Japan Shaken Calculator

Think of it as your Shaken cost crystal ball! Input your car's weight, age, and type, and we'll show you the mandatory fees you can't escape, plus realistic estimates for service costs. It's like having a transparent breakdown before you walk into any shop - no more sticker shock when you get that quote!

These are the fees you'll pay no matter where you go: weight tax (¥10,000-50,000), compulsory insurance (¥20,000-30,000), inspection facility fee (¥1,500-2,000), and admin fees (¥1,000-2,000). Think of these as the "entrance fee" - everything else is optional service charges that vary wildly between shops.

Weight is the biggest cost factor in Shaken! A kei car might pay ¥10,000 in weight tax, while a 3-ton SUV could pay ¥50,000 - that's a 500% difference. Heavier cars = heavier taxes. It's Japan's way of encouraging smaller, more efficient vehicles.

New cars get their first Shaken after 3 years, then every 2 years after that. Check that windshield sticker! The good news? You can renew up to 30 days early without losing time. Wait longer and you're literally throwing money away - plus driving with expired Shaken can cost you ¥300,000 in fines!

User Shaken can save you ¥50,000-100,000+ but requires decent Japanese skills, technical knowledge, and a full day. If your car's in good shape and you're confident, it's worth it. Otherwise, chain stores like Autobacs offer good middle-ground pricing around ¥72,000, while dealers cost the most but handle everything professionally.

It's a thorough 60-point inspection covering everything from brake performance and emissions to the dreaded headlight alignment test (the #1 failure reason!). They'll check your speedometer accuracy, undercarriage condition, electrical systems, and make sure nothing's hanging off your car. It's comprehensive but fair.

Absolutely! Cars over 13 years old face a 20% tax increase, and it jumps another 50% at 18 years. Plus older cars are more likely to need repairs during inspection. Many Japanese owners sell around 13-15 years to avoid these escalating costs - there's a reason for that!

Don't panic! You'll get a list of what needs fixing and typically have 30 days to address the issues and retest. Common failures include headlight alignment, excessive exhaust noise, and emissions problems. The retest is usually free if done within the time limit, but repairs can range from ¥1,500 for minor fixes to ¥100,000+ for major issues.

Smart question! Budget 30-50% above base fees for cars under 10 years old, and potentially 100% extra for older vehicles. A ¥10,000 "pre-inspection" at a tester shop can identify problems beforehand and save you from nasty surprises. Better to know upfront than get blindsided!