I ventured to the immigration office for Kanagawa residents to report a change in my passport and receive the new Resident Card in Japan. For those who have not yet visited, the location is quite far from Yokohama. You must take a train and then a bus. Here's how to get there:
At Yokohama station, go to the JR Keihin Tohoku line gate. You must take the Negishi Line (blue). After speaking with JR staff, I was informed this train departs from Platform 3.
Get on the train bound for Ofuna （大船）：
Get off at Shin Sugita Station (about 20 minutes from Yokohama station):
At the station, you'll need to change to a bus. Follow the signs inside the station, walking through a shopping mall. There are many signs, so it's quite easy. The walk to the bus terminal takes about 5 minutes.
After getting on the bus, the immigration office will be the last stop. The fare, one-way is: ¥210. Pasmo and Suica cards are accepted on the bus.
From the bus terminal, follow the people to the building's front entrance:
Inside, turn right and go up the stairs. The immigration area is on the second floor (2F). There are many chairs, a play area for children and a nursing station for mothers.
When you first enter, visit the "Information Center". They will give you the proper forms you need to complete your procedure. Staff can speak Mandarin and Japanese. Because I spoke in Japanese, I'm not sure if English is available or not.
Once you complete your paperwork, take it to the counter/window the staff the Information Center recommended. These counters are well marked.
Windows 4 and 5:
I had the middle name in my passport shortened, so I had to report this.
If you need to report a change in your name in Japan, you will need to do these things:
1) Get a new passport showing your new name. Immigration will not change anything unless that is shown in your passport.
2) Register that new passport at the nearest immigration office. The cost is free. You'll need to fill out several forms:
i) Form "Change or altercation to Immigration Record". (at least 2 forms -- one for the new passport number, another to show your new name). I could not find these forms online. These forms are available at the immigration office.
ii) Bring a photo, 30 mm X 40 mm (color or black and white). This photo will be used on your new Resident Card.
3) After receiving your resident card with your new name, you'll need to visit your local city office to do the following things:
i) If you are a member of the National Health Insurance, you'll need to get a new heath card with your new name. Simple visit the window 保険 (ho-ken = insurance) at city office, show your resident card and old insurance card. They will ask you fill out a form with your name, phone number and signature.
ii) Get a new pension record. To do this, visit the 年金 (nen-kin = pension) window at city office. Again, show your residence card, and old pension (blue) book. They will print off a new card for you. Place this inside your blue pension book.
4) If you have any credit cards, banks accounts, etc, inform them of your name change too. Be sure to bring your resident card and passport.
Due to the new immigration procedures in Japan, it is NOT necessary to report your name change at the 外国人 (gai-koku-jin = foreigner) counter at your local city office. The only thing you need to report at this window is: a change of address (moving out/ moving in).
The new resident card looks like this, which has an IC chip and contains your visa. A visa stamp in your passport will no longer appear.
(Image is a government provided sample):
The whole procedure took only an hour and a half. I asked the immigration office which days are they most busy? Their answer: Mondays and Fridays. If you visit on these two days, expect longer waiting times. My advice: always bring a book and some snacks. You never know how long you'll be waiting.
The Immigration Bureau of Japan site is HERE. Forms are available for download too.
A map and directions to Yokohama Regional Immigration office is HERE.
A comprehensive list of other Immigration Offices in Japan is HERE. (photos too!)
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