Addressing a Resignation Envelope in Japan: Examples and Sizes

If submitting a paper resignation in Japan, check the employer’s requirements and use an envelope that protects the document and limits show-through. A common approach puts the document title on the front and your department and name on the back. Envelope color or presentation alone does not determine the legal effect of a resignation.

Confirm the submission method

If electronic submission is accepted, an envelope is not needed just for appearances. Without a paper-format requirement, plain white, opaque stationery is a practical option. A version without a postal-code box is convenient for hand delivery, but this is a convention rather than a legal requirement.

Choose a size

A4 folded in thirds fits Nagagata 3. Check actual fit for B5 standards, paper thickness and any attachments. Do not choose a small envelope if it makes the document difficult to remove.

Front and back example

This is a conventional placement example for a vertical hand-delivery envelope. The name and department are fictional.

If the enclosed document is a request titled 退職願, match that title on the envelope. Do not merely switch the title without reviewing the wording and intention. A 〆 mark across a sealed flap is a convention, not a requirement for every submission.

Fold and insert

1. Check the employment end date, document date, recipient, department and name.
2. Keep a copy of the actual document you submit.
3. Align and fold the sheet on a clean surface.
4. Insert it so the top of the document can be identified easily when opened; follow any workplace instruction.
5. Confirm that the contents match the envelope title and seal as instructed.

Some handovers involve checking the document immediately. Avoid absolute rules that hand-delivered documents must always be sealed or must never be sealed. Ask the receiving office if unclear.

If sending by mail

An envelope labeled only 退職届 does not provide a mailing address. Put the recipient’s postal code, address, company and department or name on the outer mailing envelope, with your return address and name. Use the appropriate addressee form, such as 様 for a named person or 御中 for an organization or department.

Tracking or delivery records do not by themselves prove every detail of the contents or determine the legal effect. If receipt or communication of the resignation is disputed, seek advice about suitable records. Check current postal guidance for postage and delivery time based on the actual weight and method.

Before handing it over

• The document title matches the envelope.
• The employment end date is not confused with the last working day.
• No outdated version or unrelated note is enclosed.
• The recipient and acknowledgment method are clear.
• You retain a copy and submission-date record.

The envelope protects and delivers the document. Accurate wording, dates and delivery matter more than decorative details or a supposedly perfect fold.

Related guides

• Resignation Notices and Requests in Japan: Wording and Submission (Japanese)
• Isshinjo no Tsugou: When to Use “Personal Reasons” in Japan (Japanese)

Sources and further checks

Public information checked on October 4, 2026. These sources concern Japan; verify the conditions that apply to your case.

• マルアイ：長形3号封筒の寸法と対応用紙
• マルアイ：封筒のサイズ（長形3号・長形4号等）
• 日本郵便：配達証明の対象と範囲
• 厚生労働省：退職に関する労働条件の学習資料

Related Otame4 guides above are in Japanese. Japanese wording in the examples is provided for applications and workplace documents in Japan.