Almost everything you can imagine is a polar opposite from America now I’m not saying either way is better but it tends to be difficult to learn a whole knew system of living.
I previously lived in Japan on my own before meeting my wife now living on my own was similar to living  in america. But living in a every day instance of Japan culture with my wife and daughter is a lot different.

Knowing less then basic Japanese makes things difficult. Thankfully my wife is well enough  endowed in English and she helps me everyday in learning everything I need to know.
I know this is never easy for her having to translate for me and down right stressful at times.

The culture differences range from small to large and I will post about them and the instances I learned them in.

This might not always be entertaining but I’m still trying to find my niche.

Step 1

Your Japanese spouse will need to get a few Japanese municipal documents. First of which Is a form called a Koseki which lists your Japanese spouses family information including any children and you the spouse. Following getting the Koseki you will need to get another document called a Shotokushourmeisho If you are not currently employed your spouse will need to get theirs. This document lists the prior years tax information To the Japanese government. Both the Koseki and Shotokushourmeisho can be picked up at your local city hall.
The last municipal document Is a Zaishokushomeisho. This document shows all information about your current employer such as how long you have worked for them when you started what your salary Is. Once again If you are not employed your spouse will need to get theirs. You will get this document from you or your spouses employer.

Step 2

Upon completing the previous 3 municipal documents your spouse will need to print and fill out a letter of guarantee this Is To show they are willing to support you. The last thing you will need to fill out Is a Application for change of status. This form needs To be completed and turned In so that the rest of the paperwork can be processed.

Now that all the above paperwork Is complete you will need to gather a few personal effects. This Is not required but It helps To make the whole behind the scenes process smoother for you. The personal effects should be a few letters that you and your spouse have previously written to each other over the course of your relationship and a few pictures of you together. If you don’t want to part with the letters photocopies are okay. Gather up all the paperwork, letters and pictures your passport, Alien registration card ” All you need Is the number If you have not yet received your card ” and head to your
local Immigration office In your prefecture.
Step 3

Once at your local Immigration office turn In all the documents stated prior as well as your marriage certificate along with translated copy. If all goes well they will have you fill out your name and address on a postcard to notify you later. When you receive the postcard In the mail about 1-3 months later head to a post office and pick up a Shuunyuu Inshi ( Revenue Stamp ) for 4,000 Yen. This Is used To pay for the visa transfer to a spouse visa.
Report to Immigration before the deadline stated on the postcard with your Passport, Alien Registration Card, Stamp and before mentioned postcard.

With all of that they should pop In your new shiny visa within a few minutes and your on your new life in Japan. In my instance I did not have to do a interview with the immigration office this is not always the case. I recommend not stressing about the interview If you do have one as you will make It worse for yourself. Just tell the truth and you will breeze by.

I do not condone getting married for only the intention of a Visa and I have NOT made this Guide for people to do so I am aware people will use this guide with that intent. All I can do Is state my regards and say their Is other options then fake marriage and you make It harder for real marriages To work in Japan.

List of required documents

1. Marriage Certificate
Translated marriage certificate

2. Koseki

3. Shotokushourmeisho

4. Zaishokushomeisho

5. Letter of guarantee

6. Application for change of status

7. Alien registration card ” Or # ”

8.Shuunyuu Inshi ( Revenue Stamp )

List Of Local Immigration Office’s

This is what was required for the Iruma City Hall and requirements might differ due to situations and places. Please contact your local City hall and ask for all document required as to make this process as simple as possible.

Step 1

For the American partner you will need to print out a Affidavit of Competency this must be filled out and notarized (Signed) at the nearest U.S Embassy This is required by the Japanese government to prove that you can legally marry abroad in Japan. Along with the Affidavit you will need to bring your U.S Passport and 30$ or the Japanese equivalent. Credit cards are accepted at the embassy however checks are not. Now the Affidavit of competency must be translated to Japanese for the Japanese Government this translated copy does not need to be notarized. next you need to get a Japanese municipal Government form called Kon-in Todoke which can be received at a local Japanese city hall ” You will also want to get a Alien Registration document while at city hall”. The Kon-in Todoke then needs to be signed by 2 witnesses over the age of 20 and any nationality. Long hand is okay but Japanese Korean and Chinese nationals may be asked for their Inkan (seal).

This next step Is only If you wish To live in Japan Skip ahead to Step 2 If does not apply.

Upon finishing the Municipal document you will now need to complete your alien registration document Requirements for getting this card are your passport and 2 (4.5cm by 3.5cm) passport pictures as well as the before stated document.

Step 2

Take the Affidavit of Competency and Its translated counterpart, the Kon-in Todoke and Alien Registration documents to City hall turn and all the papers that are before mentioned and they will need to make copy’s of your passport. After which they will begin the process for getting you your marriage certificate you have a choice between large and small and the only difference is cost. You will want to get 2 marriage certificates.
You will need to translate the marriage certificate for the U.S Embassy I have provided the Translation document’s ->(Large and Small)<-

Once the Translation is complete take marriage certificate and the Translation to the U.S Embassy as well as your passport and after a few minutes they will notarize it and send you on your way you are now married In Japan and America.

Soon I will Explain the process of getting a Spouse Visa and what to expect.

List of required documents

1. Affidavit of Competency ”

Translated Affidavit of Competency

2. Kon-in Todoke

3. Alien Registration Document

4. Passport

5. 2 (4.5cm by 3.5cm) passport pictures

6. Japanese Marriage Certificate

Translated Marriage Certificate Large and Small