Japan

Japan Process Server

Process Service Network

We have a Japan process server who will handle everything for you through the Hague Service Convention (treaty). Process Service Network serves legal documents in all countries of the world, including International service of process in Japan. We will prepare the formal request forms on your behalf and arrange for service of your legal documents through the Hague Service Convention, as allowed by law in Japan (see below).

Process Service Network specializes in legal service in Japan (including Tokyo) and is one of the few firms that handles international service of process and offers competitive rates. Our job is to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to get the service completed with as little delay as possible. We have been in business since 1978 and have developed close working relationships with key individuals in most countries throughout the world. The founder and CEO of Process Service Network was a Political Science major in college with a focus on international relations and is actively involved in a worldwide organization through which he has developed business and personal relationships in over 80 nations worldwide. He is also an International Circle member of the World Affairs Council and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Unlike some of our competitors who claim to be experts, we actually are familiar with the laws, customs and current practices in the countries where documents are to be served. With offices in 8 countries, serving major regions around the world, we stay on top of current events and service strategies. Our personal relationships and close dealings with the judicial authorities in the U.S. Department of State and many countries allow us to have a better understanding of their procedures and requirements.

Why Choose Process Service Network?

  • Our extensive network of both process servers and connections get your documents delivered in a timely manner
  • We deliver your documents through methods that are accepted in all courts worldwide
  • We will serve your legal documents anywhere in the world
  • We provide you with a team of skilled, knowledgeable, diligent and competent international service specialists
  • We quote firm rates, in advance – with no hidden fees

The following is a summary of the methods available for service in Japan as well as a specific proposal for process service.

FORMAL SERVICE

Japan is a signatory to The Hague Service Convention (treaty) that governs service of process to be effected between participating nations. Service in Japan may only be made by this method. Service is made by the formal method through the Central Authority which itself arranges for service by methods prescribed in Japan. We make all the necessary arrangements, including the preparation and forwarding of the transmittal letter (in Japanese) and USM-94 forms. Documents to be served in accordance with this method must be translated into the official language, Japanese. The time frame currently ranges from 2 to 3 months. The great news is we have the lowest rate of any competitor!

OPTION:  We can provide an automatic update on formal Hague service for an additional, one-time fee of $300.00.  This status update will be available once a month, or as requested, for purposes of obtaining a court deadline extension.

INFORMAL SERVICE

Japan does not allow a process server to serve your documents; however, we will prepare the formal request forms on your behalf pursuant to the Hague Service Convention. It is a violation of federal law to serve by private process server or mail. Please refer to Formal Service above.

PUBLICATION

Service by Publication is an alternative to personal service when a defendant's address is not known.  Your court will require that you conduct a Due Diligence Search before issuing a court order allowing for service by publication.  We handle the entire process, including the due diligence search affidavit, and preparing the Application and Order for Publication.  We will provide all forms necessary for you to submit to your local court.  Once the Order is signed by the judge, we will publish the entire file for one low rate of $995.00 and provide Proof of Publication.

See details at www.GlobalLegalNotices.com

TRANSLATIONS

Japan requires the documents to be translated into the official language (Japanese).  We offer translation services at rates quoted below. Our translations are proofread for accuracy by an independent Japanese translator.

RATES
Formal $895.00
Informal Not available
Publication $995.00
Letters Rogatory Not available unless seeking records
*All fees are per defendant/address
Translation $0.38 per word (proper nouns not translated)

Related Article

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS MAP: JAPAN

DECLARATIONS: We provide formal declarations on the status of service upon request, as required by your court, at no additional charge. We subscribe to the U.S. Department of State weekly up-dates on international service of process and the Central Intelligence Agency briefings on social conditions abroad and monitor problems in nations that might affect the completion of the service. Estimated time for completion of service is subject to change depending on current conditions.

Need an International Investigation?  Click HERE for information.

WARNING: Beware of companies that quote suspiciously low rates. They often come back later with an excuse for an additional charge. Our rates are firm for one address quoted. Other companies are actually brokerage firms or website developers, not process service agencies, who farm out assignments to companies that are not knowledgeable or qualified on international service of process.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein is provided for general information only and may not be accurate at the time of service in a particular case or country. Questions involving specific services should be directed to our office. Care should be exercised in choosing the method of service (formal/informal) if eventual enforcement of a U.S. judgment is anticipated in the country where the documents are to be served. No legal advice is intended in the statements contained herein. Assignments for international service of process are accepted on the basis that the assigning law firm has researched all applicable laws. Process Service Network and its agents assume no liability for its actions in the course of any phase of the service of process assignment.

Specializing in International Service and “hard-to-serve” cases

Process Service Network

What we will need to get it served:

International Service of Process

  • If sending via email: a PDF version of the service documents combined into one (1) file.
  • If sending via FedEx, mail, or similar: three (3) copies of the documents to be served.
    (Note: all 3 sets can be copies; original documents are not required)
  • A letter of instructions advising us the defendant’s name, service address, and requested method of service (i.e. formal or informal).
  • Payment for the service fees in U.S. dollars (we will bill you for the translation costs, if translation is required).

Domestic (United States) Service of Process

  • If sending via email: a PDF version of the service documents combined into one (1) file.
  • If sending via FedEx, mail, or similar: two (2) copies of the documents to be served.
    (Note: both sets can be copies; original documents are not required)
  • A letter of instructions advising us the defendant’s name and service address.
  • Payment for the service fees in U.S. dollars.

A note about copies: Service documents sent to us are subject to a $.75/page copy fee for large files (100+ pages).

Click here for our Terms and Conditions

Note: We’ve been in business since 1978, so we must be doing it right.