Japan Shaken Calculator 2025

What is Shaken in Japan and why do I need it?

Shaken (車検) is Japan's mandatory vehicle inspection system that ensures all cars meet safety and environmental standards. Every vehicle in Japan must undergo Shaken inspection every 2 years (3 years for brand new cars). Without a valid Shaken certificate, you cannot legally drive your car on Japanese roads or renew your car insurance. It's similar to an MOT test in the UK or vehicle inspection in other countries, but more comprehensive and expensive.

How much does Shaken cost in Japan?

Shaken costs typically range from ¥90,000 to ¥150,000 depending on your vehicle type and service choice. For a standard car under 1000cc, expect around ¥87,530 for self-inspection or ¥127,530 with a garage. Larger vehicles cost more due to higher weight taxes. Kei cars are cheapest at around ¥85,040. Use our Shaken calculator to get an accurate estimate for your specific vehicle.

Should I buy a used car with or without Shaken in Japan?

Cars with valid Shaken are more expensive but save you immediate hassle and costs. Cars without Shaken (called 'Shaken-kire') are cheaper but require immediate inspection, which can cost ¥100,000+ and may reveal costly repairs. For first-time buyers in Japan, cars with at least 1 year of Shaken remaining are recommended. Always factor Shaken costs into your budget when comparing used car prices - a ¥200,000 cheaper car might actually cost more once you add Shaken expenses.

Can I do Shaken inspection myself or do I need a garage?

You can choose between self-inspection at a government center (user Shaken) or having a certified garage handle everything. Self-inspection costs about ¥40,000 less but requires time, Japanese language skills, and mechanical knowledge. Most foreigners use garage services for convenience, though some adventurous car enthusiasts enjoy the DIY challenge. Garage inspection includes pre-inspection, paperwork, and guaranteed passing.

What happens if my car fails Shaken inspection?

If your car fails Shaken, you'll receive a detailed list of required repairs and have a limited time to fix them and return for re-inspection. Common failure points include worn tires, brake issues, light problems, cracked windshields, exhaust system issues, and emissions problems. Repair costs can range from ¥10,000 for minor issues to ¥100,000+ for major problems like suspension or engine work. This is why many people sell cars approaching Shaken expiry rather than paying for expensive repairs.

How do I calculate Shaken costs for different car types?

Shaken costs depend on vehicle weight, engine size, and age. Weight taxes vary from ¥20,310 for new kei cars to ¥68,400 for large older vehicles. Additional costs include JCI insurance (¥64,730), inspection fees (¥4,820-¥16,500), and garage service fees (¥40,000 if used). Cars over 13 years old pay significantly higher weight taxes. Calculate your exact costs here.

When should I start preparing for Shaken renewal?

Start preparing 2-3 months before your Shaken expires. You can renew up to 1 month early without losing time on your certificate. Book garage appointments early as they get busy near month-ends. Gather all required documents and address any obvious vehicle issues beforehand. Never let Shaken expire - driving without valid Shaken results in heavy fines, license points, and insurance problems.

What documents do I need for Shaken inspection?

You need your vehicle registration certificate (Shaken-sho), compulsory insurance certificate (Jibaiseki), previous inspection certificate, personal seal (hanko), and valid identification. If using a garage, they'll handle most paperwork for you. For self-inspection, you'll also need application forms from the inspection center. Keep all Shaken documents in your car as police can request them during traffic stops.

Are older cars more expensive for Shaken in Japan?

Yes! Cars 13 years or older pay significantly higher weight taxes during Shaken. For example, a regular car under 1000cc pays ¥22,800 when new but ¥34,200 when over 13 years old - an extra ¥11,400 per inspection cycle. This 'eco-tax' encourages people to buy newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles. Many owners sell cars approaching 13 years to avoid these higher costs, creating good deals for budget buyers.

How does Shaken affect used car prices in Japan?

Shaken dramatically affects used car pricing. The same car can vary by ¥200,000+ depending on Shaken status. Cars with 2+ years remaining command highest prices, while cars without Shaken sell for significantly less. Smart buyers look for cars with 6-12 months remaining to get better deals while still having time to plan for renewal. Always calculate total ownership costs including upcoming Shaken expenses when comparing prices.

Can foreigners do Shaken inspection in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can handle Shaken, but it requires good Japanese language skills and understanding of the complex process. Most inspection centers have limited English support, so many foreign residents use garage services or get help from Japanese friends. Some areas have foreign-friendly garages that can explain the process in English. If you're confident with Japanese and have mechanical knowledge, self-inspection can save money and be a rewarding experience.

What's the difference between Shaken and regular car maintenance?

Shaken is a comprehensive legal inspection covering safety, emissions, and structural integrity, while regular maintenance is ongoing upkeep. Shaken checks brakes, lights, suspension, exhaust, tires, and dozens of other points against strict government standards. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, and preventive care. Good maintenance helps your car pass Shaken easily, but Shaken requirements are much more stringent than typical service checks.

Is it worth buying a car without Shaken to save money?

It depends on your situation and risk tolerance. Cars without Shaken can be ¥100,000-300,000 cheaper, but you'll immediately need to spend ¥90,000+ on inspection and potentially much more on repairs. It's worth it if you're mechanically knowledgeable, comfortable with Japanese bureaucracy, and the car is in good condition. For most buyers, especially first-timers, paying extra for a car with valid Shaken provides peace of mind and predictable costs.

How long does Shaken inspection take?

Garage Shaken: Typically takes 1-3 days depending on the shop's schedule and any required repairs. Self-inspection: Takes 3-6 hours at a government center if everything goes smoothly, but can take multiple days if repairs are needed. Book garage appointments well in advance, especially avoiding month-ends when many people renew their Shaken certificates.

What are the most common Shaken failure points?

Common Shaken failures include worn tires (insufficient tread depth), brake wear, headlight alignment problems, cracked windshields, exhaust system issues, and emissions problems. Suspension components, steering play, and rust are also frequent issues, especially on older cars. Many of these can be prevented with regular maintenance. Before Shaken, check your tires, lights, and brakes yourself, or have a pre-inspection to avoid surprises and additional costs.