4/08/2011

User Shaken

I have taken the user shaken twice. I took my car to the local inspection lab and passed. The officials were with Japan's transportation ministry and they were less than friendly, to say the least. They did not tell you which lines to take your car to. When they saw that you were novice and lost, they must have taken a sadistic laugh, and gave you directions in a cold manner. I did not appreciate it.

HOW MUCH?

Sekino Consulting's service rate is flat ¥15,000. There is a separate bill for snail mail/facsimile/telephone transactions and train fares.

JCI service rates at the designated shops typically run from ¥40,000 to ¥100,000 (from the K-class mini car to a Mercedes).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Call us at Sekino Consulting (047-358-5032) or send us email to n.sekino@silk.ocn.ne.jp to tell us the condition of your car: mileage, age of car, tire wear and other repair needs. We will consult with the shops and let you know later the inspection estimate.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE

1. An inspection certificate (shaken sho), which is in your car.

2. Car insurance certificate (jibaiseki hoken), which is in your car.

3. A receipt for automobile tax (nouzei shomei sho).

If your tire wheels are locked, the workshop needs the wheel nut key

Japanese drivers are required for an official seal, hanko, but signature will suffice for non-Japanese drivers.

WHERE IS THE SHOP?

The designated shops are located in five locations in eastern Tokyo, Urayasu city and Ichikawa city.