Notification for parents with children of Japanese nationality – change to rules for passport application

For a minor (under 20 years of age) of Japanese nationality to obtain a passport, the consent of only one parent/guardian is necessary.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now introduced a system whereby the other parent/guardian can submit a written refusal to passport offices in Japan, or to Japanese Embassies/Consulates-General overseas so that the consent of BOTH parents/guardians is required.

In order for the passport to the minor to be issued, the parent/guardian who submitted the written refusal will need to submit a letter of agreement. Please see the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more details. Parents encountering child custody issues within Japan are advised to consult a family lawyer for guidance (see here for a list of lawyers).