About this Site

How often is the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated?

It is updated daily. For recent updates, please refer to "What's New". In addition, please register for the "What's New" Mail Service, by which you can be notified daily of updated information via e-mail.

Do I need permission to link to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

• 1) As a rule, users are not required to ask permission to link to pages on this website. The above-mentioned rule applies when the users provide a link to any page of this website including the top page, unless otherwise indicated on this website. In addition, it is not necessary to notify us of the fact of providing links. Users must, however, indicate clearly on their web pages that they are link(s) to this website. When the link is created, users are requested to ensure that the link to this website does not open as a frame within another website.
• 2) There will be a change of this website's URL including the top page without prior notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is not responsible to users for any damages or consequences such as inconveniences related to indicators of broken links caused by changes or deletions of information on this website or changes of this website's URL.

Do I have to comply with any terms and conditions prior to using the Ministry's website?

Please refer to "Legal Matters" for details:

What if I can't find the information I am looking for on the website?

Please refer to the "Site Map" regarding how information is classified into sections. If you are still having trouble finding the desired information by following the links on the "Site Map", you can search the entire website by entering keywords on the search window. Also, a list of information that has appeared within the last month can be found under "What's New".

What is the contact information for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Tel: +81-(0)3-3580-3311

The location of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is as follows.

2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8919 Japan

• Map

What are the addresses, telephone numbers, and websites of various diplomatic establishments abroad?

Addresses and phone numbers of various diplomatic establishments abroad, as well as links to their respective websites, are available under "Japanese Embassies and Consulates Websites" accessible from the page "Embassies, Consulates, Permanent Missions Overseas" on the "About Us" page. Please take advantage of these pages for information regarding organizations related to MOFA or the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

I would like to contact an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly. What are their e-mail addresses?

At the moment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not release a list of e-mail addresses of employees.

I would like to ask the staff of Embassies or Consulates-General to give a lecture. What is the best way to contact them?

Please contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate-General. A list of contact information can be found on this site. Please understand that they may not be able to accommodate every request.

How can I obtain publications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

As videos are available for check-out at various diplomatic establishments abroad, please contact your nearest diplomatic establishment.
The "Diplomatic Blue Book," a compilation illustrating the international situation and Japan's diplomatic activities over the past year, can be viewed on our website. Regarding ODA, "Japan's Official Development Assistance Annual Report" (the "ODA White Paper"), a comprehensive summary of Japan's economic cooperation for the past year, is also available online on our website. In addition, various pamphlets are published on related pages. To purchase the "Diplomatic Blue Book" or the "ODA White Paper" in Japan, please contact the Government Publications Center or your nearest bookstore. (They are not for sale at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Is a visa necessary to enter Japan?

Whether or not, a visa is necessary in order to enter Japan varies by nationality. For details, please refer to the "VISA/Residing in Japan", "Guide to Japanese Visas". For particular details, please contact your nearest Japanese diplomatic mission directly.

Please be aware that landing permission, which is stamped in your passport by an immigration officer at the airport or seaport upon your arrival, is completely different from a visa. Regardless of whether a visa is necessary or not, it is this landing permission, not a visa, that authorizes your initial entry into Japan.

[Note] Please note that the visa itself does not guarantee permission to enter (visit) Japan but is only one of the requirements in obtaining an application for entering Japanese territory from the airport or seaport upon your arrival.

I have some questions about my visa application. Who should I ask?

If you can't find the information you are looking for in the "VISA/Residing in Japan", please contact the diplomatic mission nearest you. WE WILL NOT RESPOND TO VISA INQUIRIES MADE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.

How can I learn the status of the visa for which I have applied?

For visa application status, please contact the diplomatic mission at which you applied for the visa. Visa Telephone Service answered by officials in charge is also available from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Japan Standard Time, Monday through Friday except for Japanese national holidays. (Please note that although the guide for this Telephone Service is in Japanese, your inquiries will be answered in English.)

How to use the Visa Telephone Service number: +81-(0)3-5501-8431

[Note] Please be aware that we cannot respond to visa inquiries via e-mail.

I would like to bring plants/animals into Japan. Where can I obtain information on quarantines?

Please refer to:

• The Plant Protection Station Website
• The Animal Qurantine Website

I want to bring some souvenir such as a few bottles of wine into Japan. Where can I find information on customs regulations?

Please refer to the Japanese Customs Website

I am currently living in Japan and have some questions concerning the eligibility of my stay. Who should I ask?

Please contact the Immigration Information Center

I would like some general information on Japanese society and culture.

•  Web Japan

  "Web Japan" offers an interactive introduction to Japanese society, culture, geography, and statistics using a variety of images and sounds. Please give it a look.

Are there any websites on Japan aimed at children or for educational use?

Kids Web Japan is an easy-to-understand website introducing Japan to children all around the world. It is full of information that anyone can enjoy, such as interactive Japanese language lessons and an introduction to a Japanese school. This website has been used as an educational tool by schools throughout the world.