I know there are similar posts on Reddit, and I even did lots of research in Japanese too but I’m still stuck on finding the simplest method to renew my Japanese passport as an American passport holder.
Here’s my situation:
\- Japanese passport expired 3 yrs ago
\- Born in the U.S. and am a Japanese national through my Japanese mother
\- I DO have koseki record
\- In my late 20s, so I’ve long passed the deadline for choosing between nationalities
I thought about renewing it at the consulate. My gut feeling tells me the Seattle consulate might not be lenient enough to overlook my dual citizenship (they will find out since I’d have to provide documentation of my legal status in the U.S.).
I also thought about going to Japan to renew it, but I don’t have any of the accepted forms of ID (i.e. Japanese driver’s license). I thought about getting one of the accepted forms of IDs (mibunshoumeisho) first and then attempting to renew the passport. However, to acquire those IDs, I’d need other forms of ID (like a passport). It’s a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation.
I’d really appreciate any insights or advice on finding a risk-free and guaranteed way to renew my Japanese passport! Thank you all so much for your help!
(Side note: I’ve been job hunting for a long time as the job market is terrible in the U.S., which is why I want to move to Japan as a Japanese to be able to find opportunities in Japan!)
by PurplePinkPorcupine