TOKYO NIHONBASHI / SERVING CLIENTS IN JAPAN AND OVERSEAS
English support for documents and procedures in Japan.
Documents and Procedures
in Japan, Made Clear
Aime Administrative Scrivener Office supports individuals and businesses in Japan and overseas with apostille and authentication procedures, translations with an office-issued translation certificate, contracts, formal notices, license applications, and other administrative procedures in Japan. We explain the requirements, options, fees, and next steps in clear English.
English inquiries are welcome. Initial consultations and estimates are free of charge.
01
Start Here
Common Requests
Not sure which procedure you need? Tell us what the document will be used for, where it will be submitted, and what you have been asked to provide. We will review the information, outline the likely next steps, and let you know whether and how we can assist.
01
I need to use a Japanese
document overseas
We review the destination country, receiving authority, and document type, then explain whether the document may require an apostille, authentication of official seals by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notarization, consular legalization, or another form of certification.
02
I need a document translated
between Japanese and English
We translate certificates, records, contracts, and other legal or administrative documents between Japanese and English. Where appropriate, our office can also issue a signed translation certificate.
03
I need help with a Japanese
or bilingual contract
We assist with drafting, reviewing, and translating Japanese and bilingual contracts, with attention to the scope of work, fees, deadlines, intellectual property, termination, and other key terms.
04
I need to send a formal
notice in Japan
We prepare demand letters and formal notices, including documents for Japan Post’s Certification of Contents service, known in Japanese as Naiyo Shomei.
05
I plan to buy and resell
used goods in Japan
We assist individuals and companies with secondhand dealer license applications and related requirements for the business location, manager, categories of goods, and online sales URLs.
06
I received instructions
only in Japanese
Send us the instructions and available documents. We will clarify what is being requested and explain the practical next steps in clear English.
02
Services
Services for International Clients
The services below address common needs faced by people submitting documents issued in Japan to organizations overseas, foreign residents navigating procedures in Japan, and businesses working across languages. Availability depends on the document, destination, procedure, and location.
01
Apostille & Authentication
Overseas Document Certification
We review where the document will be submitted and assist with identifying and completing the appropriate certification route for eligible documents issued in Japan.
- Apostilles for eligible official documents issued in Japan
- Authentication of official seals and consular legalization
- Notarization and related certification routes for eligible private documents
02
Translation & Translation Certificates
Document & Legal Translation
We provide Japanese-to-English and English-to-Japanese translations of certificates, contracts, and other legal or administrative documents.
- Translation of certificates, records, contracts, and related documents
- Signed translation certificates issued by our office where appropriate
- Careful handling of legal terminology, names, dates, and formatting
03
Contracts & Agreements
Contract Drafting & Review
We prepare and review agreements and help ensure that key commercial terms are stated clearly and consistently.
- Service agreements, NDAs, sales agreements, and memoranda
- Review of contracts received from another party
- Japanese-English and English-Japanese translation of proposed or finalized agreements
Additional Services in Japan
We also assist with formal notices, business licenses, vehicle-related documents, and other administrative procedures. Send us the location, deadline, and available documents, and we will confirm whether the matter falls within our scope and service area.
Formal Notices
Demand Letters &
Naiyo Shomei
We organize the relevant facts and prepare formal notices for payment demands, refund requests, contract termination, and similar matters.
- Formal notices and demand letters
- Documents for Japan Post’s Certification of Contents service
Secondhand Dealer License
Secondhand Dealer
License Applications
We support individuals and companies that require a Japanese secondhand dealer license to purchase and resell used goods, including through online stores and marketplaces.
- New applications and required supporting documents
- Notifications concerning online sales URLs, business changes, and license amendments
Garage Certificate / Shako Shomei
Garage Certificate
(Shako Shomei) Applications
We assist with garage certificate applications required for certain vehicle registration procedures and can handle submission to and collection from the relevant police station within our service area.
- Application forms, documents showing the right to use the parking space, location maps, and parking-space layout plans
- Local submission and collection where available
Other Procedures
Other Business &
Administrative Procedures
Depending on the matter, we may also assist with unmanned aircraft procedures, Type I Animal Handling Business procedures, and other administrative documents.
- Unmanned aircraft registration and applications for flight permission or approval
- Type I Animal Handling Business registrations, renewals, and change notifications
03
About the Service
What an Administrative Scrivener Does
A gyoseishoshi, or administrative scrivener, is a nationally licensed and registered professional in Japan. Administrative scriveners prepare documents for submission to government agencies and, within the scope of applicable law, certain agreements, notices, and other documents relating to rights, obligations, or the certification of facts. The exact scope depends on the matter.
Document and
Procedure Support
We identify the relevant procedure, organize the supporting information, prepare documents, and, where permitted and included in the engagement, submit or collect documents on your behalf.
Clear Communication
in English
We explain the requirements, fees, and next steps in clear English. Email and LINE make it easier to check names, dates, document titles, and instructions accurately.
Careful Review and
Practical Guidance
We review the available documents and recipient instructions before outlining the relevant procedural options. If a matter falls outside our scope, we will say so clearly and explain what type of professional or authority may be more appropriate.
04
Fees
Fee Examples
Fees depend on the document type, number of documents, languages, destination, procedure, location, and deadline. We review the request first and provide an estimate before you decide whether to proceed.
Initial consultations and estimates are free of charge.
Contract Review
Review of a Standard
Contract
From ¥22,000
- Review of key clauses and risks
- Written comments or proposed revisions
- Standard agreements of approximately 10 pages or fewer
Contract Drafting
Preparation of a New
Contract
From ¥33,000
- Review of the transaction and required terms
- Preparation of a standard first draft
- Revisions following your review
Formal Notice
Demand Letter or
Formal Notice
From ¥22,000
- Review of the background and purpose
- Preparation of a standard draft
- Revisions following your review
Apostille and authentication support, translation services, license applications, and other procedures are quoted after document review. Government and notarial fees, certificate costs, postage, transportation, international shipping, and other out-of-pocket expenses are charged separately. Any additional fees will be explained before work begins.
05
Process
How It Works
01
Send an Inquiry
Tell us the purpose of your request, the destination country and receiving organization or the relevant authority in Japan, the deadline, the document names, and your current location. English inquiries are welcome.
02
Share the Available Documents
Send clear scans or photographs for the initial review. We will let you know whether originals, certified copies, or additional documents are required.
03
Receive a Proposal and Estimate
We explain the proposed service, documents required from you, professional fees, expenses, limitations, and expected timeline.
04
Confirm the Engagement
Once you accept the proposal and complete any required engagement, identity verification, and payment steps, we begin the work.
05
Preparation, Filing, and Delivery
We prepare the documents and, where included in the engagement, arrange filing, authentication, mailing, or delivery. Updates are provided by email or LINE.
06
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Can I contact you in English?
A
Yes. You can contact us in English through our inquiry form or via LINE. We will explain the requirements, fees, and next steps in English.
Q
Can I request services while living outside Japan?
A
In many document-related matters, yes. Initial communication and review can be handled online, while original documents may need to be sent by post. Availability depends on the procedure, destination, identity-verification requirements, and whether an in-person appearance is required.
Q
Do I need an apostille or authentication?
A
We review the destination country, receiving authority, purpose of submission, document type, and any written instructions you have received to identify the appropriate certification route. Depending on the case, the document may require an apostille, authentication of official seals by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed by consular legalization, notarization, or another form of certification. Because the final requirements are determined by the receiving authority or the relevant embassy or consulate, additional confirmation may be necessary where the instructions are unclear. We will explain what needs to be confirmed and guide you through the next steps.
Q
Will a translation certificate guarantee acceptance?
A
Acceptance is determined by the receiving authority. Requirements may include a translator with specific qualifications, notarization, a particular certification method, format, or wording. We prepare the translation based on the information provided, so please confirm the receiving authority’s requirements in advance.
Q
Can you negotiate a dispute or represent me in court?
A
No. Our office does not represent clients in court or negotiate disputes with opposing parties. If your matter requires legal representation, negotiation, or litigation advice, consultation with a Japanese attorney-at-law (bengoshi) may be appropriate.
AIME ADMINISTRATIVE
SCRIVENER OFFICE
07
Profile
Fumiko Ishida
Administrative Scrivener
Careful reading, clear organization, and practical guidance.
Fumiko Ishida graduated from the Faculty of Letters and Education at Ochanomizu University, where she studied history. Her professional background includes judicial administrative work at a district court in Japan, administrative support at an administrative scrivener’s office, and freelance translation focused primarily on legal and business documents.
She draws on that experience to organize complex information, identify the documents and questions that matter, and explain each step as clearly and practically as possible.
Contact Fumiko Ishida08
Before You Contact Us
What to Include
in Your Inquiry
Providing the following information helps us assess the matter more quickly and reduces unnecessary back-and-forth.
Destination
Where Will It Be Submitted?
Tell us the destination country and the exact receiving authority, company, school, court, embassy, or other organization whenever possible.
Documents
What Documents Do You Have?
List the document names, issuing authority, issue date, language, number of pages, and whether you have the originals.
Timing
What Is the Deadline?
Include the submission deadline, your current location, preferred delivery destination, and any instructions received from the authority.
Contact
Tell Us About
Your Request
Please include the purpose of the request, destination country or receiving organization, document names, deadline, and your current location.
We will review the information, let you know whether we can assist, and explain the next steps.
English inquiries are welcome. Initial consultations and estimates are free of charge.
Please do not send original documents or highly sensitive personal information until we confirm the appropriate method.
Aime
Aime Administrative Scrivener Office
- Representative
- Fumiko Ishida, Administrative Scrivener
- Address
- Room 4-E, 4th Floor, Dai-27 Ichioku Building,
7-10 Nihonbashi-Yokoyamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0003, Japan - Contact
- English and Japanese inquiries through our inquiry form or via LINE
- Service Area
- Clients in Japan and overseas.
Availability depends on the procedure, document, and location. - Main Services
- Apostilles and authentication, translations with an office-issued translation certificate, legal and contract translation, contract drafting and review, formal notices, secondhand dealer licenses, garage certificates, and other administrative procedures
