Renewing a Japanese Passport for Your Child

Here is information on where to go, what to bring and how to renew a Japanese passport.  If you are renewing a Japanese Passport (5 yr, 10 yr, 15 yr) for your child, follow these simple steps. If you are applying for a Japanese passport for the first time for your baby or child, read our guide on how to get a Japanese passport for your newborn.

There are 4 Japanese Passport offices in the Tokyo area. Please locate the office closest to you.

1) Metropolitan Government Building Citizens Square 1st Fl (都庁都民広場地下１階 )
2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (宿区西新宿２－８－１)
Access: Shinjuku Station: The West Exit just west of Keio Plaza Hotel

2) Tokyo Traffic Hall 2nd floor (東京交通会館２階)
2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku (千代田区有楽町２－１０－１)
Access: Yurakucho Station: The Kyobashi Exit; there is also good public parking under the building

3) Sunshine City World Import Mart 5th Floor (サンシャインシティ内 ワールドインポートマート５階 )
3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toyoshimaku (豊島区東池袋３－１－３)
Access: Ikebukuro Station: The East Exit

4) Lumina Tachikawa 9th Floor (ルミネ立川店９階)
2-1-1 Akebonocho, Tachikawa-shi (立川市曙町２－１－１)
Access: Tachikawa Station: 9th floor of the Lumine/Station Building

Items to take with you when Renewing a Japanese Passport for Your Child:

– Application form (can be obtained from your local ward office)
– Child`s Passport
* If your child`s passport has expired, take an official copy of your Koseki Tohon (family registry) from your ward or city office.
– A passport-sized (45x35mm) photo of your child (taken within 6 months of application).
– Personal ID card
– Proof of address

The Application form that you will have to fill out.

Renewing a Japanese Passport

Documents are to be submitted to the passport agency. You do not need to take your child to submit the paperwork. However you must bring your child to obtain the new passport.

There are two photo service shops outside the passport agency in Yurakucho. If you take your child`s photo at one of the offices they will bring you the photo while you are filling out paperwork or waiting in line at the passport agency.

Processing takes one week. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years until the age of 20. Once your child turns 20 they can then apply for a 10-yr passport. The cost of a 5-year passport is 6,000 yen. Payment must be made in yen at the payment office which will be reflected in a printout on your receipt and in the form of a 4,000 yen stamp.

 

Japanese Passport Information
http://www.seikatubunka.metro.tokyo.jp/passport/0000000487.html (in Japanese)

FAQs about Kids with Dual-Citizenship and Passports

1. Does a child have to choose Japanese or second citizenship by a certain age? The Japanese government would like dual-citizen children to choose one nationality by age 22. However, there is no law that states this is mandatory, nor is there any legal action that can be taken.

2. What is the best way to use dual passports when traveling? Our children leave and enter Japan using their Japanese passport. They enter the USA and exit the USA using their USA passport.

3. Can you apply for a Japanese passport overseas? Yes, you may apply for Japanese passports at consulates abroad. From my personal experience, the process is similar to executing in-country but the time to receive takes 4-6 weeks.

4. Can my child have three names on the passport – first, middle and last? Yes, three names are possible. However, it is easier if the child has their second passport completed with the names desired. Bring this passport with you to show that you want the three names similar to their foreign country passport. For some reason, this makes the conversation go more smoothly.

5. If my child is born in Japan can we get a Japanese passport? Japanese passports are only provided to children who are born to parents where both or one are Japanese citizens. If the child is born in Japan but to parents who are not Japanese the child will not be eligible to get a Japanese passport.

6. Until what age can my child apply for a Japanese passport? The age is 18 years.