Prepare for a Legal Consultation in Japan

A short consultation can become difficult when facts, documents, and assumptions are mixed together. You do not need to know the correct legal term before you ask for help. You do need a clear record of what happened and what must happen next.

This publication gives general information, not legal advice.

Make a one-page case note

Divide one page into five parts:

1. Events — Write one event on each line. Add the date, the people involved, and what happened. Use facts that a document or witness can confirm.
2. Documents — List contracts, notices, messages, receipts, photographs, and recordings. Keep the original files unchanged.
3. Dates — Copy every date from letters, court papers, contracts, and payment notices. Do not decide by yourself whether a date is a legal deadline.
4. Goals — List the results that matter to you. Examples include a refund, a reply, safe contact, continued employment, or an end to a contract.
5. Questions — Ask questions that lead to an action. For example: “What must I do this week?” and “Which document is missing?”

Keep originals and make a working set

Do not write on an original document. Make a working copy and give each item a number. Your note can then say “Document 4: email received on 3 August.” Keep a second copy in a safe place if loss of a phone or computer is possible.

Do not send identity documents, private messages, or a complete case file to an unknown service. First confirm who will receive the information and why it is necessary.

Identify the service that you need

Information about a legal system is different from advice about your case. Representation and document preparation are different services again.

The Japan Legal Support Center information service gives information about Japan’s legal system and suitable consultation organizations. Houterasu also describes a Multilingual Information Service that uses an interpreter. Check its official page for current languages, hours, charges, and eligibility rules.

End with three lines

At the top of your note, write:

• the most urgent problem;
• the nearest stated date; and
• the decision that you want to make during the consultation.

These lines help the person who receives your inquiry understand where to start.