Can Foreigners Use a Friend as an Emergency Contact in Japan?

When you're applying for an apartment in Japan, one of the most common but overlooked requirements is a Japanese emergency contact. Many foreigners ask the same question: “Can I just list my friend?”

The answer is: sometimes, but there are important things to consider before you do.

What Landlords Expect from an Emergency Contact

A Japanese emergency contact (緊急連絡先) is someone the real estate agent or landlord can call if they can’t reach you. This person should:

• Currently lives in Japan
• Can be reached by phone during the day
• Can speak Japanese or can respond appropriately
• Understands their name may appear on rental paperwork

If your friend doesn’t meet these expectations, some landlords may reject your application, even if everything else is in order.

Why Listing a Friend Can Be a Problem

Even if your friend meets the technical requirements, there are some risks. If something goes wrong, such as missing a rent payment, leaving Japan early, or causing a complaint, the landlord may call them asking for help.

That can lead to confusion or stress, especially if your friend wasn’t prepared to handle it. Many foreigners find it awkward to ask a friend to take on this kind of responsibility, especially since it’s not just symbolic, it requires real action.

What’s a Better Option?

A growing number of newcomers are choosing to use professional emergency contact services like JapanContact. Our Japanese-speaking team answers phone calls on your behalf, communicates with landlords or agencies, and helps resolve issues if they come up.

It’s one less favor to ask from your friends, and one less thing to worry about during your rental application.

Final Thoughts

You can technically list a friend as your emergency contact, but it’s not always ideal for you or them. If they don’t meet the requirements or aren’t comfortable taking on that responsibility, it can cause delays or even rejections.

That’s why many renters in Japan turn to services like ours. We offer a professional, reliable, and landlord-approved alternative, so your application goes more smoothly.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ section or get started below.