What a downer! A reader has just looked at his calendar and realized that March 15 has passed -- and he forgot to file his Japanese tax return. While he should do it as soon as possible, he does not need to worry. Japan's bureaucracy tends to be compassionate in such matters, especially when the wrongdoer properly apologizes. So, he can call the Tokyo Regional Tax Office, (03) 3221-4941, apologize, and ask what he should do. In Osaka, the number is (06) 6941-533l.
However, if he prefers professional help, someone who will do the work for him (and provide proper apologies), I am happy to pass on the name of the company that helps me with my Japanese tax returns: Tsuda and Co., in the Sweden Center Building, phone: (03) 3405-5570, fax: (03) 3402-2157. Most Japanese taxpayers are spared the responsibility of preparing their own tax returns. Their companies do it for them, another benefit of lifetime employment with one company. I suppose this, too, will change as jobs become less secure; people may find they have several different employers instead of just one. But whatever your situation, you can count on help from Tsuda-san, Horigane-san and Suzuki-san.
When I was there recently for help with my taxes, I looked out the window to see what has happened to the former Argentine Embassy residence, a beautiful old house with a garden, like many embassies once had. I learned that it, and the Sweden Center Building as well, are about to become part of a new and massive Mori development. Tokyo is in a continuous state of renewal. Sweden Center was built in the '70s. Hurry on down before it is gone, and shop for authentic, hard-to-find Scandinavian food specialties, furniture, Kosta Boda crystal and other things. There is plenty of parking in a nearby lot, which also will disappear as the project progresses.