Medical Certificates & Doctor Notes in English – Tokyo

Medical Certificates in Tokyo — English-Language Documentation

When you need an official medical document in English — whether it is a fitness certificate for a new job, a diagnosis letter for your insurance company, a medical clearance for travel, or documentation for a visa application — Tokyo Hub Clinic provides professional, timely, and accurate medical certificates in English. Located inside Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F, under the care of Dr. Ichiro Kamoshita, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified internist, our clinic issues a wide range of medical documents that are recognized by employers, embassies, insurance companies, and institutions worldwide.

Last updated: March 2026. Content supervised by medical professionals at Tokyo Hub Clinic.

Obtaining English-language medical documentation in Japan can be surprisingly difficult. Most Japanese clinics issue certificates only in Japanese, and finding a doctor who can produce a properly formatted English document — with the correct medical terminology and appropriate level of detail — often requires specialized knowledge. Dr. Kamoshita’s experience serving Tokyo’s international community means he understands exactly what your employer, embassy, or institution expects.

Types of Medical Certificates We Issue

We provide the following medical documents in English (and bilingual English/Japanese when required):

General medical certificate (shindan-sho): confirming your health status, suitable for employers, schools, and various official purposes
Pre-employment health certificate: meeting the requirements of Japanese labor law and international employers for new hire medical clearance
Fitness-to-work certificate: confirming your ability to perform your job duties, often required after illness, injury, or surgery
Sick leave certificate: documenting your illness and recommended time off work, accepted by Japanese and international employers
Return-to-work clearance: medical clearance confirming you are fit to resume duties after a period of illness or medical leave
Visa and immigration medical certificate: health examinations required for visa applications, permanent residency, work permits, and spouse visas
Insurance medical report: detailed medical reports for life insurance applications, health insurance claims, or disability assessments
Travel fitness certificate: medical clearance for air travel, cruise ship travel, or adventure activities, especially for patients with pre-existing conditions
Sports and fitness clearance: medical clearance for gym memberships, marathon participation, diving certifications, or other physical activities that require medical approval
Prescription verification letter: documenting your current medications for customs clearance when traveling internationally, or for continuing treatment in another country
Medical summary / transfer letter: comprehensive summary of your medical history and current treatment for transferring care to a doctor in another country
Vaccination certificate: documentation of vaccinations received at our clinic, including International Certificate of Vaccination entries

If you need a type of medical document not listed above, please contact us. Dr. Kamoshita has experience with a wide range of documentation requests from embassies, international organizations, multinational corporations, and educational institutions.

Our Approach to Medical Documentation

Medical certificates carry legal and professional weight. Our approach ensures accuracy, appropriateness, and credibility:

Understanding the requirement: Before issuing any certificate, we clarify what the requesting institution needs. Different employers, embassies, and insurers have different requirements regarding format, content, tests, and signatures. Bring any forms or instructions you have received.
Medical examination: Most certificates require a medical examination to verify the information being certified. The scope of the examination depends on the certificate type — a simple fitness certificate may require vital signs and a brief consultation, while a visa medical may require blood tests, urinalysis, and a chest examination.
Accurate, professional documentation: Certificates are prepared with proper medical terminology, Dr. Kamoshita’s credentials (M.D., Ph.D.), clinic stamp, and date. Documents are formatted to meet international standards and the specific requirements of your institution.
Timely delivery: Simple certificates (sick notes, fitness certificates) can often be issued on the same day. Documents requiring blood test results are typically ready within 3–5 business days. We will provide a timeline at your appointment.
Bilingual options: When both English and Japanese versions are needed (common for Japanese employers or government agencies), we provide bilingual documentation at no additional charge.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Book your appointment: Call 03-6261-7070 or book online. Please describe the type of certificate you need and, if possible, share any forms or requirements from the requesting institution.
Bring relevant documents: Any forms provided by your employer, embassy, or institution; your insurance card; photo ID; and previous medical records if relevant.
Consultation and examination (15–30 minutes): Dr. Kamoshita will conduct the necessary examination and discuss the documentation with you. If blood tests or other investigations are required, they are done on-site.
Certificate preparation: Simple certificates may be ready at the end of your visit. Certificates requiring test results will be prepared once results are available and can be picked up in person or mailed to you.
Official documentation: All certificates include Dr. Kamoshita’s signature, medical license number, clinic information, and official stamp. Original certificates are provided on clinic letterhead.

Information for Expatriates and International Residents

Medical documentation needs are particularly frequent for international residents in Japan:

Visa applications and renewals: Some visa categories require medical certificates as part of the application process. We are familiar with the requirements of various embassies and immigration offices and can prepare documentation in the correct format.
International job transfers: When transferring between countries, employers often require a comprehensive medical examination and fitness certificate. We prepare these to international standards.
Repatriation and departure: If you are leaving Japan, a medical summary letter documenting your health history, current medications, and ongoing treatments ensures continuity of care in your next country.
Japanese employer requirements: The Japanese shindan-sho (medical certificate) has specific formatting expectations. We provide documents that satisfy both Japanese legal requirements and international readability.
Medication documentation for travel: If you carry prescription medications across international borders, a letter from your doctor explaining your prescriptions can prevent problems at customs. We issue these routinely.
Fast turnaround: We understand that documentation requests are often time-sensitive. We prioritize efficiency and can accommodate urgent requests when possible.

Insurance and Fees

Japan NHI / Shakai Hoken: The consultation and examination portion may be covered by NHI if it involves a medical evaluation. The certificate itself (document preparation fee) is typically not covered by insurance and is charged separately.
Certificate fees: Simple certificates (sick note, fitness certificate) approximately ¥3,000–¥5,000. Comprehensive certificates (visa medical, insurance report) approximately ¥5,000–¥15,000, depending on complexity. Consultation fee of ¥10,000–¥15,000 (first visit) or ¥5,000–¥8,000 (follow-up) applies in addition.
Employer-covered: If your employer is covering the cost, we can provide documentation for reimbursement or direct billing arrangements.

Cash and major credit cards accepted. Itemized receipts provided for all visits and document fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get a medical certificate?

Simple certificates that do not require blood tests (sick notes, basic fitness certificates) can often be issued the same day. Certificates requiring blood test results typically take 3–5 business days. If you have an urgent deadline, please let us know when booking — we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.

Can you fill out a specific form from my employer or embassy?

Yes. We regularly complete forms provided by international employers, embassies, insurance companies, and educational institutions. Please bring the form to your appointment. If possible, share it with us in advance (by email or at booking) so we can prepare and ensure we have all necessary tests ready.

Is the medical certificate accepted outside Japan?

Yes. Our certificates are prepared in English, on official clinic letterhead, with Dr. Kamoshita’s medical credentials, signature, and clinic stamp. They are recognized by employers, insurance companies, and institutions internationally. If your institution has specific formatting requirements, please share them with us.

Can I get a bilingual (English and Japanese) certificate?

Yes. Bilingual certificates are available at no additional charge when both languages are needed. This is common for documents submitted to Japanese government agencies or employers who require the standard Japanese shindan-sho format alongside an English version.

I need a letter documenting my medications for international travel. Can you help?

Absolutely. We issue prescription verification letters that list your current medications (generic and brand names), dosages, and the medical reasons for each prescription. This documentation is recommended for carrying prescription medications through international customs and is especially important for controlled substances.

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Book an Appointment

03-6261-7070 · Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F · Akasaka-mitsuke / Nagatacho Station
Appointment only · All consultations in English