Do I need to leave the country to activate a Japan working visa? Do I need to do an interview at the consulate?

I am based in Australia. I had a pre planned trip to Japan booked at the same time as my working visa is being processed (unexpected job offer).
Since I will already be in Japan, do i need to leave the country and re-enter to activate the working visa? Did anyone have to do an interview at the consulate for the visa? I have heard of this for USA visas.
I am wondering how my presence in Japan as a tourist will impact my working visa.

3 comments
  1. Yes, you can’t change from a tourist status to a working status in Japan.

    Moreover, your COE will be sent to your address in Australia, which you will then bring to the Embassy/Consulate in Australia.

  2. When is your trip and how long ago did you apply for the CoE?

    The CoE can take anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks (I got mine about a month ago and it took 11 weeks to receive) so if you sent off your application relatively recently there’s a good chance you’ll be back home long before you apply for your visa.

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