As part of our series of posts about real estate in Japan, we provide a list of judicial scriveners in Osaka that speak English.
A judicial scrivener is a kind of legal specialist that performs many services, including recording the title for real estate transactions, and completing that paperwork with the Legal Affairs Bureau in Japan.
Below we list some English-speaking judicial scriveners that specialize in real estate transaction in Osaka.
Judicial Scriveners in Osaka that Speak English
Mimu Shoji, Shimin Kyodo Shihou Shoshi Office
Location: 7F, Taniyama Building 5-9-5, Kita-ku, Osaka
Contact: +81-06-6365-8135
Website: https://office-shoji.com/english/
SAGARA Judicial Scrivener Office
Location: Alivio Uehonmachi 605, 3-2-16, Ueshio, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Contact: +81-06-6741-3221
Website: https://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/sagarashihou/English/index.html
Ikkou Kobayashi, Mirai Judicial Scrivener Corporation
Location: 6F, Daiei Building Main Building, 1-12-7 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka
Contact: +81-06-4256-8647
Website: https://avenir-office.jp
Takashi Nakajima, Judicial Scrivener Nakajima International Legal Office
Location: Chateau Akutagawa 405, Akutagawa-cho 3-8-15, Takatsuki City, Osaka
Contact: +81-072-600-0147
Website: https://nakajimalaw.net/english
Kano Legal Office
Location: 1-10-4, Nanbanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Contact: +81-06-6645-0045
Website: https://www.kano-legal.com/en/
How Judicial Scriveners Record Changes to the Property Title in Osaka
When a property in Osaka is sold, inherited, or transferred, the change in ownership must be officially recorded with the Legal Affairs Bureau. A judicial scrivener (Shihoshoshi) typically handles this registration process by reviewing the necessary documents, confirming the parties involved, preparing the registration application, and submitting it to the appropriate Legal Affairs Bureau. Once the registration is completed, the new owner is reflected in Japan’s official real estate registry.
In a typical Osaka property purchase, the judicial scrivener coordinates with the buyer, seller, real estate agent, and financial institution to ensure that the ownership transfer is properly registered. If the buyer is using financing secured by the property, the judicial scrivener may also handle the mortgage registration at the same time. Registration tax and other required costs are generally calculated as part of the process.
For foreign property buyers, a judicial scrivener can be particularly helpful because Japanese real estate registration requires specific documentation and procedures. Depending on the buyer’s circumstances, additional documents may be needed to verify identity, address, or other information, especially when documents are issued outside Japan. The judicial scrivener helps ensure that the required documents are prepared correctly and that the change of ownership is legally recorded.
You can choose your own judicial scrivener, but typically one of the real estate agents will provide one. If you’d like an introduction to a judicial scrivener, please contact us.
How Much do Judicial Scriveners Cost?
Judicial scrivener fees in Japan vary depending on the type and complexity of the transaction. For a typical property purchase, the total amount handled through the judicial scrivener may include the professional service fee, registration and license tax, and other administrative expenses. The professional fee itself is often around 50,000 JPY – 150,000 JPY for a straightforward ownership-transfer registration, although additional work—such as registering a mortgage, dealing with overseas documents, or handling a more complex transaction—can increase the cost.
It is important to distinguish the judicial scrivener’s professional fee from the registration tax and other government charges. Registration taxes are calculated separately and can depend on factors such as the property’s assessed value and the type of registration. Therefore, two buyers purchasing properties at similar market prices may not necessarily pay exactly the same registration costs.
Property prices also provide useful context when estimating the overall transaction budget. If you are considering buying in Osaka, see our Average Condominium Prices in Osaka guide to understand typical property prices by area and how registration and other acquisition costs fit into the total cost of purchasing a condominium.
Introductions to Local Real Estate Professionals
We can introduce you to local real estate professionals to help you with real estate transaction. When you’re ready for a judicial scrivener, or any real estate services in Osaka, contact us.
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