Ohara & Furukawa, Author at Ohara & Furukawa

January 25, 2017

What is the purpose of notarizing a document in Japan?

The notary system in Japan is similar to the system of notarizing documents in foreign countries. Notaries prepare notarial deeds, attest to a private deed and attest to legal documents. When two parties sign an agreement in front of a notary, the notary can provide official proof that the parties signed the document and understood what they were signing.

January 23, 2017

What goes into a legal complaint in Japan?

The filing of a legal complaint is what starts a lawsuit in Japan. The complaint should clearly list the parties involved as well as the object and statement of the claim. The complaint describe the petitioner’s goals and evidence so, by reading the complaint, the respondent should have a full understanding of the petitioner’s case.

January 20, 2017

What happens to a spousal visa upon divorce in Japan?

Spousal visas are usually granted in 3 or 5 year terms and can be renewed over and over again to allow the spouse of a Japanese national to remain in Japan for an extended period of time. However, a lot can happen in a span of 3 or 5 years and in some cases couples may decide to divorce while the foreign spouse still has time remaining on his or her spousal visa. However, even if the foreigner spouse’s visa is still valid, once the couple divorces, the foreign spouse has a responsibility to report the divorce to immigration and […]

January 18, 2017

What happens if I don’t follow the terms of my visa in Japan?

The Minister of Justice may revoke a foreigner’s status of residence upon a finding that the foreigner obtained residency status through deceit or that the foreigner has not engaging in the activities associated with his or her visa for three months or more while living in Japan. There is an exception made for foreigners who have a justifiable reason for not engaging in their visa approved activities.