If you are living abroad or dealing with international legal matters, you already know that navigating bureaucracy can be a headache. This is especially true when it comes to official Japanese documents. Whether you are applying for a spouse visa, handling an inheritance, or registering a marriage overseas, you will almost certainly be asked to provide a Koseki Tohon (Japanese Family Register).
But getting your hands on the document is only the first step. For a Japanese document to be legally recognized in another country, it usually requires an Apostille authentication, followed by a certified translation.
At Dave Higgins Office, we recently handled this exact process from start to finish for a client, taking the stress completely off their shoulders. Here is a look at what we do and how we can help you:
1. Document Retrieval (Reissue) Obtaining a new copy of a Koseki Tohon can be complicated if you no longer live near the specific ward or city office where your family register is held. We handle the legwork required to formally request and retrieve the official, newly issued documents directly from the appropriate Japanese municipal offices.
2. Apostille Authentication Once the official document is retrieved, it needs to be authenticated. An Apostille is a specialized certificate issued by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) that verifies the authenticity of the document’s signature and seal. This step is crucial for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. As you can see in the photo, we ensure the document receives the proper MOFA Apostille stamp so it will be accepted internationally without issue.
3. Certified English Translation Foreign governments and immigration authorities cannot process a document they cannot read. We provide highly accurate, certified English translations of the Koseki Tohon and the accompanying Apostille. Our translations ensure that every legal term, name, and date is perfectly conveyed, preventing any delays in your application process.
Dealing with international paperwork doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you need a Koseki Tohon—or any other Japanese official document—retrieved, authenticated, and translated, Dave Higgins Office is here to handle the process from A to Z.
Contact us today to get started!