Hiring a PI in Japan for the first time is daunting, especially across a language barrier. This page walks you through every step so there are no surprises.
The process splits into two parts: your consultation with PI-Thenics, and your direct engagement with the agency after an introduction.
Overview
The broad flow looks like this β roles at each step:
- You send a consultation through this site
- PI-Thenics reviews your message and may contact you
- If there is a good match and you consented, PI-Thenics introduces a suitable agency
- You speak with the agency, receive a quote, and compare options
- You and the agency sign a contract directly; the agency conducts the investigation
- You receive the agencyβs report and may consult a lawyer or other specialist if needed
Step 1 β Send your consultation
Use the guided form or write freely. English is fine throughout.
Helpful things to include: what you want to understand, when the situation started, the area, a rough budget, and how you prefer to be contacted.
Step 2 β PI-Thenics reviews your message
We check whether the situation is something agencies can help with, whether it is in a supported area, and whether any immediate safety concerns mean you should contact police first. We usually reply within 1β2 business days.
Not every consultation results in a referral β we may decline if the request falls outside what licensed agencies can do, or if no suitable match exists.
Step 3 β Introduction
If we find a good match and you agreed to share your details, we introduce you to a suitable agency. They will contact you directly β by email, phone, or however you requested.
After PI-Thenics successfully delivers a valid referral with the consumerβs consent, the introduced agency may pay PI-Thenics the same fixed referral fee. Compensation does not affect eligibility, matching, or display order. Your quote and contract remain between you and the agency.
Step 4 β Agency consultation and quote
The agency will ask for more detail, explain what they can do, and provide a written itemized quote. You are under no obligation to proceed.
Before signing, confirm: the number of investigators, total cost including travel and vehicle fees, the report format, the cancellation policy, and how your data will be stored after the investigation.
Contracts are in Japanese. You have the right to take the document away, get it translated, or have a bilingual friend review it with you.
Step 5 β Contract and investigation
Once you agree, you and the agency sign a contract. A retainer payment is typically required upfront.
The agency conducts the investigation β surveillance, record-keeping, and report compilation. Duration ranges from a single day to several weeks depending on what is needed.
Step 6 β Report and next steps
After the investigation the agency delivers a written report, usually with photographs or video where relevant. The report can be used when consulting a lawyer for divorce, compensation claims, or other legal matters.
If you need legal help, consult a lawyer independently. PI-Thenics does not provide legal advice.
FAQ about the process
Will I get sales calls from agencies after I send a consultation?
No. PI-Thenics reviews your message first. An agency only contacts you if you agreed to share your details and we made an introduction.
Can I compare multiple agencies?
Yes. You can request introductions to more than one agency, get multiple quotes, and compare before deciding. Take your time β there is no need to rush.
Who is the contract with?
Your contract is directly with the detective agency, not with PI-Thenics. PI-Thenics is not a party to the investigation and makes no guarantees about the outcome.
Is a result guaranteed?
No. Results depend on the subject's behaviour and conditions outside anyone's control. Agencies that promise guaranteed evidence should be treated with caution.