Legal Advice in English (Japan)

23/10/2025

Inheritance in Japan for Foreigners: A Quick Guide

Inheritance in Japan for Foreigners: A Quick GuideNavigating inheritance in Japan as a foreigner? Learn the basics of Japanese inheritance law, applicable laws, and the importance of a will. Sumikawa Law Office, English-speaking lawyers near Tokyo, can assist.(Introduction) When a foreign national l...

01/08/2025

This is an interview article of Mr. Goto, the president of GTN, a company that specializes in rent guarantees for foreigners. This company provides not only rent guarantees, which are essential for renting a residence in Japan, but also various other services for foreigners to live in Japan.

People said GTN President Hiroyuki Goto was 'a bit crazy' guaranteeing leases for foreign residents.

15/07/2025

With the yen's depreciation, inquiries about purchasing real estate in Japan have been increasing. A significant hurdle for overseas residents buying property in Japan is the payment process, as many transactions require a Japanese bank account for payments (or receipts). By engaging an attorney for a legal check of the contract, you can also receive support regarding this payment issue.

Engaging an Attorney for Real Estate trade in JapanIf you are a foreign national looking to purchase real estate in Japan and considering engaging an attorney, please read and understand the following points before proceeding.What Your Attorney CAN DoReview Contracts: Examine sales agreements for le...

31/03/2025

Japan has seen its first arrest related to cannabis use following a recent legal amendment.

Under the revised law, not only possession but also consumption of cannabis is now punishable.

Some young people may treat drugs with the same casual attitude as in their home countries — but in Japan, this can result in severe and unexpected legal consequences.

As always, the safest and only course of action is to completely avoid any involvement with illegal substances.

https://sumikawa.net/new-criminalization-of-cannabis-use-first-arrest-in-tokyo-and-implications-for-foreign-residents/

03/01/2025

Beware of Investment Fraud

Investment fraud has been on the rise in recent years. One common type is called "international romance fraud," where victims are tricked into sending money to someone they've met online, often someone posing as a romantic interest from overseas. In other cases, victims may be approached on social media by individuals who appear wealthy and successful.

Unfortunately, once money has been sent to a scammer, it is extremely difficult to recover. Adding to the problem, some lawyers now advertise services claiming they can recover these funds, even though they may not have any proven methods to do so. This makes it even more critical to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to these scams in the first place.

Beware of Investment FraudThere has been a recent surge in investment fraud cases where victims are deceived into sending money to individuals they meet through social media. Scammers often create profiles that appear wealthy or use attractive photos to lure victims into fraudulent investment scheme...

12/12/2024

Caution Regarding Earphone Use While Cycling

https://sumikawa.net/caution-regarding-earphone-use-while-cycling/

11/12/2024

Some of you may have biked home after drinking a few alcoholic beverages.

Japan's Road Traffic Act was updated in November 2024. Cyclists can now face harsher penalties, including imprisonment, for using smartphones or riding under the influence of alcohol. Never ride your bicycle after drinking, just as you wouldn't drive a car.

Following the rules helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe.

Tougher Penalties for Bicycle Driving (Smartphone Use, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol) | November 2024 Road Traffic ActThe Road Traffic Act (Law, 道路交通法) in Japan has been revised and came into effect in November 2024. The penalties for the following acts have been strengthened.Thes...

03/10/2024

We are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from people living overseas about purchasing a real estate in Japan.

In particular, because the prices of real estates in rural areas of Japan (near tourist spots) are often very low, there has been an increase in the number of foreigners purchasing them as holiday homes.

If you are interested in purchasing real estate in Japan, you should first find and contact a Japanese real estate agent to find a real estate on the market (in general, lawyers are unable to provide support for real estate searches).

If you find a real estate that you are interested in purchasing, and then you require the support of a Japanese attorney for the purchase, see the following website for further information.

Real Estate in Japan | Inheritance | Sale and PurchaseJapanese Lawyer’s support for Japanese Real EstatesWe receive many inquiries about real estates (Fudosan) in Japan. Typical inquiries are as follows.My father passed away and I want to inherit and sell the land and house he owned in Japan.My gr...

28/08/2024

We are recently receiving an increasing number of enquiries about obtaining certificates of marriage or divorce in Japan. There are several documents to prove marriage or divorce in Japan. If you need assistance from a Japanese attorney, see this webpage.

Certificate of Marriage or Divorce in JapanIn Japan, there are no exact documents named Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree (except in the case of divorce through a court procedure.). Instead, the marriage or divorce status in Japan can be proven by the following documents:1) Certified Copy of Fa...

02/01/2024

Information on free WiFi available in Japan in the event of a disaster. Those who encounter a disaster while traveling may feel anxious, but please gather information to ensure your own safety.

In the event of a disaster, there is a Free Wi-Fi Connection called 00000JAPAN (Five Zero Japan). As it is open for everyone to use there are a few things you need to know about securing your information when using it.

29/08/2023

When you create a notarized will at a Japanese Notary Public’s office, the notary will prepare three types of wills: original document, authenticated copy, and certified copy.

Difference between original (GENPON), authenticated copy (SEIHON) and certified copy (TOUHON)| Notarized Wills in JapanWhen you create a notarized will at a Japanese Notary Public’s office, the notary will prepare three types of wills: original document, authenticated copy, and certified copy. The...

07/06/2023

If you are delinquent on your cell phone bill, a new cell phone contract (or a new credit card or loan) may be restricted.

Here is a brief article about denial of new cell phone contract due to delinquent payments in Japan.

Denial of new cell phone contract due to delinquent paymentsIf you are delinquent on your cell phone bill, a new cell phone contract may be restricted.Arrears include either (or both) of the following.1) Telephone line payments Call charges and data charges for a phone line2) Machine unit payments I...