日本における緊急連絡先と保証人の違いとは？

If you're preparing to rent an apartment in Japan, you've probably heard the terms "emergency contact" and "guarantor" mentioned in applications. At first, they sound similar—but in practice, they're very different. And in many cases, you'll need both.

What’s a Guarantor (保証人)?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to take legal and financial responsibility if you fail to pay your rent or cause damages. Traditionally, this person must be a Japanese resident with a stable income and good credit history.

These days, most renters use a guarantor company (保証会社), which you pay a one-time or annual fee to instead of asking a friend or coworker to co-sign.

What’s an Emergency Contact (緊急連絡先)?

An emergency contact is someone the landlord or agency can call if they can’t reach you. They don’t pay your rent, and they aren’t legally responsible—but they’re expected to pick up the phone and help the landlord understand what’s going on if there’s a problem.

Landlords usually want this person to live in Japan, speak Japanese, and be reachable during the day. Many specifically prefer this person to be Japanese.

Why You Might Need Both

Some people assume that having a guarantor company means they don’t need to list an emergency contact. But that’s not always true. Many real estate agencies ask for both—especially when renting to foreigners.

If you don’t have a local emergency contact, it can delay or block your application. Even if your documents are perfect, some landlords see it as a red flag.

Can JapanContact Be My Guarantor?

No. We are not a guarantor service and do not take on financial or legal responsibility. Our role is strictly as a Japanese emergency contact for documents, forms, and agency communication.

If you need a guarantor, we recommend using a guarantor company, which most agencies can help you apply to during the rental process.

Final Thoughts

Guarantors and emergency contacts serve very different purposes, and both are often required to rent an apartment in Japan. If you don’t have a Japanese emergency contact, that’s where we come in.

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