Law of the Land
Problem with your visa? Starting a company? Involved in a scrape with the police? No matter what kind of help you need, these local professionals will get the job done right

Gyosei-shoshi Kikuchi Hisae Office
Having studied abroad with her children, Hisae Kikuchi understands the complexities of obtaining a family visa. While living overseas, she dealt with various situations, including finding accommodations, contract negotiations, auto theft and car accidents. That’s why her firm is committed to helping foreigners. Gyosei-shoshi Kikuchi Hisae Office also specializes in a wide variety of other legal services, including company establishment, general business affairs, contracts, housing issues, international marriages and divorce proceedings.

Kikuchi provides assistance for non-Japanese who are establishing a business in Tokyo’s Tama area, focusing on visa acquisition as a part of the government’s application approval; she is also studying issues regarding foreign aspects of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). Since Kikuchi works as an NPO committee for the promotion of copyright law, she can also advise on copyright issues and related contracts.

As a woman in a largely male industry, Kikuchi finds that female clients appreciate her empathy. Inquiries by email are free; face-to-face consultations cost ¥5,000 per hour, though once you enter a contract with Gyosei-shoshi Kikuchi Hisae Office, these costs are rolled into the service fees. Located close to Minami-Osawa station, Kikuchi’s office is convenient not only for residents of downtown Tokyo, but Kanagawa and Saitama as well.

Tel: 080-3096-0165. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm. Email: h.kikuchi_office@ac.auone-net.jp. Nearest stn: Minami-Osawa. www.ac.auone-net.jp/~hkikuchi

Gyoseishoshi Hayashi Office
The trouble with legal documents in Japan is that they’re in Japanese. Got married? Had kids? Got divorced? Whatever life’s ups and downs, you are obliged to register the paperwork with your embassy or the authorities in your homeland—translated into your native tongue by a registered office. And this is where Gyoseishoshi Hayashi Office can help.

A gyosei-shoshi, or administrative scrivener, is a registered specialist in documentation, which means that Gyoseishoshi Hayashi Office can arrange translation of a Japanese koseki-tohon document into English for use as a birth certificate, a juri-shomeisho as a marriage certificate, and so on. The office can advise on which papers are appropriate to your particular purpose, and arrange translation, notarization, apostille certificates and legalization of a variety of Japanese public documents for international use.

Gyoseishoshi Hayashi Office is also registered with the Tokyo Immigration Bureau to provide services in the field of migration, such as advice on Japanese visa criteria and status of residence; preparation of documents for visa applications; and submission to Immigration on your behalf.

Located close to Sumiyoshi, Toyocho and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa stations, the office provides face-to-face consultations that can be reserved at any time, including late nights and weekends. Best of all, founder Hisashi Hayashi’s unique personal experiences—he studied at Japanese and American colleges and has traveled to roughly 50 countries and regions—give him and his office an international insight that will put your mind at rest.

1F Fuse Building, 8-7 Ishijima, Koto-ku. Tel: 03-5635-5897. Nearest stn: Sumiyoshi, Toyocho, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www011.upp.so-net.ne.jp/g-certificates

Hoshino Godo Office
Established in 1975, Hoshino Godo Office offers 35 years of professional legal experience, with an ever-expanding staff that specializes in a broad spectrum of business services. Conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from five train stations, the firm offers all the traditional corporate and real-estate registration functions of a shiho-shoshi (judicial scrivener) office, as well as providing a variety of peripheral services, including legal translation and contract drafting. Multilingual support is available, with a 50-strong workforce that includes in-house native English and Chinese speakers along with some 25 licensed legal experts.

Hoshino Godo Office can take the hassle out of company incorporation and branch setup—complex and time-consuming procedures, especially for anyone not accustomed to local laws and regulations. Past global clients have ranged from large international corporations setting up a Japanese subsidiary to foreign individuals looking to start a new business venture in Japan.

The firm also offers comprehensive visa services, including visa applications and acquisition of Certificates of Eligibility; and a full set of real-estate services, including property research, property sale and purchase support. If you are looking to improve your company’s competitive edge through expansion or by forming strategic alliances, or if you simply need reliable research on various business matters, Hoshino Godo Office can offer solutions personally tailored to you.

9F Stork Building Hongoku, 3-2-6 Nihombashi-Hongokucho, Chuo-ku. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm. Nearest stn: Kanda, Shin-Nihombashi, Mitsukoshi-mae, Otemachi or Tokyo. www.hgo.jp/en

J-star Patent & Trademark/Immigration
J-star Patent & Trademark/Immigration is a one-stop shop for a wide range of low-cost business-related legal services. Specialties include company establishment, patent application, trademark application, intellectual property rights, status of residence, and contracts, with all services available in English.

Even if you’re currently based overseas and seeking to set up a business in Japan, J-star can help. Its all-round legal functions will assist you in acquiring patents or trademark rights, sealing a contract with an agency, acquiring residency status, establishing your company, and so on. This holistic approach to client service means that J-star keeps costs low, as well as providing an added degree of flexibility—after all, the company retains a staff of patent attorneys and immigration lawyers on standby at all times.

When it comes to immigration, J-star can apply at the Immigration office for marriage visas, work visas, naturalization and all other types of residence. And if you’re still not sure whether they have a service for you, just ask—the firm welcomes inquiries, and considers its broad base of knowledge and skills a key factor to success.

608 Kitano Arms, 2-16-15 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5216-6890. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm (reservation required); weekend appointments also available by reservation. Nearest stn: Nagatacho or Akasaka-Mitsuke. www.j-star.jp

Masayuki Honda Law Office
We all run into trouble from time to time—and with translation fees and the need for specialist research, legal costs for foreigners in Japan can quickly spiral out of control. Masayuki Honda Law Office takes the sting out of the process by offering services to foreign residents and small- to medium-size businesses at the same rate as it does to domestic clients. Specializing in issues like international court cases, international divorce, inheritance, criminal cases, bankruptcy, traffic accidents and visa applications, the office can help you no matter what your circumstances.

Through cooperation with international legal offices and attorneys, Masayuki Honda Law Office has accumulated a wealth of legal experience in the areas that affect non-Japanese most. Where larger firms charge hefty fees despite possessing less specialized knowledge, these experts take a leaner, more focused approach, absorbing the extra work associated with niche foreign cases without pushing up the price. Masayuki Honda Law Office offers a range of legal services tailored to small- to medium-size business, such as checking contracts and handling debt-collection matters, as well as common problems for individuals surrounding household and residency issues. Consultations are provided in English, and the firm offers the same level of quality and care regardless of the client’s nationality or citizenship.

2-19-7-301 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3760-8192. Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.honda-law.net

Nakamura International Criminal Defense
Nobody likes to think about it, but any one of us could find ourselves suddenly on the wrong side of the legal system. Mistakes are made, accusations are thrown around, and before you know it, your honesty and dignity are called into question in a court of law where no one speaks your language. And if that day comes, who you gonna call?

Nakamura International Criminal Defense (NICD) is one of the few Japanese law firms that specialize in criminal cases and is also equipped to provide legal services in English. Its founders include a former prosecutor, which has helped the company build extensive professional experience and knowledge of Japan’s criminal investigation and criminal court systems.

Taking an aggressive and proactive approach to defending its clients, NICD explores every possible strategy to have cases dismissed or charges reduced. The firm handles all types of criminal cases, from drug and violent crime to forgery, fraud, international crimes, juvenile crimes, domestic violence, computer and internet crime, and white-collar crime. If you face charges against yourself or someone you care about and are in need of a criminal defense lawyer, NICD will listen to your case without prejudice at a free consultation, helping you to fight persecution that may seem insurmountable alone or with a non English-speaking lawyer.

7F Wakamatsu Building, 3-3-6 Nihombashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6202-2900. Nearest stn: Shin-Nihombashi or Mitsukoshi-mae. www.t-nakamura-law.com

Niitsu Legal Visa Office
Offering legal advice on everything from visa applications to naturalization, Niitsu Legal Visa Office specializes in immigration services. Located in the Ebisu/Hiroo area, the firm has been helping foreigners with immigration and visa issues, as well as copyright law, since 2001. Over half of their clients are Westerners, which gives them vast experience in dealing with visa applications and assisting in company startups. Other services include help with legal applications for employment; renewal and changes of visa status; permanent residency; naturalization; special permission for residence; international marriage; and temporary work permission.
Niitsu Legal Visa Office offers consultation free of charge (an appointment is required); if you decide to enter into a contract, only half the payment is due upfront, and terms for payment of the remainder are flexible.

If you’re looking for advice on copyright issues, you’re in luck: Niitsu Legal Visa Office covers applications for copyright registration, copyright contract drafting and consultation on copyright issues. The firm also has a high success rate in applications for investment visas by smaller companies with just ¥1-¥2 million in capital—despite the Japanese bureaucracy’s preference for capital of ¥5 million.

4F DOT, 1-7-20 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3443-5112. Open 24 hours. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.niitsu-law.jp

Satsuki Law Office
Founded in 1992 to serve both foreign and Japanese clients, Satsuki Law Office specializes in visa application and family issues like divorce, child custody and marriage. The office also handles labor issues, compensation, medical malpractice, car accidents, inheritance, criminal cases—and a great deal more. Its staff combine a wealth of legal and international knowhow: representative lawyer Kensuke Ohnuki is a member of Daini Tokyo Bar Association and has over 20 years’ experience under his belt, while lawyer Yumiko Takagi is a member of both Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association and the State Bar of California.

Satsuki Law Office offers its clients free twice-monthly consultations. Even if you don’t speak Japanese or English fluently, a paralegal staff member can serve as an interpreter in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog or Thai throughout the consultation. The firm is located in front of Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Hospital, close to Iidabashi station, and consultations can be arranged by phone or email. And if you don’t have the funds to cover the lawyer fees, don’t fret: the office can apply to the Japan Legal Support Center (JLSC) for legal aid on your behalf, so you’ll be taken care of whatever your circumstances.

3F Daini-Tobundo Building, 2-16 Agebacho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5261-8291. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Email: mail@satsukilaw.com. Nearest stn: Iidabashi. www.satsukilaw.com

Venture Japan
It doesn’t matter what kind of business endeavor you have in mind—the first step is to get your head around Japan’s unique market system. And for that, you need a true specialist. Venture Japan is a full market-entry consulting and outsourcing company that works with businesses from around the globe looking to set themselves up in Japan, or established companies seeking to reevaluate and enhance their strategy.

With an economical range of services and in-depth experience of the local market, Venture Japan provides clients with innovative solutions and facilities. It serves a diverse array of industries: finance, IT, digital printing, construction, engineering, skincare and cosmetics, and retail. Assistance is offered in English and Japanese by a team of bilingual specialists, supporting clients with services like market intelligence consulting, business innovation strategy, business registering (whether a full-fledged kabushiki kaisha or simply a branch office), business support and management, localization, and business turnaround and restructuring.

Since Venture Japan offers a fully customized service package developed through careful consultation, and because it welcomes businesses at any stage in their evolution, you’ll benefit from a collaborative, comprehensive and cost-effective approach that gives you the edge.

3-6-12 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5786-2261. Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-6:30pm. Nearest stn: Omotesando or Gaienmae. www.venturejapan.com

Yoko Majima, Legal Advisor and Immigration Lawyer
Having spent time in Australia, France and her native Japan, Yoko Majima knows what it’s like to be caught between worlds. This trilingual whirlwind seeks to help foreigners untangle Japan’s labyrinthine system of business incorporation and visas, with the philosophy that a visa or business license is more than just a piece of paper: it affects your family, your work and your future. That’s why Majima encourages her clients to eschew quick-fix solutions to find a result that will work long-term.

Since legal procedures tend to involve unfamiliar language and dredge up personal details, trust is paramount. In a unique twist, Majima has augmented her background as an immigration lawyer by also training as a life coach—an approach that helps her to get more efficiently to the bottom of her clients’ needs and concerns. And since she not only specializes in helping people to set up their own businesses but has also done so herself, Majima brings experience with a personal touch.

Perhaps what distinguishes Majima most is her positive outlook. Sure, the legal system in Japan can be confusing, but with a little guidance, you can navigate it with empowering results. No one can guarantee a perfect outcome every time, but Majima believes she can help you to equip for the best possible shot at success.

1F Stork Shinjuku, 6-12-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3348-1525. Email: info@juridique.jp. Nearest stn: Nishi-Shinjuku, Tochomae. www.juridique.jp

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HARD Time
What to expect if—OMG!—you’re actually arrested in Japan

The chance of being arrested in Japan is as high as anywhere else. The chance of being found innocent after charged, however, is significantly lower.

Japan has a conviction rate of over 99 percent—that’s higher than modern-day China and Stalin’s USSR, and leaves little room for human error. Though a lay judge system was introduced last year to replace the juryless practice that preceded it, these rates have not fallen. The official line is that the police research a case heavily before making an arrest to ensure they have the right man; the reality, of course, is not always that clear-cut.

Police must secure warrants to collect evidence and to make an arrest, although these may be obtained immediately after arrest in the case of a very serious crime or if the suspect is likely to flee. Suspects may then be detained for up to 72 hours without judicial proceedings; after this, they may be held for 10 days without charge, a period that can be extended by a judge. That’s a potential total of 23 days’ incarceration without being charged with a crime, during which time the police are supposed to be gathering evidence.
This will include trying to extract a confession—if, heaven forbid, you find yourself arrested in Japan, it’s important that you do not sign a confession you feel is inaccurate or you are unable to read, as it will be used as the main piece of evidence against you in court. Simply put, confession equals conviction. Reports are widespread of mental and physical abuse of detainees as police attempt to break them down into signing confessions—much to the outrage of human rights organizations the world over, recordings are not made of interrogations. If you do crack and sign a confession for something you didn’t really do, your counsel will study it carefully for any blatant mistruths that can be used to question its validity in court. Success, however, is rare.

Within the first 48 hours of arrest, police are obliged to inform you of the charges of which you are suspected, of your right to remain silent, of your right to hire a lawyer (though you may be questioned without the presence of an attorney) and of your right to have your embassy or consulate notified of your arrest. Avoid speaking Japanese: stick to your mother tongue and insist on an interpreter. If you don’t have a lawyer, ask the police officers to call a public defender or arrange one through your embassy; although legal fees fall to the defendant, the first meeting with a PD will be free, and they can sometimes arrange legal support to cover costs. The attorney will tell you about your rights and inform your family of your predicament.

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Loopy Loopholes
While Japan’s legal system largely mimics those of Western countries, there are a few head-scratching laws on the books. Try these on for size

>> If you find a “large amount” of money, do the right thing and return it to the owner—you’re legally entitled to receive a reward, whereas crime never pays

>> Home is where the heartless are: in ancient Japan, any citizen who tried to leave his homeland and explore the wider world was summarily executed

>> As if the death penalty wasn’t enough of a deterrent from leaving these shores, a decree in 1630s Japan forbade the building of any large ocean-worthy ships

>> Japan’s Prostitution Prevention Act prohibits sexual intercourse between a man and woman for money—but same-gender sex for cash isn’t covered

>> According to the Nationality Law, a child born out of wedlock to a non-Japanese mother is only recognized as a citizen if the Japanese father admits paternity prior to the child’s birth or marries the mother before the child turns 20

>> The national age of sexual consent in Japan is actually 13, although each prefecture can set its own standard

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Stir Crazy
Think you could handle a spell in a Japanese detention center? Here are some snapshots of life behind bars

>> “I was cut off from society. I couldn’t see my family; I could only talk to the police. I couldn’t see anything from my cell—not even a tree or a piece of greenery through the bars. I was trapped there... The police have forgotten what their real job is; they’ve gone off the rails.”
—77-year-old Tomoko Nagiyama, who was locked up for six months before charges were dropped (“Assignment: Rough Justice In Japan,” BBC Radio)

 

>> “We had to buy our washing kit on entry and at a cost of around ¥800. I got a polyester towel, a cheap and weak toothbrush and a block of soap in a plastic case. The wash was just for our faces and teeth… The cheap towels… would hang but never really dry, and it was only on bath day—every five days—that we would receive new towels and be able to really clean our bodies… My feet and armpits completely stank and my crotch was far (from) a bed of roses.”
—“George,” a 36-year-old expat incarcerated for 22 days before facing trial, after turning himself in for a petty crime (Stippy.com)

 

>> “Some women took me into a room to change clothes and search me. I stood naked for a while before they gave me a yukata. When they noticed my bellybutton piercing, they tried to tell me to take it out, but it’s not that easy. We had to go back to the translator so I could tell them that it’s not like an earring; you need pliers and a professional to take it out. That threw them, because prisoners aren’t allowed to have jewelry… One guy actually went to look for pliers to rip the ring out of my navel… I was trying to be strong through all this, keep the tears away and not show my fear. But at that point, everything was so surreal and unbelievable, I just lost it.”
—Kelly, a teacher on the JET program who says she was falsely arrested for shoplifting, spent six days in detention (BigDaikon.com message boards)

 

>> “We were allowed 15 minutes once a day to walk 3m down a hall to a small room where most others smoked in front of the only open and accessible (though barred) window on the prison floor. This was their idea of daily exercise, and contrary to international law… We were housed in small, tatami-matted 1.6m x 3m ‘dog cages’ with semi-open squat toilets in the back. Our cages were raised about 40cm off the floor, arranged in a semicircle around the officers’ station, which was also raised to allow for maximum observation. There were cameras in the ceiling of each cell, and lights were on (although ‘somewhat’ dimmed at night) 24 hours/day.”
—Anonymous account of 12 days in detention from an expat who had fought off attacking thugs (Debito.org)