I need to find out how to collect money from a US court judgment in Japan.?

Question

I need to find out how to collect money from a US court judgment.

I have to collect in Japan from a Japanese citizen who lives in Japan. He turned back after his studys in the US where finished. I would prefer not to involve a Lawyer since I have had a lot of expenses already.

Answer 1

No can do. US court decisions are not binding in Japan and unless the person in question commited some offense that would make them a candidate for extradition then you're probably SOL. Your best bet would be to sue in Japan.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the US Consulate is not that cooperative in assisting in these matters as other consular officers are.

Additionally, it is difficult to pursue a money judgement in the US let alone Japan! There are no debtor's prisons in the U.S.

If your defendant is living in Japan, you will need to sue him there.