How to Deal With a Broken Home Appliance in Japan

For life in Japan, home appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines are very important. However, long term usage may cause wear and tear, and appliances may break. What should you do in such situations? This article provides examples of what you can do when an appliance breaks in Japan.

1. Check the Warranty

When you purchase an appliance, a warranty comes with it. A warranty ensures repairment of your appliances free of charge if they break.

Warranty period: Usually 1 year

Keep the warranty in a safe place where you know you won't lose it

Important Point:
If it's still within the warranty period, they may be able to repair it for free.

(Photo or sample image of warranty card)

2. Contact Your Landlord or Management Company (If It Is an Appliance in a Rented Space)

If an electrical appliance that is already in your apartment or shared housing breaks, do not try to repair it yourself. First, contact your landlord or the management company.

For example, you can contact them saying:
"The fridge stopped working. Can you please repair it?"

「冷蔵庫が動かなくなりました。修理をお願いできますか？」

3. If the Appliance You Bought Yourself, Breaks

If It Is Within the Warranty Period:

① Contact the store where you bought the appliance (e.g. Yamada Denki, Bic Camera, Amazon, etc.)

② Present the warranty card and receipt. Request repairs.

What if the Warranty Has Expired?

Think about requesting a repair, OR
Think about replacing it with a new purchase

(Image of a counter or repair reception desk at a home electronics retail store)

4. How to Request a Repair

If Purchased in a Store:

Go back to the store
Present your warranty and receipt
Consult with them about a repair

If Purchased Online:

Contact the store through your order history on the purchase site (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.)
Check if there is a warranty

(Example of order history screen on smartphone)

5. Japanese Phrases to Use When Requesting Repairs

How to say the phrase in Japanese	Meaning
家電が動きません	The appliance doesn't work
修理をお願いしたいです	I'd like to ask for a repair
保証書があります	I have a warranty card
音がしますが、動きません	It makes a noise but doesn't work
○○（家電の名前）がこわれました	My ○○ is broken

6. When You Wish to Dispose of Unwanted Items

If you no longer have any use for broken appliances, you need to dispose of them properly.

How to Dispose of Large Home Appliances (Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Etc.)

① Consult your city hall or ward office

②A "Home Appliance Recycling Ticket" is required

③ Dispose of it by paying a recycling fee

Small Appliances (Toasters, Hairdryers, Etc.)

Some items can be disposed of as non-combustible garbage (depending on the city/ward/town/village).
It may need to be collected as a large waste.

Check the rules of your city for how to dispose of garbage!

(Photos of a pamphlet on how to dispose of bulky waste and collection vehicles)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q:Can I repair an appliance without a warranty?

A: Yes, they may be able to repair it for a fee.

Q: Is it better to repair or buy a new one?

A: When repairs are expensive, sometimes it's better to buy a new one.

Summary: When you're in doubt, don't struggle alone, seek advice!

Check whether or not there is a warranty!
The handling of appliances in a rented room/space should be handed over to the management company.
If you purchased your own appliances, contact the store or manufacturer.
If it can't be repaired, dispose of it properly.

When you don't know what to do, try asking your friends, your Japanese language school teacher, or a support group for help.

(Discussing with a friend or teacher)