Translation Certificate (Honyaku Shomei)

2021/6/15

The Translation Certificate certifies that your English translation of an official Japanese document is a faithful translation. Our office does not provide English translations, so you will need to bring your own English translation to apply.

We do not provide Japanese translations of foreign documents.

We have received lots of questions about translating the Family Registry to apply for a U.S. green card or visa. Instead of the Translation Certificate, most of these institutions will require a Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate but please consult with the institution concerned.

The original document for translation (e.g. Family Registry) cannot be obtained at our office. Please contact the issuing authority to request such documents.


A picture containing logo Description automatically generatedThe Japanese Passport window is by appointment only. Please click hereOpen a new window and book your appointment before coming to the Consulate.
 

Conditions for Issuance

  1. Application FormOpen a new window
  2. The official Japanese document must be issued by a Japanese government or public agency.
  3. We cannot accept any Japanese documents related to laws, regulations, and litigation by the court.
  4. The applicant must submit the original document and a photocopy as well.
  5. A typed English translation prepared by the applicant.
         ◦ The translation will need to be formatted exactly as the original document. Please bring a hard copy and provide the data file by email during application. (Using Word or Excel is recommended as we may need to make revisions on your document.)
  6. If the official Japanese document does not specify its own validity, it will need to be issued within 6 months. Exceptions are made for official documents only issued once (such as a diploma).

For fees, click hereOpen a new window.

Additional Information:

  1. If you need to submit an official foreign document to a Japanese government agency, attaching a Japanese translation should be sufficient.
  2. This certificate is often needed to establish proof of a Japanese company registration, diploma, or licenses and permits.
  3. Ikebana, Shodo, and Chado certificates are not official government documents and cannot be translated.
  4. Foreign citizens may also apply. If you are married or divorced by the Japanese method and wish to obtain such documents, you may apply for the Translation Certificate.
  5. The Translation Certificate will be given to you once the English translation has been checked thoroughly. This process may take more than 5 business days. Your pick-up date will be notified on a later date.

Back to Top