Family communication toolkit
Contacting Naha Detention Branch, Okinawa Prison
A step-by-step guide for families using the Japanprison system. Everything below is aggregated from public sources; the prison's own official channels are linked where available.
Data is aggregated from public sources and may be incomplete or out of date. Always verify with primary sources before acting on any figure. See data sources.
Send mail to Japan
Address block. Copy and paste into your envelope or shipping label.
〒postal-code 都道府県 city 刑務所名 Japan Inmate Full Name (Roman + 漢字 if known)
Country-wide mail rules
- · All mail screened; foreign-language mail may take longer.
- · Restrictions on number of letters per month based on inmate's behavioural grade.
- · Cash never accepted by post.
Send money (JPY (¥))
- Postal money order to inmate's account (郵便為替)
Visit a Japan Post office; address to the prison with the inmate's name and the prison's account reference.
Phone calls
- · Almost no phone access for sentenced prisoners. Pre-trial detainees may make rare supervised calls.
Visiting
Book a visit: Walk-in or written application
Visits are typically 15 minutes weekdays only, one visitor at a time for pre-charge detainees.
Country-wide visiting rules
- · Visit times very short (15 min standard).
- · Foreign-language conversation usually requires prior arrangement.
- · Children allowed with adult guardian.
First-visit checklist
- Passport / residence card
- Prison-prepared visit application form (送り状) if mailed in advance
- No phone, no electronics
Legal aid
Helpful to know
- · The Federation of Bar Associations of Japan (Nichibenren) maintains a free-counsel referral line.
Important
This toolkit aggregates publicly available guidance. Rules vary by facility and change over time — always confirm with the prison's official contact channels before sending mail, money, or attempting a visit.