Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy

Need help filling out the tenkyo todoke form?

Let's review what it is and 3 ways to fill it out.

What is tenkyo todoke?

Tenkyo todoke (転居届) is a form that notifies the Japan Post system that you want all future mail sent to your new address for one year for free.

When do you use tenkyo todoke?

You fill out tenkyo todoke when you want to continue receiving mail from your previous address, giving you time to update your billing and contact information across various accounts and services.

Domestic mail forwarding

Many residents in Japan use tenkyo todoke to keep receiving their mail from their previous address. 

Once you have moved into the new residence, you can update your billing and account information with your new address.

For example, I used tenkyo todoke to keep receiving mail from my previous Tokyo address in Fukuoka. So, any promotions and subscriptions that were not junk mail were automatically forwarded to my Fukuoka address, which included mail from my bank.

Once everything was settled at my Fukuoka address, I updated my billing address to officially receive these mail once tenkyo todoke ends.

International mail forwarding

Japan Post’s tenkyo todoke does not accommodate international mail forwarding. 

If you would like to keep receiving your Japanese mail while you are abroad, consider MailMate!

MailMate

MailMate is here for you whether you're temporarily away from Japan or abroad.

Mail forwarding on your request

Not all mail needs to be forwarded to you. But if you want to receive specific items, you can request mail forwarding.

With MailMate, you can select which mail items you want to be forwarded to a specific address.

Once your request is made, MailMate will forward the selected mail item and provide you with a tracking number so you can monitor its progress to the correct destination.

View your mail online

From regular mail, government notices, and city taxes, all your mail will be forwarded to MailMate and scanned into your dashboard for your online viewing.

From here, you can request your mail to be:

• Opened

• Translated

• Forwarded

• Or shred it

Pay your bills 

If any mail items are bills such as utilities or taxes, MailMate will pay those in Japan while you are away.

Click the "Pay Bill," and those will be paid on your behalf.

It’s a great option to avoid late fees or your utilities turned off. 

Who can tenkyo todoke?

Japanese residents and their families use tenkyo todoke to keep receiving mail from their previous addresses after moving. 

Additionally, corporations can use tenkyo todoke when moving to a new address for their business.

Required documents for tenkyo todoke

For individuals using tenkyo todoke, you will need to bring your ID to verify your identity.

For companies requesting a mail forwarding with tenkyo todoke, only one person will need to bring an employee card or health insurance card to demonstrate your relationship with the company. At the same time, you will need to fill out the "name and seal of the notifier" space on the tenkyo todoke form.

Additionally, you will need to bring a government-issued document to verify the former address, such as a resident card, driver's license, passport, My Number Card, etc.

Filling out a tenkyo todoke form

There are three ways to fill out a tenkyo todoke form.

Important information to fill out on tenkyo todoke

Method 1: How to fill out tenkyo todoke at the Japan Post counter

One of the simpler methods is to fill out tenkyo todoke at your local Japan Post office counter.

Complete the form with your current address, new forwarding address, and other information. Since you will be submitting it in person, you need only bring this form and any form of ID.

This method is simpler because a Japan Post staff member can help you fill out the form if needed.

Method 2: How to fill out tenkyo todoke via mail

Fill out the tenkyo todoke form.

Since you will be submitting the form by mail, you need to attach a photocopy of the front and back of your ID.

Once everything is filled out, place everything in the built-in envelope in your nearest Japan Post mailbox.

Method 3: How to fill out tenkyo todoke online

Filling out the tenkyo todoke online is the more convenient option, but all the steps are in Japanese. 

So, we simplified the steps here for you.

Note: If you want to see a close-up of any of the images for this method, check out these slides: How to forward your post online with Japan Post [Pictorial Guide]

Step 1: Go to Japan Post’s e-tenkyo site and log-in.

Create a Yuubin ID account if needed. 

Once logged in, you can fill out a tenkyo todoke via PC or smartphone. 

Step 2: Choose an ID verification method.

You will have to verify yourself with your ID.

You can choose between a My Number Card, the fastest method, or other IDs such as your residence card or driver’s license.

Step 3: Agree to terms and conditions.

You must scroll all the way down to agree.

Step 4: Input your current and new address.

Review and click confirm after inputting your current address and the new mail forwarding address.

Step 5: Add any family member names, if needed.

If anyone else lives at the same address, you can also input their names so they don't have to fill out the same form.

Step 6: Check your email for your notification number.

A notification number will allow you to check on the mail forwarding application.

Frequently asked questions

What is post-redirection in Japan?

Tenkyo todoke (転居届) is Japan Post's mail redirection service. For one year, all postal mail items will be redirected to the new address for free.

How long does tenkyo todoke lasts for?

Tenkyo todoke lasts for one year. You can check the forwarding transfer period on top of the forwarding label. Look for 転送期間:[year.month.date]迄 for when tenkyo todoke officially ends.

Can I reapply for tenkyo todoke again for the same address?

Yes. When applying for tenkyo todoke again, submit the same relocation form again.

In closing

Using the tenkyo todoke form is a convenient way to continue to receive your mail after moving. Whether you choose to fill out the form in person or online, it's a straightforward and accessible process.