# 民法 / Civil Code — 第七章 (Part 1, Chapter 7) - Law: 民法 (Civil Code), 明治二十九年法律第八十九号 - English title "Civil Code": Ministry of Justice translation - Kind: Act — the distinction between 法律 (Act), 政令 (Cabinet Order), 省令 (Ministerial Order) and 条例 (local ordinance) decides who may issue it and what it may say. - Provision: 第七章 (Part 1, Chapter 7) — address `pt-1/ch-7` - Text in force since: 2026-06-24 - URL (the page that opens at this provision): https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/pt-1/ch-7 - Permanent URL (e-Gov law ID, never renamed): https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/pt-1/ch-7 - Every provision below carries its address and both URLs on the line under it. - Japanese text: e-Gov 法令検索, Digital Agency (デジタル庁). English: as marked on each line below. Only the Japanese as published by the government has legal effect; the text below is a copy of it. Every English rendering below is a translation and says which kind: the Ministry of Justice's translation, or this site's machine translation, whose model and date the Sources list names. They are never merged and never substituted for one another. --- ## 第七章　時効 — Chapter VII Prescription heading: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System pt-1/ch-7 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/pt-1/ch-7 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/pt-1/ch-7 ## 第一節　総則 — Section 1 General Provisions heading: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System pt-1/ch-7/sec-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/pt-1/ch-7/sec-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/pt-1/ch-7/sec-1 ### 第百四十四条（時効の効力） — (Effect of Prescription) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-144 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-144 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-144 **第一項** 時効の効力は、その起算日にさかのぼる。 art-144/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-144/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-144/par-1 The prescription is retroactive to the commencement day. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百四十五条（時効の援用） — (Invocation of Prescription) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-145 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-145 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-145 **第一項** 時効は、当事者（消滅時効にあっては、保証人、物上保証人、第三取得者その他権利の消滅について正当な利益を有する者を含む。）が援用しなければ、裁判所がこれによって裁判をすることができない。 art-145/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-145/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-145/par-1 The court may not make a judicial decision relying on prescription unless a party (in the case of extinctive prescription, including a guarantor, third-party collateral provider, third party acquirer, or any other person with a legitimate interest in the extinction of a right) invokes it. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百四十六条（時効の利益の放棄） — (Waiver of Benefits of Prescription) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-146 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-146 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-146 **第一項** 時効の利益は、あらかじめ放棄することができない。 art-146/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-146/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-146/par-1 The benefits of the prescription may not be waived in advance. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百四十七条（裁判上の請求等による時効の完成猶予及び更新） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period and Renewal of Period of Prescription on the Ground of Demand by Litigation) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-147 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147 **第一項** 次に掲げる事由がある場合には、その事由が終了する（確定判決又は確定判決と同一の効力を有するものによって権利が確定することなくその事由が終了した場合にあっては、その終了の時から六箇月を経過する）までの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-147/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1 If any of the following grounds exists, the period of prescription does not expire until the ground ceases to exist (if the ground ceases to exist while the right remains undetermined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment, until six months have passed from the time of cessation): Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** 裁判上の請求 art-147/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1/item-1 demand by litigation; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** 支払督促 art-147/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1/item-2 demand for payment; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **三** 民事訴訟法第二百七十五条第一項の和解又は民事調停法（昭和二十六年法律第二百二十二号）若しくは家事事件手続法（平成二十三年法律第五十二号）による調停 art-147/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1/item-3 settlement referred to in Article 275, paragraph (1) of the Code of Civil Procedure or conciliation under the Civil Conciliation Act (Act No. 222 of 1951) or the Domestic Relations Case Procedure Act (Act No. 52 of 2011); or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **四** 破産手続参加、再生手続参加又は更生手続参加 art-147/par-1/item-4 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1/item-4 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1/item-4 participation in bankruptcy proceeding, rehabilitation proceeding or reorganization proceedings. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 前項の場合において、確定判決又は確定判決と同一の効力を有するものによって権利が確定したときは、時効は、同項各号に掲げる事由が終了した時から新たにその進行を始める。 art-147/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-2 In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if a right is determined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment, a new period of prescription commences to run at the time when the grounds stated in the items of that paragraph cease to exist; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百四十八条（強制執行等による時効の完成猶予及び更新） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period and Renewal of Period of Prescription on the Ground of Enforcement) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-148 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148 **第一項** 次に掲げる事由がある場合には、その事由が終了する（申立ての取下げ又は法律の規定に従わないことによる取消しによってその事由が終了した場合にあっては、その終了の時から六箇月を経過する）までの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-148/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1 If any of the following grounds exists, the prescription period does not expire until those grounds cease to exist (or until six months after those grounds cease to exist, if they cease to exist due to the withdrawal of a petition or the rescission of a petition for failure to comply with the provisions of the law): Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** 強制執行 art-148/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1/item-1 judicial enforcement; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** 担保権の実行 art-148/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1/item-2 enforcement of a security right; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **三** 民事執行法（昭和五十四年法律第四号）第百九十五条に規定する担保権の実行としての競売の例による競売 art-148/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1/item-3 auction under the rules of an auction for the enforcement of a security right prescribed in Article 195 of the Civil Enforcement Act (Act No. 4 of 1979); or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **四** 民事執行法第百九十六条に規定する財産開示手続又は同法第二百四条に規定する第三者からの情報取得手続 art-148/par-1/item-4 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1/item-4 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1/item-4 asset disclosure procedures prescribed in Article 196 of the Civil Enforcement Act or procedures for acquiring information from a third party prescribed in Article 204 of that Act. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 前項の場合には、時効は、同項各号に掲げる事由が終了した時から新たにその進行を始める。ただし、申立ての取下げ又は法律の規定に従わないことによる取消しによってその事由が終了した場合は、この限りでない。 art-148/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-2 In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, a new period of prescription commences to run at the time when the grounds stated in the items of that paragraph cease to exist; provided, however, that this does not apply if the grounds cease to exist due to the withdrawal of a petition or the revocation of a petition for the failure to comply with the provisions of the law. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百四十九条（仮差押え等による時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period on the Ground of Provisional Seizure) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-149 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149 **第一項** 次に掲げる事由がある場合には、その事由が終了した時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-149/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149/par-1 If either of the following grounds exists, the prescription period does not expire until six months have passed from the time when the ground ceases to exist: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** 仮差押え art-149/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149/par-1/item-1 provisional seizure; or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** 仮処分 art-149/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149/par-1/item-2 provisional disposition. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十条（催告による時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period on the Ground of Demand) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-150 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-150 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-150 **第一項** 催告があったときは、その時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-150/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-150/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-150/par-1 If a demand is made, the prescription period does not expire until six months have passed since the time of the demand. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 催告によって時効の完成が猶予されている間にされた再度の催告は、前項の規定による時効の完成猶予の効力を有しない。 art-150/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-150/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-150/par-2 A second demand made during the postponement of expiration of the prescription period granted on the ground of the first demand does not have the effect of postponement of expiration of prescription period under the provisions of the preceding paragraph. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十一条（協議を行う旨の合意による時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period through Agreement on Holding Discussion) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-151 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151 **第一項** 権利についての協議を行う旨の合意が書面でされたときは、次に掲げる時のいずれか早い時までの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-151/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1 If an agreement on holding a discussion concerning a right is made in writing, the prescription period does not expire until the earliest of the following points in time: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** その合意があった時から一年を経過した時 art-151/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1/item-1 when one year has passed from the time of the agreement; Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** その合意において当事者が協議を行う期間（一年に満たないものに限る。）を定めたときは、その期間を経過した時 art-151/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1/item-2 if the period during which the parties are to hold a discussion is specified by the agreement (limited to a period less than one year): when that period has expired; or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **三** 当事者の一方から相手方に対して協議の続行を拒絶する旨の通知が書面でされたときは、その通知の時から六箇月を経過した時 art-151/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1/item-3 if one of the parties notifies the other party in writing of refusal to continue the discussion: when six months have passed from the time of the notice. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 前項の規定により時効の完成が猶予されている間にされた再度の同項の合意は、同項の規定による時効の完成猶予の効力を有する。ただし、その効力は、時効の完成が猶予されなかったとすれば時効が完成すべき時から通じて五年を超えることができない。 art-151/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-2 If an agreement referred to in the preceding paragraph is made a second time during the postponement of expiration of the prescription period granted pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph, the second agreement has the effect of postponement of expiration of prescription period under the provisions of the preceding paragraph; provided, however, that the period of that effect may not exceed five years in total from the time when the prescription period should have expired had the postponement of expiration of the prescription period not been granted. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第三項** 催告によって時効の完成が猶予されている間にされた第一項の合意は、同項の規定による時効の完成猶予の効力を有しない。同項の規定により時効の完成が猶予されている間にされた催告についても、同様とする。 art-151/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-3 An agreement referred to in paragraph (1) which is made during the postponement of expiration of the prescription period granted on the ground of a demand does not have the effect of postponement of expiration of prescription period under the provisions of that paragraph. The same applies to a demand made during the postponement of expiration of the prescription period granted pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第四項** 第一項の合意がその内容を記録した電磁的記録（電子的方式、磁気的方式その他人の知覚によっては認識することができない方式で作られる記録であって、電子計算機による情報処理の用に供されるものをいう。以下同じ。）によってされたときは、その合意は、書面によってされたものとみなして、前三項の規定を適用する。 art-151/par-4 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-4 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-4 If an agreement referred to in paragraph (1) is made by means of an electronic or magnetic record (meaning a record used in computerized information processing which is created in electronic form, magnetic form, or any other form that cannot be perceived by the human senses; the same applies below), the agreement is deemed to have been made in writing and the provisions of the preceding three paragraphs apply thereto. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第五項** 前項の規定は、第一項第三号の通知について準用する。 art-151/par-5 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-5 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-5 The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis to the notice referred to in paragraph (1), item (iii). Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十二条（承認による時効の更新） — (Renewal of Period of Prescription on the Ground of Acknowledgment) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-152 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-152 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-152 **第一項** 時効は、権利の承認があったときは、その時から新たにその進行を始める。 art-152/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-152/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-152/par-1 If a right is acknowledged, a new period of prescription commences to run at the time of the acknowledgment. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 前項の承認をするには、相手方の権利についての処分につき行為能力の制限を受けていないこと又は権限があることを要しない。 art-152/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-152/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-152/par-2 With respect to the disposition of the right of the other party, an acknowledgment referred to in the preceding paragraph does not require unlimited capacity to act or authority. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十三条（時効の完成猶予又は更新の効力が及ぶ者の範囲） — (Scope of Persons Affected by Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period or Renewal of Prescription Period) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-153 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-153 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-153 **第一項** 第百四十七条又は第百四十八条の規定による時効の完成猶予又は更新は、完成猶予又は更新の事由が生じた当事者及びその承継人の間においてのみ、その効力を有する。 art-153/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-153/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-153/par-1 The postponement of the expiry of prescription period or the renewal of prescription period under the provisions of Article 147 or Article 148 is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to postpone the expiry of prescription period or to renew prescription period have arisen and their successors. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 第百四十九条から第百五十一条までの規定による時効の完成猶予は、完成猶予の事由が生じた当事者及びその承継人の間においてのみ、その効力を有する。 art-153/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-153/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-153/par-2 The postponement of expiration of prescription period under the provisions of Articles 149 through 151 is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to postpone the expiry of prescription period have arisen and their successors. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第三項** 前条の規定による時効の更新は、更新の事由が生じた当事者及びその承継人の間においてのみ、その効力を有する。 art-153/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-153/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-153/par-3 The renewal of period of prescription under the provisions of the preceding Article is effective only between the parties with respect to whom grounds to renew prescription period have arisen and their successors. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十四条 art-154 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-154 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-154 **第一項** 第百四十八条第一項各号又は第百四十九条各号に掲げる事由に係る手続は、時効の利益を受ける者に対してしないときは、その者に通知をした後でなければ、第百四十八条又は第百四十九条の規定による時効の完成猶予又は更新の効力を生じない。 art-154/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-154/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-154/par-1 If the procedure regarding any of the grounds stated in the items of Article 148, paragraph (1) or the items of Article 149 is not carried out in relation to a person that is to receive the benefit of prescription, it does not have an effect of postponement of expiration of prescription period or renewal of prescription period under the provisions of Article 148 or Article 149 unless the person is notified of it. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十五条から第百五十七条まで 〔削除 / repealed〕 art-155-to-157 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-155-to-157 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-155-to-157 **第一項** 削除 art-155-to-157/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-155-to-157/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-155-to-157/par-1 ### 第百五十八条（未成年者又は成年被後見人と時効の完成猶予） — (Minor or Adult Ward and Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-158 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-158 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-158 **第一項** 時効の期間の満了前六箇月以内の間に未成年者又は成年被後見人に法定代理人がないときは、その未成年者若しくは成年被後見人が行為能力者となった時又は法定代理人が就職した時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、その未成年者又は成年被後見人に対して、時効は、完成しない。 art-158/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-158/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-158/par-1 If a minor or an adult ward has no legal representative during the period of six months preceding the expiration of the period of prescription, the prescription period does not expire with respect to that minor or adult ward until six months pass from the time when that minor or adult ward becomes a person with a capacity to act, or a legal representative assumes the position. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 未成年者又は成年被後見人がその財産を管理する父、母又は後見人に対して権利を有するときは、その未成年者若しくは成年被後見人が行為能力者となった時又は後任の法定代理人が就職した時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、その権利について、時効は、完成しない。 art-158/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-158/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-158/par-2 If a minor or an adult ward has a right vis-a-vis the minor's or the adult ward's father, mother, or guardian who manages the property, the prescription period does not expire with respect to that right until six months have passed from the time when that minor or adult ward becomes a person with capacity to act, or a succeeding legal representative assumes the position. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百五十九条（夫婦間の権利の時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period of Rights Between Husband and Wife) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-159 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-159 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-159 **第一項** 夫婦の一方が他の一方に対して有する権利については、婚姻の解消の時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-159/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-159/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-159/par-1 With respect to rights which the husband or wife has vis-a-vis the other spouse, the prescription period does not expire until six months have passed from the time of the dissolution of their marriage. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十条（相続財産に関する時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period Regarding Estate) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-160 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-160 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-160 **第一項** 相続財産に関しては、相続人が確定した時、管理人が選任された時又は破産手続開始の決定があった時から六箇月を経過するまでの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-160/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-160/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-160/par-1 With respect to an estate, the prescription period does not expire until six months have passed from the time when the heir is identified, the administrator is appointed, or commencement of bankruptcy proceeding is ordered. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十一条（天災等による時効の完成猶予） — (Postponement of Expiration of Prescription Period Due to Natural Disaster) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-161 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-161 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-161 **第一項** 時効の期間の満了の時に当たり、天災その他避けることのできない事変のため第百四十七条第一項各号又は第百四十八条第一項各号に掲げる事由に係る手続を行うことができないときは、その障害が消滅した時から三箇月を経過するまでの間は、時効は、完成しない。 art-161/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-161/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-161/par-1 If it is impossible to carry out the procedure regarding any of the grounds stated in the items of Article 147, paragraph (1) or the items of Article 148, paragraph (1) upon the expiration of the period of prescription due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable serious event, the prescription period does not expire until three months have passed from the time when that impediment ceases to exist. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ## 第二節　取得時効 — Section 2 Acquisitive Prescription heading: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System pt-1/ch-7/sec-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/pt-1/ch-7/sec-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/pt-1/ch-7/sec-2 ### 第百六十二条（所有権の取得時効） — (Acquisitive Prescription of Ownership) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-162 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-162 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-162 **第一項** 二十年間、所有の意思をもって、平穏に、かつ、公然と他人の物を占有した者は、その所有権を取得する。 art-162/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-162/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-162/par-1 A person that possesses the property of another for 20 years peacefully and openly with the intention to own it acquires its ownership. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 十年間、所有の意思をもって、平穏に、かつ、公然と他人の物を占有した者は、その占有の開始の時に、善意であり、かつ、過失がなかったときは、その所有権を取得する。 art-162/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-162/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-162/par-2 A person that possesses the property of another for 10 years peacefully and openly with an intention to own it acquires its ownership, if the person was acting in good faith and was not negligent at the time when the possession started. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十三条（所有権以外の財産権の取得時効） — (Acquisitive Prescription of Property Rights Other Than Ownership) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-163 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-163 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-163 **第一項** 所有権以外の財産権を、自己のためにする意思をもって、平穏に、かつ、公然と行使する者は、前条の区別に従い二十年又は十年を経過した後、その権利を取得する。 art-163/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-163/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-163/par-1 A person that exercises a property right other than ownership peacefully and openly with the intention to do so on the person's own behalf acquires that right after the passage of 20 years or 10 years, according to the distinction provided for in the preceding Article. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十四条（占有の中止等による取得時効の中断） — (Renewal of Acquisitive Prescription Due to Discontinuation of Possession) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-164 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-164 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-164 **第一項** 第百六十二条の規定による時効は、占有者が任意にその占有を中止し、又は他人によってその占有を奪われたときは、中断する。 art-164/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-164/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-164/par-1 The prescription under the provisions of Article 162 is renewed if the possessor discontinues the possession voluntarily or is deprived of that possession by another person. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十五条 art-165 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-165 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-165 **第一項** 前条の規定は、第百六十三条の場合について準用する。 art-165/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-165/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-165/par-1 The provisions of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the case under Article 163. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ## 第三節　消滅時効 — Section 3 Extinctive Prescription heading: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System pt-1/ch-7/sec-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/pt-1/ch-7/sec-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/pt-1/ch-7/sec-3 ### 第百六十六条（債権等の消滅時効） — (Extinctive Prescription of Claims) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-166 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166 **第一項** 債権は、次に掲げる場合には、時効によって消滅する。 art-166/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-1 A claim is extinguished by prescription in the following cases: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** 債権者が権利を行使することができることを知った時から五年間行使しないとき。 art-166/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-1/item-1 if the obligee does not exercise the right within five years from the time when the obligee came to know that it was exercisable; or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** 権利を行使することができる時から十年間行使しないとき。 art-166/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-1/item-2 if the obligee does not exercise the right within 10 years from the time when it became exercisable. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 債権又は所有権以外の財産権は、権利を行使することができる時から二十年間行使しないときは、時効によって消滅する。 art-166/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-2 A claim or property right other than ownership is extinguished by prescription if not exercised within 20 years from the time when the right became exercisable. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第三項** 前二項の規定は、始期付権利又は停止条件付権利の目的物を占有する第三者のために、その占有の開始の時から取得時効が進行することを妨げない。ただし、権利者は、その時効を更新するため、いつでも占有者の承認を求めることができる。 art-166/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-3 The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs do not preclude the commencement of acquisitive prescription for the benefit of a third party that possesses the subject matter of a right with a time of commencement or a right subject to a condition precedent, at the time of commencing the possession; provided, however, that the holder of the right may demand acknowledgment from the possessor at any time to renew the prescription period. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十七条（人の生命又は身体の侵害による損害賠償請求権の消滅時効） — (Extinctive Prescription of Claim for Damages Resulting from Death or Injury to Person) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-167 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-167 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-167 **第一項** 人の生命又は身体の侵害による損害賠償請求権の消滅時効についての前条第一項第二号の規定の適用については、同号中「十年間」とあるのは、「二十年間」とする。 art-167/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-167/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-167/par-1 To apply the provisions of paragraph (1), item (ii) of the preceding Article to the extinctive prescription of a claim for damages arising from the death or injury to persons, the phrase "10 years" in that item is deemed to be replaced with "20 years". Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十八条（定期金債権の消滅時効） — (Extinctive Prescription of Claims for Periodic Payments) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-168 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168 **第一項** 定期金の債権は、次に掲げる場合には、時効によって消滅する。 art-168/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168/par-1 A claim for periodic payments is extinguished by prescription in the following cases: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **一** 債権者が定期金の債権から生ずる金銭その他の物の給付を目的とする各債権を行使することができることを知った時から十年間行使しないとき。 art-168/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168/par-1/item-1 if the obligee does not exercise each claim for the delivery of things such as money arising from the claim for periodic payments within 10 years from the time when the obligee comes to know that each claim is exercisable; or Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **二** 前号に規定する各債権を行使することができる時から二十年間行使しないとき。 art-168/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168/par-1/item-2 if the obligee does not exercise each claim prescribed in the preceding item within 20 years from the time when it becomes exercisable. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 定期金の債権者は、時効の更新の証拠を得るため、いつでも、その債務者に対して承認書の交付を求めることができる。 art-168/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168/par-2 The obligee of periodic payments may require its obligor at any time to issue a written acknowledgment in order to acquire the evidence of the renewal of period of prescription. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百六十九条（判決で確定した権利の消滅時効） — (Extinctive Prescription of Right Determined by Judgment) caption: Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System art-169 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-169 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-169 **第一項** 確定判決又は確定判決と同一の効力を有するものによって確定した権利については、十年より短い時効期間の定めがあるものであっても、その時効期間は、十年とする。 art-169/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-169/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-169/par-1 The period of prescription of a right determined by a final and binding judgment or anything that has the same effect as a final and binding judgment is 10 years even if a period of prescription shorter than 10 years is provided for. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System **第二項** 前項の規定は、確定の時に弁済期の到来していない債権については、適用しない。 art-169/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-169/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-169/par-2 The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to a claim which is not yet due and payable at the time when it is determined. Ministry of Justice translation — Japanese Law Translation Database System ### 第百七十条から第百七十四条まで 〔削除 / repealed〕 art-170-to-174 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-170-to-174 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-170-to-174 **第一項** 削除 art-170-to-174/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-170-to-174/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-170-to-174/par-1 --- ## Cites - art-147/par-1/item-3: 民事訴訟法第二百七十五条第一項 → e-Gov law 408AC0000000109, 第二百七十五条第一項 (Article 275, paragraph (1)), art-275/par-1 — not held in this collection - art-147/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百四十七条第一項 (Article 147, paragraph (1)), art-147/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1 - art-148/par-1/item-3: 民事執行法（昭和五十四年法律第四号）第百九十五条 → e-Gov law 354AC0000000004, 第百九十五条 (Article 195), art-195 — not held in this collection - art-148/par-1/item-4: 民事執行法第百九十六条 → e-Gov law 354AC0000000004, 第百九十六条 (Article 196), art-196 — not held in this collection - art-148/par-1/item-4: 同法第二百四条 → e-Gov law 354AC0000000004, 第二百四条 (Article 204), art-204 — not held in this collection - art-148/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百四十八条第一項 (Article 148, paragraph (1)), art-148/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1 - art-150/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百五十条第一項 (Article 150, paragraph (1)), art-150/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-150/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-150/par-1 - art-151/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百五十一条第一項 (Article 151, paragraph (1)), art-151/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1 - art-151/par-3: 第一項 → 民法 第百五十一条第一項 (Article 151, paragraph (1)), art-151/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1 - art-151/par-4: 第一項 → 民法 第百五十一条第一項 (Article 151, paragraph (1)), art-151/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1 - art-151/par-4: 前三項 → 民法 第百五十一条第二項 (Article 151, paragraph (2)), art-151/par-2 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-2 - art-151/par-4: 前三項 → 民法 第百五十一条第三項 (Article 151, paragraph (3)), art-151/par-3 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-3 - art-151/par-5: 前項 → 民法 第百五十一条第四項 (Article 151, paragraph (4)), art-151/par-4 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-4 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-4 - art-151/par-5: 第一項第三号 → 民法 第百五十一条第一項第三号 (Article 151, paragraph (1), item (iii)), art-151/par-1/item-3 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151/par-1/item-3 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151/par-1/item-3 - art-152/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百五十二条第一項 (Article 152, paragraph (1)), art-152/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-152/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-152/par-1 - art-153/par-1: 第百四十七条 → 民法 第百四十七条 (Article 147), art-147 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147 - art-153/par-1: 第百四十八条 → 民法 第百四十八条 (Article 148), art-148 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148 - art-153/par-2: 第百四十九条から第百五十一条まで → 民法 第百四十九条 (Article 149), art-149 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149 - art-153/par-2: 第百四十九条から第百五十一条まで → 民法 第百五十条 (Article 150), art-150 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-150 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-150 - art-153/par-2: 第百四十九条から第百五十一条まで → 民法 第百五十一条 (Article 151), art-151 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-151 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-151 - art-153/par-3: 前条 → 民法 第百五十二条 (Article 152), art-152 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-152 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-152 - art-154/par-1: 第百四十八条第一項 → 民法 第百四十八条第一項 (Article 148, paragraph (1)), art-148/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1 - art-154/par-1: 第百四十九条 → 民法 第百四十九条 (Article 149), art-149 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-149 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-149 - art-154/par-1: 第百四十八条 → 民法 第百四十八条 (Article 148), art-148 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148 - art-161/par-1: 第百四十七条第一項 → 民法 第百四十七条第一項 (Article 147, paragraph (1)), art-147/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-147/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-147/par-1 - art-161/par-1: 第百四十八条第一項 → 民法 第百四十八条第一項 (Article 148, paragraph (1)), art-148/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-148/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-148/par-1 - art-163/par-1: 前条 → 民法 第百六十二条 (Article 162), art-162 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-162 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-162 - art-164/par-1: 第百六十二条 → 民法 第百六十二条 (Article 162), art-162 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-162 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-162 - art-165/par-1: 前条 → 民法 第百六十四条 (Article 164), art-164 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-164 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-164 - art-165/par-1: 第百六十三条 → 民法 第百六十三条 (Article 163), art-163 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-163 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-163 - art-166/par-3: 前二項 → 民法 第百六十六条第一項 (Article 166, paragraph (1)), art-166/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-1 - art-166/par-3: 前二項 → 民法 第百六十六条第二項 (Article 166, paragraph (2)), art-166/par-2 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-2 - art-167/par-1: 前条第一項第二号 → 民法 第百六十六条第一項第二号 (Article 166, paragraph (1), item (ii)), art-166/par-1/item-2 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-166/par-1/item-2 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-166/par-1/item-2 - art-168/par-1/item-2: 前号 → 民法 第百六十八条第一項第一号 (Article 168, paragraph (1), item (i)), art-168/par-1/item-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-168/par-1/item-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-168/par-1/item-1 - art-169/par-2: 前項 → 民法 第百六十九条第一項 (Article 169, paragraph (1)), art-169/par-1 — https://japanlaw.org/ja/civil-code/art-169/par-1 · https://japanlaw.org/l/129AC0000000089/art-169/par-1 --- ## Sources - e-Gov 法令検索, Digital Agency (デジタル庁) — 民法 — the text in force from 2026-06-24 (https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/129AC0000000089/20260624_508AC0000000045), retrieved 2026-10-11 - Japanese Law Translation Database System, Ministry of Justice (法務省) — Civil Code — Ministry of Justice translation (part 1 of 2) (https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/4848/tb), retrieved 2026-10-11 - This site's parser, version 190 — 民法 — structure, counts, cross-references and defined terms, computed 2026-10-11