Panasonic has a huge network of service centers in Japan since they handle other Panasonic products besides cameras. Camera repair can also be done through the local dealer or their repair Web site where you apply to send in your camera for repair.
They have a toll-free number in Japan for repair inquiries (call in Japanese):
0120-878-554 (Compatible with cell phones)
Here’s a list of their repair centers in Japan (in Japanese):
http://panasonic.co.jp/cs/service/area.html
There is also one Lumix camera service center in Tokyo (Akihabara), called LUMIX & Let’s note Factory, where you can take your camera (or Let’s note computer) and have it repaired quickly on the spot. I had to use this once and it was fast and courteous service. They fixed my camera in an hour. That’s their target turnaround time for repairing Lumix compact cameras and Let’s Note notebook computers. It was the quickest camera repair service I ever had. The female receptionists were also very nice and courteous. I was very impressed. Too bad that they only have one such quick repair center in Japan. A short walk from Akihabara Station, near Ishimaru Denki main store.
LUMIX & Let’s note Repair Factory
Address: Daisan Denpa Bldg. 1st floor, Soto-Kanda 1-8-1
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 101-0021
Phone: 03-3251-4616
Near JR Akihabara Station. Map here.
Web site here: http://club.panasonic.jp/repair/quick/index.html
LUMIX & Let’snote修理工房
(パナソニック テクニカルサービス株式会社内)
午前9時から午後5時30分(修理受付)・午後8時(お引取)まで
(年末年始・お盆を除く)
〒101-0021東京都千代田区外神田1-8-1 第三電波ビル1F
Web site: http://club.panasonic.jp/repair/quick/index.html