English-speaking lawyers in Japan

Foreign residents in Japan include teachers, engineers, finance staff and spouses of Japanese nationals. Few read legal Japanese, which is why English-speaking lawyers in Japan are in steady demand.

Common issues are status of residence and visa changes, labor disputes and unpaid wages, setting up a KK or GK company, divorce and child custody (Japan now allows joint custody in some cases after recent reform), inheritance, and arrest or detention. A bengoshi must be registered with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations through a local bar, and registration can be confirmed. Other professions such as gyoseishoshi handle visa filings, but only a bengoshi can represent you in court. Proceedings are in Japanese, and court interpreters are provided in criminal cases.

Fees often combine a retainer and a success fee. English-speaking lawyers in Japan are concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka. Ask English-speaking lawyers in Japan how they will handle translation costs. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.