers to connect, no matter what language they speak.

Lead capture

Collect lead details the moment they call. Qualify leads and tell us the right questions to ask callers.

Appointment scheduling

Let your realtor virtual receptionist set up showings and appointments. Send calendar links live on the call to interested clients.

Customized scripting

Shape every conversation whether the caller is a seller, buyer, landlords, or even tenants. Customize call handling how you want.

Call forwarding

Forward calls fast to the right person. Set up call routing rules and transfer callers when it matches your criteria.

Emergency dispatching

Handle urgent tenant calls without delay. Dispatch them to the appropriate on-call maintenance worker.

Detailed call summaries

Receive detailed summary of each call, allowing you to follow up effectively. Upfirst also captures a recording and the full transcript, just in case.

Japan answering service FAQs

Have a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch with our team.

How does my business benefit from your answering service?

Our answering service helps your business in Japan stay professional and responsive, even when you can’t answer the phone. We handle calls, take detailed messages, and notify you instantly by email or chat. This means you never miss an important inquiry, keep customers happy, and free up your time to focus on growing your business.

How long does it take to get set up with a local Japan number?

Getting a local Japan number typically takes 5-7 business days. Certain documentation may be required, but our team will guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible. If you have any questions about the requirements, just reach out to our support team.

Can I use my existing phone number with your service?

Yes, you can keep your current business number. Simply set up call forwarding with your phone provider (such as NTT’s Voice Warp), and your incoming calls will be routed to our answering team. There’s no need to change your number or install any new equipment.

Can you handle calls in both Japanese and English?

Absolutely! We offer bilingual answering options so your callers can communicate in either Japanese or English. This is ideal if you have international clients or need support for both local and overseas customers.

Japan virtual phone numbers with AI answering