Mages are, in general, people who can cast magic. All mages must be registered with the state and have a license to practice and cast magic. Independent or illegal use of magic without a license is considered illegal, and is punishable under criminal code. All registered mages are considered government officials. However, people who have weak magic power and accidentally cast a spell, or people who receive requests & use magic illegally (called Hagure), also exist.
Magic Labor Generalization Office (Magic Office) --Mages who are Japanese citizens are registered under the Japanese Government's General Bureau of Mage Labor, which was established in 1971 for managing and setting down the guidelines for the use of magic. It's generally called the Magic Office. The Magic Office has a window in each local self-governing body.
Requesting Magic --
In order for the general public to receive the legal benefit of magic from a mage, a formal proposal must be filled out and sent through the Mage Office. The contents of the paper, which include the request and the reasons thereof, is examined by the Magic Office. A suitable mage is either selected, or the request is declined.
Using magic without a formal request, or requesting magic without a formal request, is considered illegal. However, if there is a sudden emergency need for magic, this rule can be overlooked. Police work, fire fighting, work relating to the Self-Defense Forces, etc., these uses of magic without formal requests, considered "urgent magic action", are allowed.
For about a month, potential mages serve underneath a certified mage, during which time, their skills and knowledge of proper spell usage, spell strength, and general capabilities are appraised and improved.
After apprenticeship, only the Chief can assign what kind of exam an apprentice should take. Each exam is customized to fit each mage-in-training. Once the exam is successfully taken, they become a licensed mage and may return home.
Mage identification is provided through a plain-looking ring with a simple jewel set into it. Various data is sent through the ring, such as a mage's license to the people around them, and even a mage's ID to the Magic Office, for when magic is being used. A "magic action display" -- for example, when Yume's dolphin hovers before her hands just before she completes the spell -- is automatically performed before a spell is cast. It tells the surrounding people that magic is about to be used and that caution is advised. Note: A catch phrase is not needed for performing a spell. Yume, however, uses one to build her confidence and the confidence of the client before each spell.