Japan Deposition Tip – Go to Hawaii

By Suzanne Quinson

In a previous blog, we highlighted the value of local court reporters and videographers when taking depositions in Japan. Japan’s detailed and time-consuming steps for taking depositions, particularly the deposition visa requirements and expenses involved with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, can make the process of scheduling and taking depositions there a harrowing project. However, the taking of depositions in Japan legally requires strict adherence to the guidelines. As videoconference is not permitted at the Embassy or Consulate, deposing your witness from the States is out of the question also. There is another option, though, if the witness is willing to travel – take the depositions in Hawaii!

Hawaii is a vacation destination popular with both Americans and Japanese, so it may be easy to have all parties stipulate to holding the depositions there. With Hawaii as the scenic backdrop for your depositions, you have singlehandedly eliminated the deposition visa requirement, location and videoconference restrictions (mobile videoconference is now an option as well!), and other bureaucratic hoops. Hawaii has countless luxury hotels to host your depositions and any related meetings in comfort and style. The court reporting agency can reserve a conference room on your behalf, and the reporter and videographer can coordinate all the details of the location for you. Should any attendees be participating remotely, a test call will be conducted beforehand to confirm the connection speed, and the reporter can also stream realtime to such participants.

The agency will also reserve a Japanese interpreter, if one is needed for the witness. You can be confident the chosen interpreter will be experienced in the case subject matter, professional, and well prepared for the deposition. The reporter, videographer, and interpreter working together keep the depositions running smoothly, eliminating unnecessary delays and interruptions. They can assist with printing or shredding needs as well, freeing up more time for you to either prepare for the depositions or enjoy the beach.

With the time saved, thanks to not having to fly all the way to Japan, as well as by the efficient court reporting professionals assisting you and your team, you can partake in memorable vacation activities in Hawaii. There are breathtaking trails to hike, rainforests and volcanoes to explore (not for the faint-hearted) and, from what I’ve heard, the world’s best pineapple to savor. Hawaii’s islands offer glorious sunsets, snorkeling, whale watching and, of course, exquisite golf courses drawing golfers from all over the world.

For more information on scheduling Japanese depositions in Hawaii, or Japan, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.