Build the future ofbutler culture with us
Since its founding in 1890, Japan Butler Association has made the preservation and development of butler culture its mission. Becoming a member is more than a way to earn a qualification: it is taking part in the work of raising the professionalism of the butler craft and advancing the industry. Choose from three categories: Associate, Full, and Corporate.
Why members join us
Why JoinThree kinds of value, from a single membership
Through a selective membership system, we deliver high-quality service and learning to each member. Growth as a professional, a network of like-minded peers, and a contribution to preserving butler culture: the time you spend as a member becomes a solid environment that guides your career to the next stage.
Grow as a professional
Through continuous educational opportunities and qualification support, you can build your skills as a butler in a systematic way. We offer valuable chances to learn directly from directors at the forefront of the industry, and our seminars go beyond theory to share practical content grounded in real-world experience.
- ◆Continuous education
- ◆Qualification support
- ◆Direct guidance from directors
- ◆Practical, hands-on learning
Build an industry network
Through exchange and information sharing with members across the country, you can build valuable connections. Meeting professionals who share your goals leads to new career opportunities and practical solutions. Online study groups and networking events help you form ties that reach beyond your region.
- ◆Nationwide member exchange
- ◆New career opportunities
- ◆Online study groups
- ◆Connections beyond region
Contribute to butler culture
Through the Association's activities, you can directly contribute to preserving and developing butler culture in Japan. You take part in carrying over 130 years of tradition to the next generation, and in raising both the quality and the social recognition of the profession. Each member's work helps elevate the value of the butler craft.
- ◆Carrying on 130 years of tradition
- ◆Raising industry quality
- ◆Wider social recognition
- ◆Elevating the profession
Categories and annual fees
Plans & FeesThree categories, chosen to fit your goals
Registration is free for every category. We offer three tiers — Associate, Full, and Corporate — with benefits such as qualification support, seminar privileges, and networking suited to each.
The fees reflect the professionalism and social significance of the butler craft. They support the Association management and member services befitting professionals who deliver high-level service to affluent and VIP clients.
| Category | Associate ¥30,000/yr | Full ¥60,000/yr | Corporate ¥150,000/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership card | Digital membership card | Official membership card | Regular-member benefits for up to 5 staff |
| Seminar discount | 10% off | 20% off | Corporate seminar invitations |
| Exam discount | 10% off exam fees | 15% off exam fees | Custom corporate training consultation |
| Other benefits | Monthly newsletter / members-only content | Priority seminar booking / online study groups / voting rights | Priority job posting |
Associate Member
For: Those aspiring to become butlers, and those interested in butler culture
- ◆Digital membership card
- ◆Monthly newsletter
- ◆10% discount on seminars
- ◆10% discount on exam fees
- ◆Email support (once per month)
- ◆Access to members-only content
Full Member
For: Butler qualification holders and those with practical experience
- ◆Official membership card
- ◆Monthly newsletter
- ◆20% discount on seminars
- ◆15% discount on exam fees
- ◆Priority email support (twice per month)
- ◆Priority booking for special seminars
- ◆Voting rights at general meetings
- ◆Access to online study groups
Corporate Member
For: Hotels, restaurants, and other companies and organizations
- ◆Regular-member benefits for up to 5 registered staff
- ◆Custom corporate training consultation
- ◆Priority job posting
- ◆Corporate special-seminar invitations
- ◆Additional registration (6th onward: ¥12,000 / person / year)
Joining takes just three steps
How to JoinFrom application to membership, in as little as five minutes
Apply online
Complete the application form with the required details. It takes about five minutes, and you can apply easily from a smartphone.
Review
We review your application and notify you of the result by email within one week. For full membership, we verify qualifications and practical experience.
Begin your membership
After approval, we issue your membership card and you can use all benefits. Pay the first-year fee and begin your activities as a member.
Chosen by people like these
Who It's ForAn entry point for both learning and practice
- Those aiming to obtain a butler qualification
- Those already active as butlers
- Those in guest service at hotels and restaurants
- Those considering a move into luxury service
- Those who want to raise their hospitality skills
- Those interested in butler culture and international etiquette
- Those who want to connect with like-minded peers
- Those who want to stay current with industry news
Payment and annual renewal
Payment & RenewalA payment structure you can rely on
We offer three ways to pay your annual fee — credit card, bank transfer, and direct debit — so you can choose what suits you best.
- Credit card
- VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express are accepted.
- Bank transfer
- Transfer to our designated account. Transfer fees are the member's responsibility.
- Direct debit
- Automatic withdrawal can be set up from the second year onward.
Annual renewal
Renewal is every April. The first year is calculated from the month you join, with annual renewal in April thereafter. Mid-year joins are prorated by month for the first year.
Please read before you join
Before You JoinAbout the membership system
- ◆Member benefits will be expanded in stages.
- ◆Some benefits will begin as soon as they are ready.
- ◆Benefit details may change without notice.
About membership qualifications
- ◆Membership does not guarantee employment or income.
- ◆Earning a qualification depends on your own effort and study.
- ◆Fees are non-refundable, including for mid-year withdrawal.
A selective management approach
With a selective management structure, we place value on providing high-quality service to each member. We offer the attentive, personal support and care that is difficult to achieve at a large-scale association.
Frequently asked questions
FAQQ.Are there any requirements to join?
There are no special requirements for associate membership. Full membership requires practical experience as a butler or an Association-certified qualification. Corporate membership is for companies and organizations with legal-entity status.
Q.When do I pay the annual fee?
You pay the first-year fee when you join, and from the following year renewal takes place every April. If you choose direct debit, payment is withdrawn automatically.
Q.What if I join partway through the year?
The first-year fee is prorated by month. For example, if you join in October, you pay for the six months from October to March of the following year.
Q.Can I withdraw at any time?
Yes, you may withdraw at any time. However, annual fees already paid are non-refundable. Please contact the office if you wish to withdraw.
Q.When will my membership card arrive?
After your membership review is complete, your card will arrive in about two weeks. A digital membership card is available as soon as the review is complete.
Q.When can I use seminar discounts?
You can use them from the moment your approval email arrives. Please provide your membership number when applying for a seminar.
Join today and become part of butler culture
Applying is simple through our online form. If anything is unclear, please feel free to get in touch.