JapanCan I dispute a medical bill in Small Claims Court in Japan?
No, you cannot dispute a medical bill in Small Claims Court in Japan because Japan does not have a 'small claims court' system. Instead, disputes under ¥1.4 million go to summary proceedings in district courts.
What the Law Says
Japan does not operate a separate 'small claims court' like the U.S. or UK. Instead, it uses a streamlined litigation procedure called 'summary proceedings' for monetary claims up to ¥1.4 million.
Under the Japanese Civil Procedure Act (Minji Sosho Ho), Article 368, summary proceedings (kanso saiban) are available for uncontested or straightforward monetary claims—including medical billing disputes—provided the amount claimed does not exceed ¥1,400,000.
This process is conducted before a single judge at the district court (chiho saibansho) and prioritizes speed and simplicity over full trial formalities. It is not a distinct court but a procedural track within existing courts.
Summary proceedings do not allow for oral argument unless the judge deems it necessary (Civil Procedure Act, Art. 375), and judgments are typically issued within approximately 60 days of filing, according to Supreme Court administrative data from 2022.
Statutory TextSummary proceedings may be instituted for a claim for payment of money or other substitute performance, provided that the amount or value of the claim does not exceed one million four hundred thousand yen.
— Civil Procedure Act (Act No. 109 of 1996), Art. 368, Paragraph 1
What to Do
Confirm your disputed medical bill amount is ≤ ¥1,400,000; if higher, you must file a regular civil suit.
Gather evidence: itemized bill, treatment records, insurance denial letters, and correspondence with the provider.
Draft a statement of claim (shinpan sho) in Japanese using the standard form (Form No. 23) from the Supreme Court website.
File the claim at the district court with jurisdiction—usually where the medical provider is located or where you reside.
Attend the single hearing (if scheduled); most summary cases conclude via written submissions and judgment without oral argument.
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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: 2026-10-11.