Translation guide
A public official authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents. In Japan, the role is similar but has specific legal titles and procedures.
Referring to the profession or office in general, or when explaining the concept.
Standard term for a notary public in Japan. Used in legal and official contexts.
契約書に署名するには公証人の立会いが必要です。
You need a notary public to witness the signing of the contract.
Referring to the physical office or institution where notarial acts are performed.
The notary public office. This is where you go to get documents notarized.
公証役場で遺言書の認証を受けた。
I had my will notarized at the notary public office.
Referring to the act of notarizing a document or the notarial deed itself.
A notarized document or notarial deed. Commonly used for wills, contracts, and agreements.
離婚の合意を公正証書にしました。
We put our divorce agreement into a notarized document.
To have something notarized. Literally 'receive notarization'.
この書類は公証を受ける必要があります。
This document needs to be notarized.
Referring to the official seal used by a notary, or the act of affixing it.
The official seal of a notary public. Less commonly used in everyday conversation; usually implied in the process.
書類に公証印が押してある。
The document has the notary's seal on it.
In Japan, notaries (公証人) are appointed by the Minister of Justice and are usually experienced legal professionals. Their role is similar to civil law notaries. For simple document notarization, you typically visit a 公証役場. Unlike some countries, notaries in Japan do not handle real estate closings; those are done by judicial scriveners (司法書士).
A 行政書士 (administrative scrivener) can prepare documents and give advice but cannot notarize documents. Only a 公証人 can perform notarial acts. If you need a signature witnessed or a document certified, you need a 公証人, not an 行政書士.