Credit Report in Japan

Getting a credit/disclosure report in Japan

- Written by Yogi (Yogendra Puranik), PhD, on 13-February-2022.

If you are living in a foreign country and applying for a loan or credit card in your home country, you may be asked to submit a credit report from your country of residence. Similarly, if your applications for a credit card, loan, or even a corporate guarantor (for renting a house or apartment) in Japan are repeatedly rejected, it is advisable to review your credit report. This helps you identify whether any financial errors—intentional or unintentional—may be affecting your creditworthiness.

Accessing Your Credit Report in Japan

In Japan, you can request your credit report from the credit bureaus listed below. Please note that you can apply only for your own credit report. Applications on behalf of family members are not permitted due to Japan’s strict personal data protection laws. However, there are limited procedures available for accessing the records of deceased individuals.

What Is a Credit Bureau?

A credit bureau is an organization that collects and manages credit-related information. In Japan, credit bureaus operate under relevant legal frameworks such as the Installment Sales Act and other financial regulations.

These bureaus gather data from member institutions, including:

• Credit card companies

• Banks

• Consumer finance companies

• Leasing and guarantee companies

• Department stores

• Mobile phone operators

• Agricultural cooperatives

The collected information is used to assess an individual’s creditworthiness. It enables financial institutions to make informed decisions and allows consumers to access credit services more smoothly and appropriately.

What Information Is Included in a Credit Report?

A typical credit report includes:

• Details of the newly applied credit

• Historical credit usage

• Current credit contracts

• Repayment status and payment history

• Outstanding balances

• Records maintained by the credit bureau

Most reports include:

• Up to 5 years of contract and repayment history

• The recent 6 months of credit application records

Information older than the prescribed retention period is automatically deleted.

The report format can be complex. If needed, refer to the explanatory notes provided with the report for a better understanding.

What If There Is an Error in Your Credit Report?

Credit bureaus themselves cannot modify or correct your data.

If you find incorrect or unfamiliar information:

1. Contact the data-providing company (e.g., your bank or credit card provider).

2. If the error is confirmed, the company will correct or delete the information.

3. If the issue remains unresolved, you may request assistance from the credit bureau.

Major Credit Bureaus in Japan

1. Credit Information Center (CIC)

One of the largest credit bureaus in Japan, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with offices nationwide.

Website (English): https://www.cic.co.jp/en/

FAQ: https://www.cic.co.jp/en/pdf/faq.pdf

Offices: https://www.cic.co.jp/inquiry/index.html

Apply online: https://www.cic.co.jp/mydata/online/index.html

Apply by post: https://www.cic.co.jp/mydata/mailing/index.html

Apply in person: https://www.cic.co.jp/mydata/contact/index.html

Fee: JPY 1,000

Tel: 0570-666-414

2. Japan Credit Information Reference Center Corp. (JICC)

Headquartered in Ueno, Tokyo, with a branch office in Osaka.

Website: https://www.jicc.co.jp/

FAQ: https://www.jicc.co.jp/faq/#faqlist

Apply online: https://www.jicc.co.jp/kaiji/procedure/mobile/

Apply by post: https://www.jicc.co.jp/kaiji/procedure/mail/

Apply in person: https://www.jicc.co.jp/kaiji/procedure/visit_person/

Fee: Approximately JPY 500–1,000 (varies by method)

Tel: 0570-055-955

3. Japanese Bankers Association (JBA) – Personal Credit Information Center

This center supports the sound development of consumer credit and contributes to improving individuals’ financial lives.

Website (English): https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/en/pcic/

Consultation (multilingual): https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/en/adr/foreign-languages/

Fee: Varies (check website for details)

Tel: 0570-017-109 or 03-5252-3772

Final Note

Maintaining a clean and accurate credit record is essential for financial stability, especially when living abroad. Regularly checking your credit report ensures transparency and helps you avoid unexpected rejections in financial applications.

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