Received a Japanese-language letter from city hall, your insurer, a tax office, school, hospital, landlord, property manager or another service provider, and not sure what to do? You can ask Right Place Japan. We can help you identify what the notice is about and what to check next.
Questions to Right Place Japan are free. We do not replace the decisions of public authorities or licensed professionals. If specialized help is necessary, we can suggest the type of office or professional to look for.
What kinds of letters can you ask about?
Government offices and administrative procedures
Notices from municipalities, immigration-related correspondence, insurance, pensions, taxes and everyday administrative procedures.
Housing and contracts
Letters from landlords, management companies, electricity, gas, water, mobile-phone or other service providers.
Schools and healthcare
Notices and instructions from schools, nurseries, hospitals and other medical facilities.
Not sure whether a letter is important
You may need to reply, pay an amount, submit documents or make an enquiry. It is okay to ask even if you cannot tell which applies.
Three useful details when asking
- Who sent it? For example, city hall, an insurance company, landlord, school or hospital.
- Dates and deadlines: check whether there is a reply, submission or payment deadline.
- What you do not understand: you may copy the relevant wording or describe the confusing section. Please avoid sharing sensitive identifiers in your initial question.
If the letter says 督促状 or 納付催告書
These may be important reminders or payment demands from a public body or other organization. Do not ignore them. Check the sender, amount, due date and enquiry contact. Chiba City, for example, publishes information about outstanding National Health Insurance premiums.
The wording and contact point can differ for other municipalities and organizations. If you are unsure what the letter requires, describe what you have received.
You do not need to understand everything before asking
Tell us only what you know. We can help with general information and next steps or suggest an appropriate public office or professional to contact.
The Chiba City example is based on information available in September 2026. Always check the issuing authority’s latest instructions.
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