Translation guide
The abbreviation "c/o" (care of) is used in addresses to direct mail to someone at another person's or organization's address. In Japanese, this concept is expressed using the suffix 気付 (きづけ) or the symbol 方 (かた), but usage differs from English. This guide explains how to write addresses with "c/o" in Japanese.
How to write "c/o" on a Japanese address when sending mail to a person staying at or receiving mail through another person or organization.
The most common way to indicate "care of" in Japanese addresses. Write the intermediary's name or organization first, followed by 気付 (きづけ), then the final recipient's name. This is used for both personal and business contexts.
Mr. Taro Yamada c/o Tanaka Corporation
An alternative to 気付, often used in more formal or traditional contexts. 方 (かた) is placed after the intermediary's name, followed by the recipient. It can also imply "via" or "through" someone.
In some cases, especially when the intermediary is a company or building, you can simply write the address with the recipient's name on the next line without an explicit "c/o" marker. This is less explicit but sometimes used in informal or internal mail.
気付 (きづけ) is the standard, modern way to write "c/o" and is widely understood. 方 (かた) is more traditional and can sometimes imply the intermediary is a person rather than an organization. For most purposes, 気付 is recommended.
Please send the package to John Doe c/o ABC Company.
ホテルニューオータニ気付スミス様
Mr. Smith c/o Hotel New Otani
Mr. Taro Yamada c/o Ichiro Tanaka
Mr. Taro Yamada 3F Tanaka Building 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Mr. Taro Yamada c/o ABC Corporation
Ms. Hanako Yamada c/o Taro Yamada
In Japanese addresses, the order is from largest to smallest (prefecture, city, district, block, building, floor). When using 気付 or 方, the intermediary's name or organization comes before the marker, and the final recipient comes after. Always include the appropriate honorific (様, さん, etc.) for the recipient.
In Japanese, the structure is 'Company 気付 Recipient'.