Limitation period for tort damages claims?

3 years
From knowledge
20 years
From tort
Civil Code
Governing law
Art. 724
Relevant article
The Short Answer

In Japan, the limitation period for tort damages claims is generally 3 years from when the victim knows of the damage and the perpetrator, or 20 years from when the tort occurred — whichever comes first.

What the Law Says

Japanese civil law sets strict time limits for bringing claims for damages arising from torts. These limits are designed to ensure legal certainty and fairness to defendants.

Under the Japanese Civil Code, a claim for damages based on an unlawful act (tort) must be brought within a specific time frame. The limitation period starts either when the victim becomes aware of both the damage and the identity of the person who caused it, or — regardless of awareness — 20 years after the tort actually occurred.

This dual-limit system balances the victim’s need for reasonable time to discover and pursue a claim against the defendant’s interest in finality and protection from stale claims.

Statutory Text

The right to claim damages for an unlawful act shall be extinguished if not exercised within three years from the time when the victim or his/her legal representative becomes aware of the damage and of the identity of the perpetrator; provided, however, that such right shall be extinguished if not exercised within twenty years from the time of the unlawful act.

— Civil Code of Japan, Art. 724 — Limitation of Right to Claim Damages for Unlawful Act

What to Do

1

Confirm the date you first became aware of both the damage and the person responsible.

2

Calculate whether 3 years have passed from that date.

3

If not, also check whether 20 years have passed since the tort occurred.

4

File your claim before the earlier of the two deadlines expires.

5

Consult a licensed Japanese attorney if the facts are complex or near a deadline.

Sources

statuteCivil Code of Japan, Art. 724 — Limitation of Right to Claim Damages for Unlawful Act

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

GermanyIrelandSingaporeUKUS-CaliforniaUS FederalSouth KoreaCompare all →

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: 2026-06-08.