JapanFiling a Small Claims Case in Japan
File a small claims petition (kōshin shinpan) at the summary court (kansai saibansho) handling your area. Claim must be ≤ ¥1.4 million and based on money, movable property, or rent.
What the Law Says
Small claims proceedings in Japan are governed by Chapter IV-2 (Articles 368–379) of the Civil Procedure Act (Minji Soshō Hō, Act No. 109 of 1996). These provisions establish an expedited, informal procedure for monetary claims up to ¥1.4 million, designed for accessibility without mandatory legal representation.
Under Article 368, small claims cases may be filed only in summary courts (kansai saibansho), which have nationwide jurisdiction over civil disputes involving amounts up to ¥1.4 million (Article 33, Summary Court Act, Act No. 59 of 1947). Eligible claims include those for payment of money, delivery of movable property, or rent — but not divorce, inheritance, or real estate title disputes.
The procedure is oral and non-adversarial: hearings are typically held within 30 days of filing (Article 372), limited to one session unless exceptional circumstances arise (Article 373), and judges may mediate settlement (Article 375). Judgments are final and not appealable except via extraordinary objection (sai-shin) on narrow procedural grounds (Article 379).
Statutory TextA small claims proceeding shall be conducted orally and shall be concluded as soon as possible, and in principle, shall be concluded at a single hearing.
— Civil Procedure Act, Art. 373, para. 1
Statutory TextThe summary court has jurisdiction over actions in which the amount in controversy does not exceed one million four hundred thousand yen.
— Summary Court Act, Art. 33, para. 1
What to Do
Confirm eligibility: Ensure your claim is for money, movable property, or rent, and ≤ ¥1,400,000; verify the defendant’s residence or place of business falls within the jurisdiction of a summary court.
Prepare and file Form No. 26 (Small Claims Petition) with supporting documents (e.g., contract, receipt, demand letter) at the competent summary court; pay the statutory filing fee (calculated per the Court Fees Act, Art. 3, Table 1 — e.g., ¥1,000 for claims ≤ ¥100,000; ¥2,000 for ¥1–1.4 million).
Attend the scheduled hearing (usually within 30 days); present facts concisely — no lawyers required, though permitted. Settlement is actively encouraged by the judge.
Receive judgment (issued orally and later in writing); enforcement may be pursued via compulsory execution under the Civil Execution Act if unpaid.
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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.