Court Reporting and Depositions in Japan

Depositions in Japan are controlled by detailed agreements between the United States and the Government of Japan. Depositions may only be taken at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, and it is illegal to take depositions outside of the Embassy or Consulate.

Depositions in Japan are controlled by detailed agreements between the United States and the Government of Japan. Therefore, depositions of willing witnesses are permitted to take place only at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or the U.S. Consulate in Osaka. It is illegal to take depositions outside of the Embassy or Consulate in Japan. Our experience and staff in Japan enable us to personally assist you with the paperwork and other procedures to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays. Because we are on the ground in Japan, we have access to up-to-the-minute local information and serve as a liaison between you and the Embassy or Consulate.

When scheduling depositions in Japan, it is important to allow 6 to 8 weeks for scheduling due to government requirements and associated logistical challenges.

1. Check availability of conference rooms in either Osaka or Tokyo and reserve the room. Planet Depos has the most updated schedule. Contact us to check availability
2. Select the Planet Depos deposition services that are needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter (stenographer)
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer (Note that video conference depositions are not permitted in Japan, but video recording is permitted)
   • Japanese interpreter
   • Local exhibit printing, delivery and shredding
3. Apply for Commission to Take Depositions in Japan
4. Send signed Commission to all counsel, your witness and Planet Depos
5. Apply for Special Deposition Visa. Contact Planet Depos for expert assistance with commissions, deposition visas and more
6. Make travel arrangements
7. Send protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
8. Fill out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form to ensure we fulfill all your needs
9. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s preparation:
   • Commission
   • Answer to Complaint
   • Previous transcript(s)
   • Word index
10. Two weeks prior to deposition date, send equipment list for each deposition attendee to the Consulate or Embassy
11. Provide contact information for counsel who will be attending, such as hotel or cell phone number

Travel safely to Japan and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Entry Requirements for Japan

To enter Japan from the United States for depositions, you must apply for a special deposition visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you in the U.S.Below are the items you will need when applying for the deposition visa:

1. A photocopy of the signed commission or deposition court order
2. Case summary
3. A U.S. passport, along with:

• • Completed deposition visa application forms
  • Required passport photos

Please note that different states in the U.S. often require different items for specialized deposition visas. Planet Depos is able to assist you through each step of the visa planning process as our International Department can often spot minor omissions or errors that will cause great delays or even cancellations at a late date.

Japan Travel Requirements

In addition to the special deposition visa requirement, here are important points to keep in mind:

• Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date in Japan
• Proof of onward/return travel is required to enter Japan
• Ensure that your passport has two (2) blank pages in the visas section before any international travel (not counting the amendments pages in the back)
• Be aware of any connecting flights you will take and whether a visa is required in those countries
• You must present your passport with the deposition visa in order to enter the U.S. Consulate in Osaka or the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. For more information on obtaining a deposition visa, please contact us

Flying to Japan

The most convenient airports when traveling to Japan for depositions are:

• Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT)
• Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND)
• Osaka’s Kansai Airport (KIX)
• Osaka Airport (ITM)

Travel Advisories

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the website of the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo/Japan.

Travel in Japan

Staying in Tokyo

Tokyo offers an array of fantastic hotels that are most convenient for the business traveler, and Planet Depos has an established partnership with nearly all of them. We highly recommend, however, that you stay near the U.S. Embassy as commuting in Tokyo can be extremely time consuming and expensive. Planet Depos is pleased to assist you with your hotel needs as we offer many corporate discounts at nearly all of the top hotels in Tokyo.

Staying in Osaka

Just as in Tokyo, for counsel’s convenience, it is better to stay near the Consulate in Osaka. With numerous hotel partnerships, Planet Depos is happy to assist in booking your accommodations.

Medical Information

Generally, there are some modern medical facilities in Tokyo and Osaka, which are English-friendly. For a list of local-speaking doctors, please contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

For updated health information, including health travel alerts, view the Health Information for Travelers to Japan at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When travelling, be sure to bring no more than 1 months’ supply of any personal medicines including: supplements, medications, prescriptions, etc. Prohibited or controlled narcotics and psychotropics are not allowed. Prescribed narcotics or psychotropics require prior approval, and a copy of the related prescription.

If you do bring more than the allowed amount of approved medicines without prior approval, or prohibited drugs, you risk arrest and detention at the airport.

Here is a more specific list of what the Ministry of Health considers to be personal medicines, prohibited drugs, and their allowed amounts.

Here is a great link with more general information including FAQ.

• Applications for the Yakkan Shoumei should be submitted to the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare closest to your airport of arrival in Japan
• Apply no later than 2 weeks in advance of your travel date

Money Matters

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Tokyo or Osaka as they are in other Asian countries. If accepted, the most common are MasterCard, Visa, and the JCP (Japan Credit Bank). Foreign checks are rarely accepted in Japan. Currency can be converted at the major airports. It is strongly advised that you carry cash for local transportation, restaurants, coffee, etc. Some banks and all post offices have international ATM machines that usually accept foreign debit cards.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA, which also provides an app for smartphones.

Weather

The temperatures in Osaka and Tokyo are fairly comparable, normally Osaka just a few degrees higher on most days. January and February are sunny and dry, which can be good for sightseeing. March and April provide average temperatures between 55° and 65°, allowing for excellent weather to enjoy the cherry blossom trees. May is often described as one of the best times to visit Japan because of the lush vegetation and the comfortable temperatures hovering around 73°. June is the beginning of the rainy season and lasts through July, with temperatures normally in the 80s. August through September is considered typhoon season, leading into October which starts the cool-down of temperatures. December boasts dry weather and a temperature of 54°.

Voltage Information for Japan

Both the voltage in Japan (110) and the plugs are the same as the United States. However, some outlets are 2-pin instead of 3-pin ground, so you may need a 3-to-2 adapter, which can be found at Amazon or most electronics stores in the U.S. We recommend packing several adapters.