Ohara & Furukawa

November 7, 2016

Who has the responsibility to repair damage to an apartment in Japan?

In general, Japanese law dictates that lessors are responsible for making the repairs necessary for use of the leased space or object.  In other words, a landlord that rents an apartment is generally responsible for maintaining the apartment in a usable manner.  However, small acts of maintenance (such as changing light-bulbs or repairing the paper on sliding shoji doors) are generally expected to be performed by the tenant during the course of the lease.
November 4, 2016

How do I get proof of tax payment in Japan?

Certain procedures in Japan, such as applying for citizenship or some visas, require showing proof of full tax payment in Japan.  This proof often is best presented in the form of a certificate of tax payment issued by the Japanese national government and local city/prefecture governments.
November 2, 2016

How do you license a patent in Japan?

One of the most effective ways to successfully monetize a patent is to license it to another party.  In exchange for a royalty or set fee, a third party can make or sell products that include the patented invention.  There are two main types of licenses in Japan: Exclusive Licenses and Non-Exclusive Licenses.
October 31, 2016

What are some ways obtain a debtor’s address in Japan?

Having the address of a debtor in Japan is a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit against them.  Without an address, a complaint cannot be delivered to the defendant and the court will not have jurisdiction to hear the case.  Therefore, obtaining the debtor’s address is often the most critical part of enforcing a debt.  There are various ways to determine a debtor’s address but all are heavily dependent on the situation.