Any British Nationals experienced changing their name while living in Japan?

I recently married my partner from America and we’d like to have the same last name. I wasn’t able to get any solid information from past posts here or from the British Embassy.

The gov website just says to check with the “local authorities”, but of course from the kuyakusho’s perspective it’s a matter for the British government.

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience either hiring a local lawyer (I’m based in Tokyo) to do the necessary paperwork *or* hiring an licensed translator for the marriage certificate and sending that over to the Deed Poll office? I’m totally lost on what steps to take so any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

I’ll be sure to post an update post about our inevitable divorce. /s

1 comment
  1. Your name has to match your UK passport. I changed my surname when I renewed my passport – this was a couple of years and a baby after my marriage. I sent a copy of my marriage certificate and family register, with certified translations of both.
    I had to do part of the renewal online, then sent the documents and passport to the UK.
    You can’t renew in Japan.

    Once my new passport with new name arrived, I went to immigration to update my details.

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