Printing & Faxing in Japan
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🏪 Convenience 🖨️ Kinko's 📱 Scan to Email
🏪 At a Convenience Store — Recommended
Lawson and FamilyMart multifunction machines can print and fax overseas in one stop. This is the simplest option for most voters. Upload your ballot PDF before you leave home, then print, sign, and fax at the machine.
| Step | What to Do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Upload before you leave home |
Lawson: Use Network Print FamilyMart: Use Famima Print Upload your PDF and note the code you receive |
Free |
| 2. Print your ballot | Enter your code at the machine and print all pages | ¥10–20/page B&W |
| 3. Sign your ballot | Sign all required fields before proceeding to fax or scan | — |
| 4a. Fax your signed ballot | Select Fax → Overseas → enter your election office's US fax number. Print the result report and keep it as your confirmation. | ¥100/page to US |
| 4b. Or scan to return by email | If your state accepts email return, scan your signed ballot back to your smartphone at the same machine, then email it to your election office | ¥10–20/page |
🖨️ At Kinko's / FedEx Office
Staff can assist with printing, faxing, and scanning. More expensive than convenience store, but useful if you need help or have a larger ballot packet. Locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other major areas.
📱 Scanning with Your Smartphone
If your state accepts email return, you can print and sign at a convenience store, then scan your signed ballot with your phone and email it directly to your election office.
Lawson and FamilyMart machines can scan directly to your smartphone. Select the scan option after printing and follow the on-screen instructions.
Use the free Adobe Scan app (iPhone & Android) to photograph your signed ballot pages and save as a PDF.
Watch: How to Scan with Your Phone →