Daily Life Lessons · Noise
When noise from neighbors is a problem for you, be able to record the date, time and type of sound, choose between consulting the management company or landlord and speaking calmly yourself, and use a public consultation service if it is not resolved.
When noise from neighbors is a problem for you, instead of suddenly visiting their unit, one option is to consult the management company or landlord first. The Ministry of the Environment also advises consulting first between the people involved or with the building's manager.
Before consulting, write down when it happened, what kind of sound it was, and how long it continued, so you can explain the situation accurately. If you speak to the person directly, avoid blaming words and calmly state the facts and what is troubling you, for example: "Footsteps echo late at night, and I can't sleep. It's been a problem for me."
If it is not resolved, you can consult your local government's consultation service or Houterasu (法テラス, 0570-078374). If you feel in danger, call 110; for non-emergency consultation with the police, call #9110.
近所（きんじょ）の 音で こまったら、まず 管理会社（かんりがいしゃ）や 大家（おおや）さんに 相談（そうだん）します。
メモを 書いて おきましょう。 - いつ - どんな 音 - どのくらい 長く
自分で 話す ときは、おこらないで 話します。 例：「夜 おそく 足音が ひびいて、ねむれなくて こまって います。」
それでも こまる ときは、市役所（しやくしょ）・区役所（くやくしょ）や 法テラス（0570-078374）に 相談できます。
あぶない ときは 110番です。いそがない 警察（けいさつ）の 相談は ＃9110です。
In an apartment building, noise from the next unit is a problem for you. Who is easiest to consult first?
Consulting the management company or landlord lets you aim for a solution without direct confrontation.
What is good to prepare before consulting someone?
Specific records help you explain the situation accurately.
Which is a good way to say it when telling the person directly?
Don't blame the other person; calmly state the facts and what is troubling you.
Talking it over did not solve the problem. What can you do next?
You can use public services such as your local government's consultation service or Houterasu.
What number do you call when you want to consult the police about something that is not an emergency?
#9110 is the police consultation line. For emergencies such as crimes or accidents, call 110.
Q. I don't want the other person to know it was me who complained.
A. Consult the management company or landlord, and ask whether they can pass on the message without using your name.
Q. I live in a detached house and there is no management company. What should I do?
A. In areas with a neighborhood association (自治会), you may be able to consult it. You can also use your local government's environment section or free legal consultations.
Q. I want to measure how loud the noise is.
A. Some local governments lend out sound level meters. Ask the environment section of your city, ward, town or village.
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