Japanese Visa Requirements

Compared with China, Japan is stricter when it comes to requirements.  All documents submitted should be printed on A4-size paper.  Tourist visa applications need to be coursed through accredited agencies listed here.  NSO documents should have been acquired within a year of the date of application.  You can see the date of your NSO documents under the bar code like this.

Here are the requirements for a tourist visa:

• Accomplished application form printed on A4 paper
• Original passport with six months validity
• Two 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm colored picture with white background pasted on application form
• Photocopy of latest income tax return
• Original bank certificate
• Original NSO birth certificate issued within a year from application
• Original NSO marriage certificate issued within a year from application
• Authorization letter for travel agency personnel to file your application and pick up your passport
• Itinerary in Japan

Additional requirements for those who are employed are:

• Original Certificate of Employment
• Approved leave of absence

Additional requirements for businessmen:

• Photocopy of business registration from SEC or DTI
• Photocopy of business permit (mayor's permit)

Additional requirements for students:

• Original letter of guarantee.  The parent just needs to sign beside the word "Seal" and the travel agency will take care of it.
• Photocopy of school I.D.
• Original Certificate of enrollment from school

If you need further information, visit the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.  It took a week before my visa was granted.