Question from a reader:
I received documents related to a traffic accident, but should I write the year in the Western calendar or the Reiwa era? The documents I received have both, and I’m unsure which one to use.

Regarding the Entry of Year in Traffic Accident Documents

Hearing that traffic accident documents have arrived can be quite startling. The stress of
having been in an accident is significant, and when the issue of filling out documents is added, it’s understandable that one might feel even more confused. It’s surprisingly common for many people to be unsure about how to enter the year. This time, I would like to consider how to fill in the year in traffic accident documents from a legal perspective.

Types of Years and Their Background

First, there are two types of years: the Western calendar and the Japanese era name. The Western calendar is internationally recognized and is often used in business and legal documents. On the other hand, the era name is unique to Japan, with Reiwa and Heisei being examples. This is rooted in Japanese culture and tradition, so it is still used in many situations within Japan. As someone studying law at university, I have an interest in the distinction between the two types of years. In legal documents, which year to use can honestly depend on the case. For example, documents issued by courts or government offices often use the era name. However, interactions with private companies may use the Western calendar. The key point here is that it depends on the stance of the entity issuing the document.

Choosing the Year in Traffic Accident Documents

Now, regarding the traffic accident documents you received that contain both types of years, this is quite common. The entity that prepared the documents likely included both to make it easier for the recipient to understand. However, when it comes to deciding which one to use, it’s understandable to be uncertain. The options in such situations can be summarized as follows: 1. Maintain consistency with the other party: It is safest to use the year mentioned by the other party. For instance, if the other party’s insurance company uses Reiwa, it would be better to align with that. 2. Follow the standards of official documents: Since documents related to accidents also have the nature of notifications from government offices or legal documents, it is common to use the era name. Therefore, using Reiwa might be wise. 3. Leave it to personal preference: If you are still unsure, using the Western calendar is also an option. If there are no legal issues, choosing the one that you find easier to use is a valid approach.

Actual Case Study

For example, I recall when a friend of mine was involved in a traffic accident. When filling out the accident documents, he used the Western calendar. In the end, there were no issues, but I remember he felt uneasy afterward because the documents from the other party’s insurance company used the era name. Since accident documents carry legal significance, it is important to eliminate any ambiguity. Working part-time at a law office, I realize how crucial the accuracy of documents is, which is why such small uncertainties concern me. Every word in legal documents has meaning, and even the choice of year can lead to potential issues later on.

Advice from a Legal Perspective

From a legal standpoint, there is no specific legal obligation regarding how to enter the year. In other words, whether you use the Western calendar or the era name, there are no legal problems. However, as mentioned at the beginning, the choice of year is often influenced by the intentions and cultural backgrounds of the entity issuing the document. Therefore, considering harmony with the other party is important. If you feel uncertain about the documents, it is wise to consult a legal expert. At the judicial scrivener office where I work, we often receive such inquiries. Consulting with a professional allows you to proceed with the process with peace of mind.

In Conclusion

Filling out documents related to traffic accidents can honestly be a hassle. However, even when it comes to just the year, careful consideration is necessary. In the legal world, attention to detail is required. Therefore, it is essential to understand which year to use on which documents. Personally, if you feel anxious about filling out documents, I strongly recommend consulting an expert without hesitation. By valuing your own intentions while receiving appropriate advice, you should be able to move in a better direction. The legal world is complex, but I hope that by deepening your understanding, the process will become smoother.