Daily Life Lessons · Noise
Be able to listen calmly when a neighbor or the management company complains about noise, check the cause and take measures, and consult the management company or a public consultation service if it is not resolved.
If a neighbor or the management company tells you that "the noise is too loud," first listen calmly. Everyone makes everyday noise, and it can reach others without you noticing. Local government guidance also recommends that when you receive a complaint, you listen to the other person and discuss how to solve it.
Check which sound it is, around what time, and where it is echoing, and explain the measures you can take. For example, use slippers or a carpet for footsteps, and change the time you use the washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
If you do not agree with what you are told, or talking is difficult, do not argue on the spot; consult the management company or landlord, or your local government's consultation service. If you feel you are in danger, call 110.
「音が うるさい」と 言われたら、まず 落ち着いて（おちついて）話を 聞きます。
自分では 気づかない 音も あります。だれでも 音を 出して います。
聞くこと： - どんな 音ですか - 何時（なんじ）ごろですか - どこに ひびいて いますか
できること： - 足音 → スリッパ、カーペット - せんたくき・そうじき → 使う 時間を 変える
けんかは しません。こまったら、管理会社（かんりがいしゃ）、大家（おおや）さん、市役所（しやくしょ）・区役所（くやくしょ）に 相談（そうだん）します。
あぶない ときは 110番に 電話します。
A neighbor told you "the noise is too loud." What should you do first?
Listening calmly first is the first step toward solving the problem.
When listening, what is good to check?
Knowing the type of sound, the time and the place makes it easier to find the cause and think of measures.
You were told your footsteps echo to the floor below. What is an appropriate measure?
Footsteps travel through the floor, so slippers or a carpet can soften them.
What is a good action when you do not agree with what you were told?
Direct confrontation tends to make problems bigger. Ask a third party to step in.
The other person got angry and shouted, and you felt you were in danger. What do you do?
If you feel you are in danger, call 110 right away.
Q. I was told about a noise I don't think I made.
A. In apartment buildings, sound from a different unit may be carrying. Calmly explain your daily schedule, and ask the management company or landlord to check the situation.
Q. I found a complaint letter in my mailbox. What should I do?
A. Rather than going to look for the person directly, it is safer to show the letter to the management company or landlord and consult them. If there are measures you can take, start right away.
Q. I'm nervous about discussing things in Japanese.
A. Ask the management company or landlord to act as a go-between. You may also be able to consult your local government's consultation service for foreign residents. If it becomes a legal problem, Houterasu's (法テラス) Multilingual Information Service (0570-078377, weekdays 9:00–17:00) can direct you to consultation services.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original