It’s almost impossible to describe sofa status when setting up accounts. They say “residence card?” And there is no getting past it.
I know they probably deal with sofa status very rarely so it is difficult for them… But there has to be a way.
One of the issues I am running into now is getting my Japanese post bank converted to a residence account and they keep saying they don’t know what sofa status is and won’t change it.
Any suggestions?
5 comments
They don’t know what SOFA status is? Surely everyone in the area is SOFA usually right? You just be in a small post/base maybe?
You could say that your visa is with 米軍 beigun.
Something as simple as 米軍です(beigun desu) it just means you’re American military. How’s your Japanese? Are you able to convey the issue in Japanese ?
Found this past post
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/jksdfw/japanese_bank_account_with_sofa_status/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
At hotels away from base I say 米軍基地の関係者です。
As a local I usually pretend not to have any clue about SOFA and ask for an explanation because the existence of such an unfair treaty pisses me off.
I think the minor convenience is not undeserved given the special status they are granted.
Are you visiting small, local branches or the main hubs? If the former, definitely try one of the larger main offices who likely are more familiar with fringe cases.