Japan Shaken Calculator
Calculate your vehicle inspection costs in Japan
Shaken Cost Breakdown
Basic Inspection Costs
Legal Expenses
Total Estimated Shaken Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Japanese Compulsory Insurance inspection (Shaken)?
A Shaken is a mandatory vehicle inspection system in Japan that consists of three main elements:
- Compulsory biennial vehicle inspection
- Compulsory vehicle liability insurance purchase (valid for 2 years)
- Biennial weight tax payment It’s legally required for all vehicles on Japanese roads and must be conducted every 2 years to ensure vehicles are properly maintained and safe to drive.
How do I check when my car is due for inspection?
You can check your next inspection due date in two ways:
- Check the expiry date on your JCI inspection certificate
- Look at the sticker on your windshield The expiry date is displayed in the Japanese Calendar format (year/month/day).
What documents do I need for the inspection?
You need to prepare:
- JCI inspection certificate (自動車検査証)
- Road tax payment receipt (自動車税納税証明書)
- Certificate of compulsory vehicle liability insurance (自賠責保険証書)
What are the basic costs involved?
The costs include:
- Law-regulated 24th-month inspection fee: Around ¥20,000
- Safety standards conformity inspection fee: Around ¥10,000
- Agent fee: Around ¥10,000 Additional maintenance fees may apply if repairs are needed.
What areas are checked during the inspection?
The inspection covers:
- Exterior (compliance with Japanese regulations)
- Wheel Alignment
- Speedometer Accuracy
- Headlamp Alignment
- Brake System
- Exhaust Gas/Muffler
- Undercarriage (suspension and rust check)
Can I do the car inspection myself?
Yes, you have two options:
- Self-inspection at the inspection centre in Urasoe city
- Using an authorized service garage or car dealer If doing it yourself, you’ll need to ensure the vehicle is in condition to pass inspection and purchase compulsory vehicle liability insurance beforehand. It’s recommended to have a pre-inspection check by a mechanic.
What happens if my car fails the inspection?
If your car fails:
- Repairs must be made to meet the test standards
- The car must be re-inspected after repairs
- You may need to make multiple visits to the inspection centre if using self-inspection This is why many people choose to use a service garage, as they can handle any necessary repairs and ensure the car passes inspection.
What are the weight tax costs for different vehicle types?
The weight tax varies by vehicle type:
- Kei cars: ¥6,600
- Cars weighing 1 ton or less: ¥16,400
- Cars weighing more than 1 ton: ¥24,600
- Cars weighing more than 1.5 tons: ¥32,800
