Bonjour,
Pour ceux que ça intéresse, j’avais contacté la JAF directement en leur expliquant que nous allions louer une voiture 5 jours après notre arrivée à Tokyo, pour savoir si les délais sur place étaient inférieurs. Dans le réponse, ils ne se mouillent pas, ils disent que le délai peut aller jusqu’à deux semaines et que nous pouvons préciser au comptoir sur place à Tokyo que nous sommes pressés. Certaines personnes du forum ont eu leur permis traduit beaucoup plus vite (Fred a eu une expérience en mai 2023, et a eu son permis dans la matinée), mais je ne sais pas ce qu’il en est en pleine période touristique des sakura.
J’ai trouvé une autre agence qui s’en occuperait pour une soixantaine d’euros mais je ne l’ai pas encore contactée. Il s’agit de l’agence Kansai Voyage (sejouraujapon.com). Est-ce que quelqu’un connaitrait cette agence et aurait des retours ?
Je vous joins le message retour de la JAF :
Dear XXX,
Thank you for contacting us.
My name is Yurie Inaba, and I am in charge of translation at JAF Headquarters.
First, we apologize for the inconvenience, but JAF only accepts translation requests from within Japan.
- In the online application, we have configured our system to prevent customers from accessing from non-Japanese IP addresses.
The reason is that the rules for obtaining personal information between countries are different.
You can apply for a translation online, by mail, or by visiting the JAF office.
Regardless of which method you choose, it usually takes about 1-2 weeks from the time you apply for the translation until you receive it, but it may take longer depending on the situation.
As I said above, no matter which method you choose, you can only apply from within Japan.
Also, I’m sorry, but we can’t accept your application through e-mail or mail from abroad.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please understand.
The fee for issuing a translation is 4,000 yen.
Regarding the payment method, you will pay by credit card if you apply online, or in cash if you apply by mail.
At the JAF office, you can choose to pay by credit card or cash.
If you know someone in Japan, I recommend that person act as your agent and apply for the translation on your behalf before you enter Japan.
It will be the site you are already looking at, but please check the link below for various procedures.
Online: Online Application for Japanese Translation | JAF
Mail: Other translations | JAF
Online application is the most convenient because you can apply for the translation from the dedicated site, and when the JAF staff completes the translation, you can print it with a multi-copy machine at 7-Eleven (convenience store) in Japan.
Please note that when you drive in Japan, the translation must be the original paper, and electronic data such as scans and photographs will not be allowed.
If you are unable to find an agent before you enter Japan, please go directly to the JAF office in the prefecture you are visiting.
JAF has one office in each prefecture.
If you go to the JAF Tokyo office, I recommend going at 10am.
[JAF Tokyo branch]
Address: 2-2-17 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8562
Phone : 03-6833-9100
Business hours: 10:00am-5:00pm
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end and New Year holidays)
If you are in a hurry, please tell the staff there about your situation and negotiate for the translation as soon as possible.
They should do their best.
However, please understand that we are not currently giving priority to issuing translations on the same day as the application.
The business hours are 10:00am-5:00pm on weekdays.
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end and New Year holidays)
I recommend going there in the morning.
The only way to make a reservation is by phone, so if it is difficult, you can go directly without making a reservation.
Actually, after you complete the application from the application site, you can use the function that allows you to chat with JAF staff.
You can also apply online after entering Japan and use the function to tell them that you are in a hurry.
The chat function can be reached by the following route.
Login > “Check issuance status” > “Communication column”
However, please understand in advance that it is not guaranteed to be completed early.
Best regards,
JAPAN AUTOMOBILE FEDERATION (JAF)
Yurie Inaba
Email: translation-jaf@o3.jaf.or.jp