Emergency Contact Services in Japan: Are They Accepted by Landlords?

One of the most common questions foreigners ask is: “Are emergency contact services in Japan actually accepted by landlords?” Since many apartments require a Japanese emergency contact, but not everyone has one, professional services have started to fill that gap.

Why These Services Exist

Most landlords and agencies expect an emergency contact who lives in Japan, can answer the phone, and can respond in Japanese. But many newcomers don’t have such connections yet. Emergency contact services exist to bridge that gap.

In fact, there are already several Japanese-language services that provide emergency contacts for rental applications. This shows that the idea is well established in Japan. What makes JapanContact different is that we are one of the only services designed specifically for foreigners, giving you English support and ensuring landlords get clear communication in Japanese.

Are They Accepted by Landlords?

The short answer: in most cases, yes. Landlords mainly care about whether the contact can answer the phone, respond in Japanese, and be reliable. They don’t usually mind that it’s a professional service as long as it functions properly.

When They Might Not Be Accepted

That said, there are exceptions. Some traditional landlords or certain property brands may insist on a personal contact. These cases are rare, but worth being aware of.

How Landlords Usually Verify

Typically, the landlord or agency will simply call, confirm the name, and check tenant details. If the person answers smoothly in Japanese, that’s usually enough. What matters most is availability, not whether it’s a paid service.

Benefits of Using a Service

• No need to put pressure on friends or coworkers
• Professional, consistent handling of calls
• Reliability — able to handle verification calls most times, even on weekends
• Peace of mind throughout the rental process

Final Thoughts

Emergency contact services are, in practice, accepted in Japan’s rental market. While there are rare exceptions, most landlords simply want someone reliable and reachable in Japanese. If those conditions are met, it doesn’t matter if it’s a service.

For renters who want peace of mind, using a professional emergency contact service is often the simplest way to meet the requirement and move forward with confidence. And unlike many Japanese-only options, JapanContact makes the process accessible in English while ensuring smooth communication with landlords in Japanese.