Keith Watanabe * NET 2.0

For those of you who ever get stranded in Tokyo/Japan because you lose your passport, your passport expires, or some other unfortunate incident, I've provided a link that I've been using for the past few weeks on to make your lives easier.

I FINALLY was able to turn in my passport and the paperwork necessary to renew my passport.  All the verbosity on the website really amounts to a bunch of pain that's unnecessary.  Basically, what you need are:

• A copy of the application on the website.
• An Expack 500 envelope that you can buy at the post office (it looks like a FedEx cardboard mailing envelope in the states).  Cost I think around 500-750-en.
• An international money order for $75 (or you can pay at the cashier over in the embassy)
• 2 50x50 cm photos.

If you have these things, you're pretty much set.  Just got to the embassy near Tameiki Sanno station.  The embassy is across the street from the Akasaka Twin Towers.  If you see the Lawry's it's across from that, down a tiny street, across from Lawsons. 

If you go, make sure you DON'T bring any food or water.  They'll dispose of it.  Also, they'll conviscate any electronic devices temporarily.  So it's best to come with the bare minimal items to get through the security check points quickly.

And the guards at the security check point are Japanese, so you might have to be prepared to speak a little Japanese.  I think they might understand a word or two in English, but don't count on it.

Anyway, the worst part was getting through the security check points.  Then you have to pick a number from a kiosk near the front desk. There's a tiny room/hallway leading to the passport service.  Not many people work there (only 2-3).  And it's not open for long hours (seems like low demand).

Of course, you can avoid all this by submitting your passport through the mail, but I suggest going in person to avoid the risk of using improper information on the form.  The process, according to the woman at the desk, takes from 3-4 weeks.

Also, if you're like me and have your work visa and re-entry permits, you'll have to go to the immigration office in Shinagawa to get that fixed up.  The sad part is that neither office communicates with each other.  One office ruins your passport (basically, they'll punch a bunch of wholes in it) and the other makes you fix it.

Well, at least this shit is almost over.  I can't wait to get it back so I can sail home finally!!!!!