Translations of Japanese Family Registers
Professional Translations of Japanese Family Registers (Koseki)
At Samurai Translators, we specialize in the accurate translation of Japanese Family Registers (Koseki) for individuals and families requiring official documentation for international purposes. Over the years, we have successfully translated hundreds of Koseki documents for Japanese nationals who need to submit these legal records to foreign governments, embassies, and legal institutions.
Many of our clients request Koseki translations for essential legal and administrative procedures such as visa applications, immigration processes, overseas marriage registration, and the inheritance of assets located abroad. We understand the sensitive and formal nature of these documents and ensure that our translations meet the exacting standards required by international authorities.
Each Family Register translation is carefully handled by professional translators with deep knowledge of both legal terminology and Japanese family registry structure. Whether your Koseki contains detailed multi-generational information or recent updates, our team ensures clarity, precision, and full compliance with the requirements of the destination country.
We offer fast turnaround times, affordable rates, and official certification, making our service ideal for individuals needing Koseki translations for immigration, legal inheritance claims, or official documentation overseas. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your Japanese Family Register translation needs.
1. Translation Fees
New Format (Horizontally written)
| No. of Pages | Standard Delivery (JPY) | Express Delivery (JPY) |
| 1 | 6,600 | 8,800 |
| 2 | 8,800 | 11,000 |
| 3 | 11,000 | 13,200 |
| 4 | 13,200 | 15,400 |
Old Format (Vertically written)
| No. of People* | Standard Delivery (JPY) | Express Delivery (JPY) |
| 1 | 7,700 | 9,900 |
| 2 | 9,900 | 12,100 |
| 3 | 12,100 | 14,300 |
| 4 | 14,300 | 16,500 |
| 5 | 16,500 | 18,700 |
- The price list does not include Obsolete Original Family Registers and very old Removed Family Registers. Please contact us for a separate quote. Please also contact us for a separate quote regarding translations for Obsolete Original Family Registers reformatted in the Showa Period or Obsolete Original Family Registers reformatted in the Heisei Period and any other Obsolete Original Family Registers, or Kaiseigen Koseki.
2. Delivery
For standard delivery, we will have it delivered to you within 5 working days by post (or LetterPack LIGHT) and the translations will arrive the day after delivery. For express delivery, we will send you the draft version of the translation via e-mail etc. the day after we receive your order and ask you to check the details and have it delivered to you the following day by post. The translation will arrive the day after delivery (depending on the area).
| Delivery Times / Method of Delivery | Fee | |
| Standard Delivery | Dispatch by LetterPack LIGHT after 5 business days after receipt of payment | Please refer to the translation price lists above. |
| Express Delivery | Dispatch by LetterPack LIGHT after 1-2 business days* after receipt of payment | Please refer to the translation price lists above. |
| Super Express Delivery | Dispatch by LetterPack LIGHT on the same day of receipt of payment* | Double the price of standard delivery |
| Overseas Delivery | EMS Postal Service (International Express Postal Service) | Translation fee + EMS Shipping Fee (Overseas Delivery) |
- Express & Super Express delivery: *If payment is received after 12:00 p.m. (noon), the order will be placed for the following business day.
3. Certificate of Translation
It is standard for our Company to attach a Certificate of Translation with our translations including those for Family Registers (koseki); however, if you require translation certification from your national Consulate or a Notary at the Notary Public Office, please contact us for instructions.
Notarization service >
4. Order to Delivery Process
(1) Application
Please fill out and send us the application form.
Online application form >
(2) Payment
We ask that payment be made in advance of the translation. Payment can be made easily by credit card or by bank transfer.
Payment >
(3) Customer check
Before we deliver the final product to you, we shall attach the translation in an email (or fax) and send it to you for you to check over. We will then wait for you to get back to us.
If the translation is acceptable we will sign it, affix the Certificate of Translation with the translation and deliver it to you.
(4) Receipt
The translation shall arrive in the post so please collect it.
Frequently Asked Questions (Translation Service for Family Register Documents)
Q1. Does the translation of the Family Register (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon) come with a certificate of translation?
Yes. Our translations of Family Registers (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon) are always delivered with a Certificate of Translation bearing the translator’s signature and our company seal.
Q2. Is notarization, authentication, or an apostille required? Can you assist with these procedures?
Depending on the requirements of the receiving authority or country, you may need more than just a Certificate of Translation — such as notarization, authentication, or an apostille.
We offer notarization services for these procedures. If needed, please inform us when placing your order.
Q3. How do I apply for the translation service?
Simply send us a scanned copy or a clear photo of your Family Register via our online application form, email attachment, or fax.
In most cases, the original document is not required. However, for notarization or authentication, we may ask you to provide the original document.
Q4. Can I request the translation of multiple Family Registers or combine it with other certificates?
Yes. You may request the translation of multiple Family Registers or combine them with other documents, such as a Residence Certificate or Certificate of Birth.
Bundling your requests can make the process more efficient.
Q5. Can I specify the spelling of names in Roman letters or English?
Yes, you can. If you have a preferred Romanized spelling, especially one that matches your passport, please let us know when you place your order.
Q6. Can I apply and receive the translation even if I live abroad?
Yes, of course. We provide delivery by PDF as well as international shipping (EMS, international registered mail, etc.).
Please let us know your destination country when requesting a quote so we can inform you of shipping fees and delivery time.
Q7. How long does it take to complete the translation?
Under standard delivery, we ship the translated documents five business days after confirming payment.
We also offer express and super express delivery, though availability depends on the type of document and our current workload.
Q8. Can you translate Family Registers in the old format?
Yes, we can translate Family Registers in the old format.
However, since these documents may use outdated or unique layouts, additional time may be required.
Please send us an image of the document in advance so we can confirm whether we can accommodate your request and provide a quote.