Photo courtesy of Thomaseagle

It is important to get good advice in times of trouble, especially if you did not grow up with the Japanese legal system.  Our Japan forums often provide a lot of ready help and advice but we have also ompiled the following list of organizations in Japan where you will be able to get the English language advice that you REALLY need.

Japan legal Aid Association – Tokyo

The Bar Association charges JPY 5,000 for up to 30 minutes of consultation. After 30 minutes, the fee is an additional JPY 2,500 for each 15 minute block of time. Free counseling with English or Chinese (Mandarin) interpreters is available on Thursdays on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Bring all documents to explain your case. Location: Bar Association Bldg., 1-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Access: Subway Kasumigaseki Station, B1-b exit TEL: 03-3580-2851

Labor Consulting Service – Tokyo

The Labor Administration Office of Tokyo Metropolitan Government offers free advisory services for working conditions and other general labor problems as part of its administrative services. Consultants give advice in English on Japanese laws and on domestic employment practices. They also publish a very useful handbook for Foreign Workers in Japan. Their hours are from 14:00pm to 16:00pm. Appointments are welcome but not mandatory. Services in English are available at the following offices: Location: Labor Consultation Center (Monday-Friday) Tel: 03-5211-2346 Location: Osaki Branch Office (Wednesday) Tel: 03-3495-6110 Location: Kokubunji Branch Office (Wednesday) Tel: 042-321-6110

Legal Counseling Center (for Foreigners) – Tokyo

Please make appointments by phone (Japanese) Tel: 03-3581-1511

Hello Work – All Japan

Hello Work is a public employment office, supervised by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, specializing in providing individuals with help-wanted information and employment consultations as well as supplying businesses with information on and assistance with employment-related issues. Website: http://www.tfemploy.go.jp/en/coun/cont_2.html

Osaka BAR Association – Osaka

JPY 5,000 for the first 30 min. and JPY 2,500 for each additional 15 min. General Legal Advice at local bar associations (bengoshi-kai) is normally available in every prefecture at JPY 5,000 plus consumption tax for 30 minutes. You need to bring a Japanese speaker. Tape Guidance [Legal Consultation]: 06-6364-1236 Legal Consultation Reservation: 06-6364-1248 Criminal Lawyer Dispatch: 06-6363-0080 Reservation: 13:00-15:00 (Mon-Fri) Consultation: 13:00-16:00 (Mon-Fri)

Rainbow Plaza – Fukuoka

Rainbow Plaza provides free consultation on legal matters for foreigners, with assistance from the Fukuoka Prefecture Bar Association. An interpreter will be provided upon advance request. Consultations are available between 10.00-20.00 everyday except for the third Tuesday of each month (also available on the 1st and 3rd Saturday every month between 13:00-16:00) – 45 minutes/person limit including interpreting time. TEL: 092-733-2220 Website: http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp

Nagoya International Center – Aichi

Free legal consultation for foreigners (free of charge, reservation by answering machine). English consultation every Sat: 10:00-12:00. Tel: 052-581-6111.

Telephone Labour Clinic – Osaka

Consultation in English available from noon-8 pm. Organized by General Union, Osaka. TEL: 06-4793-0633 General Union The General Union is a trade union that protects the rights of workers regardless of nationality or employment status. Consultations in English and Japanese. TEL: 06-6352-9619 Website: http://www.generalunion.org