Japan Alien Registration Records Request | Historical Residence Records
HISTORICAL JAPAN RESIDENCE RECORDS / ALIEN REGISTRATION
Japan Alien Registration Records Request | Historical Residence Records
Did you live in Japan before July 9, 2012 and now need to confirm your old Japanese address, registration details or residence history? We help former foreign residents in Japan and overseas request their Alien Registration Record (外国人登録原票 / Gaikokujin Tōroku Genpyō) from Japan's Immigration Services Agency.
+¥12,100 (tax included)
Overseas and Japan-wide inquiries · Phone 9:00–18:00 JST · Official request fee and shipping charged separately
What Is a Japanese Alien Registration Record?
Japan's former Alien Registration System recorded information supplied by foreign residents to municipalities. This system ended on July 9, 2012. The archived personal registration records are now administered by Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
Depending on the records and applicable registration rules at the time, a file may contain an old address in Japan, changes to the address, dates of registration, registered name, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, and other former registration particulars.
Forgotten Japanese addresses
Check addresses registered when you lived in Japan many years ago, including some previously reported moves.
Old residence and registration details
Look for your historical registration number, registered names and certain former immigration particulars.
Nationality and family paperwork
Use available records as supporting information when preparing an application requiring past address history, if relevant.
Overseas former residents
Ask an authorized representative in Japan to handle the request after confirming identity and authorization requirements.
Alien Registration Records vs Immigration Entry/Exit Records
| Your question | Possible source |
|---|---|
| Where did I live in Japan before July 9, 2012? | Historical alien registration record (外国人登録原票) |
| When did I enter Japan or leave Japan? | Immigration entry/exit records (出入（帰）国記録) |
| Where was I registered from July 9, 2012 onward? | Municipal resident register and related records, subject to local procedures and retention |
| Can I prove all past addresses abroad? | Neither Japanese record is a comprehensive register of addresses in other countries |
The former alien registration card and its underlying historical file are different things. Lost possession of an old card does not by itself prevent a disclosure request, but identifying information must be sufficient.
What if You No Longer Know Your Old Registration Number?
Many people left Japan years ago without keeping their old Alien Registration Certificate. ISA's request forms allow relevant former addresses and approximate registration periods to be supplied when the registration number cannot be confirmed.
Tell us what you know. We can discuss whether there is enough information to prepare a meaningful request, without promising that ISA will locate every past address.
Can a Japanese Representative Apply for You?
ISA accepts requests by the person concerned, certain legal representatives, and a properly authorized voluntary representative. For a former resident living overseas, appointing a representative can make the Japanese-side paperwork easier to organize.
| Document | Points to check |
|---|---|
| Disclosure request | ISA's designated form for an alien registration record, with identifying information. |
| Power of attorney | Original authorization, generally prepared within 30 days before filing; photocopies alone are not accepted. |
| Principal's identity evidence | Specified identification supporting the person authorizing the representative; eligibility of overseas documents is checked individually. |
| Agent's identity and address records | Japanese representative's ID and, for postal filing, the additional residence certificate required by ISA. |
| Overseas dispatch proof | Postal proof indicating a signed authorization was sent from abroad, such as a mailing date or delivery record. |
| Name changes | Marriage, nationality change or other supporting papers linking the current identity to historical records where applicable. |
Our Record Request and Address-History Service
Initial inquiry and record identification
Tell us when you lived in Japan, the names you used, your current location and whether you need addresses, immigration dates or both.
Eligibility and document check
We review the required original power of attorney, acceptable ID, address proof and any evidence of changes in your name.
Mail documents to Japan
We provide instructions for the overseas shipment, any needed proof of dispatch and timing for validity of documents.
Submit the disclosure request
Our office prepares the request addressed to ISA, with the necessary government fee and return-postage arrangements.
Receive the records and organize addresses
When disclosure is completed, we explain the delivery arrangement. If you order the optional address-history service, we organize the addresses and recorded change dates into a timeline.
Service Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Alien registration record disclosure request | ¥24,200 (tax included) |
| Optional address-history timeline | Additional ¥12,100 (tax included) |
| Request and address-history timeline together | Total ¥36,300 (tax included) |
| ISA disclosure application fee | ¥300 per request (separate) |
Postal charges, international return shipment, extra certificates, translations and additional expenses may apply. Our quote explains the scope before you hire us.
How Long Does the Disclosure Take?
ISA generally has 30 days to make the disclosure decision after receiving a valid request, subject to extensions. This is not a guaranteed turnaround for receiving the actual copy. ISA currently warns that a high request volume may cause substantial delays.
Applications are submitted to the Immigration Services Agency, Immigration Information Disclosure Section, Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan. Government phone: 03-5363-3005; weekdays 9:00–17:00 Japan time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request my old Japanese alien registration file from overseas?
Yes, subject to ISA's identity and authorization rules. We can review whether a voluntary representative request is appropriate for you.
Is this the same as a Japanese residence card?
No. The historical alien registration file belongs to the system abolished in July 2012. It is not a new residence card.
Can I request the file at my former Japanese city hall?
Requests for disclosure of these archived alien registration records go to the Immigration Services Agency, not to the former municipal registration counter.
Will the record show all the addresses where I lived?
Only those addresses and changes actually recorded under the old system, if available. It does not guarantee complete address history.
I lost my registration card and do not know the number. Can I apply?
A request may still be possible using other identifying information and prior places and dates of registration. We will review what details you can provide.
Will it show addresses after July 9, 2012?
It concerns records from the former alien registration system. Later Japanese municipal address history generally involves resident register records rather than this historical file.
Can you apply on behalf of my spouse or parent?
Adult family relationships alone do not provide unrestricted disclosure rights. The person concerned or a legally authorized representative must meet the rules.
Do I need to send an original power of attorney?
Normally yes. ISA requires an original authorization prepared within the relevant 30-day period, as well as the supporting documents. Overseas dispatch evidence may also be required.
Can this replace immigration entry and exit records?
No. The historical registration file and immigration clearance records answer different questions. We can help identify which one fits your objective.
Can you translate the records into English?
The request service and address timeline do not automatically include certified translation. Please ask for a separate quote if translation is needed.
Can I receive the records immediately?
No. The decision period is not a same-day issue or guaranteed delivery deadline. Processing and mail delivery may take longer.
About Our Office and Official Information
Kawagoe Administrative Scrivener Office is located in Sagae, Yamagata, Japan. We handle eligible records requests for clients in Japan and overseas, including people who left Japan years ago.
Phone +81-237-86-7198 · 9:00–18:00 Japan time
FORMER JAPAN RESIDENTS · HISTORICAL REGISTRATION FILES
Trying to Find Your Old Address in Japan?
Send the approximate years you lived in Japan, any known old city or address, the names used at that time and your current country of residence. We will explain the official request, proxy authorization and available record-summary services.
Kawagoe Administrative Scrivener Office · Sagae, Yamagata, Japan · Phone hours 9:00–18:00 JST