An example of a new Japanese Passport, featuring a laser-sketched face photo and cherry blossom designs, is seen in this image provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
TOKYO — The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about the new Japanese passports featuring significantly enhanced anti-counterfeit measures and online applications which the government began issuing in March.
Question: What is the application process for the new Japanese passports?
Answer: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, people are advised to complete their applications at least one month before their planned travel. Previously, passports were produced at local offices in each prefecture, and they were typically issued in about 10 days. To introduce stricter controls, however, now the passports are produced at the National Printing Bureau — which also manufactures Japan’s banknotes — meaning that the process takes about 10 days to two weeks for delivery,
Q: What kind of anti-counterfeit measures are there?
A: The page displaying the passport holder’s photo now uses plastic instead of laminated paper, and incorporates technologies such as holographic cherry blossoms and watermark cranes. Special processing has also been applied to raise the photo and date of birth above the surface.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: Individuals with a “My Number” national ID card and a smartphone equipped with a camera can apply online, reducing paperwork and application fees compared to submitting at a prefectural counter. While a 10-year passport costs 16,300 yen (approx. $110) at the counter, online applications are available for 15,900 yen, payable by credit card, with only a single visit needed to collect the finished passport. A copy of the family register is no longer required, and applicants may use smartphone photos for the application form instead of ID images usually taken at photo booths.
Q: That still sounds pretty costly to me.
A: Based on last year’s passport statistics, only just under 18% of Japanese citizens possess a valid passport, and some have called for lower passport fees to increase this rate. However, officials note fees are unlikely to be reduced soon, as a global comparison shows higher prices in many developed countries and the current fee covers costs such as the IC chip and the government’s efforts to protect Japanese nationals overseas.
(Japanese original by Ryuko Tadokoro, Political News Department)
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