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Consulting a Lawyer or Houterasu

For matters involving the law — such as divorce, debt, contracts, traffic accidents, work, or being a victim of crime — it may be best to consult a specialist.

Illustration of a person consulting a specialist while reviewing documents

For matters involving the law — such as divorce, debt, contracts, traffic accidents, work, or being a victim of crime — it may be best to consult a specialist.

JANIA does not make individual legal judgments; we help you organize where to consult.

What JANIA can do

  • Providing general information
  • Organizing where to consult

What to consult a specialist about

  • Individual legal judgments

What is Houterasu

Houterasu (the Japan Legal Support Center) is a public organization that provides information on the legal systems and consultation points you can use for legal troubles.

Houterasu's "information provision" service is different from an individual legal consultation with a lawyer.

I want information in a foreign language

Through Houterasu's multilingual information service, you can get information about Japan's legal system and consultation points in a foreign language.

Phone: 0570-078377

Hours: weekdays 9:00–17:00

As of August 2026, 10 languages are supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Thai, and Indonesian.

Call charges apply.

Ways to consult Houterasu, by phone or through its website.
Ways to consult Houterasu, by phone or through its website.

Free legal consultation

If you meet certain conditions, such as income and assets, you may be able to use free legal consultation through Houterasu's Civil Legal Aid.

For foreign nationals, there are requirements such as residing in Japan lawfully.

Being able to use the foreign-language information service is not the same as being able to use the free legal consultation.

Houterasu at FRESC

There is also a Houterasu counter at the Support Center for Foreign Residents (FRESC).

When several issues overlap — such as residence, daily life, and legal matters — you may be able to consult with related organizations working together.

When consulting a lawyer

Before your consultation, it helps to organize:

  • What happened
  • When it happened
  • The people involved
  • Contracts
  • Emails and messages
  • Photos
  • What you would like to happen

What you can check next

  • Considering divorce or already divorced
  • Unpaid wages, dismissal, or harassment
  • Traffic accidents you were involved in or caused
  • Being a victim of crime, or calling 110
  • Contracts, cancellations, mail-order sales, and predatory business practices

Main places to check

  • Houterasu
  • Bar association
  • FRESC