Filing a Noise Complaint Against a Neighbor in Japan

Article 709
Civil Code liability for unlawful acts
Article 234
Civil Code right to demand cessation of nuisance
Varies by municipality
Local Noise Ordinances (e.g., Tokyo条例)
The Short Answer

Start with polite communication; if unresolved, contact your local municipal office or police (for urgent disturbances); civil remedies available under the Civil Code and local ordinances.

What the Law Says

Japanese law does not have a single national 'noise law', but regulates excessive neighbor noise through civil liability, local ordinances, and police authority. Persistent noise interfering with ordinary use of property may constitute a 'nuisance' under civil law, entitling the affected party to demand cessation or compensation. Municipalities enact noise control ordinances—e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance on Environmental Conservation (Tokyo-to Kankyō Hozen Jōrei) sets permissible decibel levels and time-based restrictions (e.g., stricter limits after 10 p.m.). The National Police Agency’s guidelines authorize officers to issue warnings under the Minor Offenses Act for 'disturbing public peace' via loud noise.

Under Article 234 of the Civil Code, a landowner may demand cessation of acts that interfere with the normal use of their property—including unreasonable noise from adjacent premises.

If noise causes mental distress or property devaluation, Article 709 allows claims for damages as an unlawful act, provided fault and causation are proven.

Statutory Text

A landowner may demand that another person cease any act that interferes with the normal use of his land.

— Civil Code of Japan, Article 234
Statutory Text

A person who has intentionally or negligently infringed upon the rights of others shall be liable to compensate for the damage thereby caused.

— Civil Code of Japan, Article 709

What to Do

1

1. Document the noise (times, duration, type) and attempt courteous, written communication with the neighbor.

2

2. Contact your municipal ward office (e.g., ku-yakusho) — many (e.g., Shinjuku, Setagaya) operate free noise consultation desks and may mediate or measure sound levels.

3

3. For immediate disturbance (e.g., late-night shouting, construction outside permitted hours), call 110 for police assistance under the Minor Offenses Act (Act No. 162 of 1948, Art. 1, Para. 27).

4

4. If unresolved, consult a lawyer to send a certified notice (contentieux) or file a petition for injunction or damages at the summary court (kansai saibansho) under Civil Procedure Code Article 32.

Sources

statuteCivil Code of Japan (Minpō)statuteTokyo Metropolitan Ordinance on Environmental Conservation (Tokyo-to Kankyō Hozen Jōrei)statuteMinor Offenses Act (Keishihanzai Hō), Act No. 162 of 1948

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-03.