Foreign Resident Consultation Counters, International Exchange Associations, and Specialist Consultations
If you are having a hard time living in Japan, you can consult your municipality's foreign resident consultation counter, an international exchange association, a national consultation organization, a specialist, and similar.
If you are having a hard time living in Japan, you can consult your municipality's foreign resident consultation counter, an international exchange association, a national consultation organization, a specialist, and similar.
Use different counters depending on what you are consulting about.
This is a topic that requires consulting a specialist
JANIA provides general information and consultation points. Please consult a specialist for an individual determination.
Local foreign resident consultation counters
Local governments and regional internationalization associations have counters that accept life consultations in multiple languages.
What you can consult about, the languages available, and the days differ by counter.
CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) compiles the foreign resident consultation counters of local governments and international exchange associations nationwide.
FRESC
The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) is a facility that brings together multiple national government counters that support foreign residents.
Related organizations work together to handle consultations about residence, human rights, work, law, and similar matters.
FRESC main line: 0570-011000
As of August 2026, it is open weekdays 9:00-17:00.
Some counters require a reservation depending on what you are consulting about.
Residence status
For residence status, period of stay, and similar matters, check with an immigration services bureau, the General Information Center for Foreign Residents, and similar.
General Information Center for Foreign Residents — Phone: 0570-013904 (or 03-5796-7112 by IP phone or from overseas).
Hours and supported languages may change, so check the Immigration Services Agency's official website for the latest information.
Labor issues
For wages, dismissal, working conditions, and similar matters, you can consult a labor bureau, a labor standards inspection office, a consultation counter for foreign workers, and similar.
Legal issues
For divorce, debt, contracts, traffic accidents, and other matters that require an individual legal judgment, consult Houterasu, a lawyer, or similar.
If you are unsure where to go
Use JANIA's "Not Sure Where to Consult" page to organize what you are struggling with.
Main places to check
- Your municipality
- International exchange associations / regional internationalization associations
- CLAIR
- FRESC
- Each specialist organization
Last checked: August 2026