Make your dream a reality

So, you’ve finally got your dream boat! Now comes the exciting part—registering it in Japan. Yes, there’s paperwork and a bit of bureaucracy involved, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Agreement and Title Transfer

First things first, you need to agree with the current owner on the sale terms, including the price. Once you’ve shaken hands (or exchanged emails), the current owner must fill out the 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho or “Certificate of Title Transfer”). This document has sections for both the current owner (譲渡人) and the new owner (譲受人). The current owner will use their registered stamp (実印, jitsuin) to seal the deal. Make sure the address on the document matches the address on the Certificate of Registered Stamp (印鑑証明書, inkan shoumeisho). If not, the current owner must also provide a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jyuminhyo).

Documents from the Current Owner

Here’s what you need to collect from the current owner:

• Completed 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho) sealed with the current owner’s registered stamp.
• The current owner’s 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) not older than three months.
• The current owner’s 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if their registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.
• 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection).
• 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection).

Payment to JCI

Next, you need to pay JPY 2,950 to the JCI via Yucho or another bank, either at a branch or online. If you pay at a bank branch, get the payment receipt and submit it with your documents. For online banking, note the payment date, amount, and payee name in the remarks section of the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer).

Application for Boat Transfer

Now, fill out the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) following the instructions provided. This form must be sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature if you are a non-Japanese resident.

You can find more information in English at Application form | JAPAN CRAFT INSPECTION ORGANIZATION (jci.go.jp).

Documents to Prepare as the New Owner

Here’s what you need to prepare:

• Completed 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature.
• Your 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) or certificate of signature not older than three months.
• Your 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if your registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.

Submission of Documents

You can submit all the documents either by visiting the respective JCI office where the boat is registered or by sending them via postal mail.

Notification of Completion

Once your application is processed, you will receive a Notification of Completion. If you visit the JCI office, you will receive this notification along with the updated 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection) and 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection) on the same day.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process for registering your boat in Japan.

Ready for the Next Steps?

Secure Boat Insurance and contract with Marina

Just like with a car, having insurance for your boat is essential. It shields you from liability and covers any damages to your vessel. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork, often in Japanese, that you’ll need to carefully review. Contracting with a respectable marina for boat mooring is another story.

Let me tell you about those in another post.

Gratitude for turning our dream into reality 

A big thank you to Toshi Tanaka from TSPS for co-authoring this article and helping with the preparation for boat registration process. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my good friend and fellow boating enthusiast, Nemanja, for all the support in getting the dream boat. Your contributions made this journey smoother and more enjoyable! 🚤🌊