Recording summary · March 2018
Why getting married in japan sucks
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Overview
Daniel and his girlfriend resolved earlier issues involving an Australian man and decided to proceed with their plans to marry after five months of dating, despite administrative obstacles in Japan.
Administrative requirements for obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment necessitate traveling from Osaka to the British Embassy in Tokyo, incurring travel and fee expenses rather than allowing an online process.
Securing two required Japanese witness signatures proved difficult when both the girlfriend's friend and an acquaintance of Daniel refused their requests.
The mandate for two witness signatures faces criticism for functioning like personal approval, failing to stop sham marriages, and creating unfair barriers for people without accessible friends or family.
Themes
Marriage plans and resolution of interpersonal drama with an Australian man.
Certificate of No Impediment procedures, requirements, and travel expenses between Osaka and Tokyo.
Witness signature requirements for Japanese marriage documents and difficulties obtaining them.
Criticism of marriage regulations, lawmakers, and their impact on individuals lacking social networks.
Developments
Daniel and his girlfriend resolved previous issues and agreed to continue with their marriage plans.
Daniel contacted the British Embassy in Osaka by telephone and learned that the Certificate of No Impediment service is no longer provided there.
Daniel booked an appointment at the British Embassy in Tokyo to obtain the Certificate of No Impediment.
Daniel's girlfriend's friend refused to provide a witness stamp, stating that the marriage was premature, unannounced to parents, and intended for obtaining a visa.
An acquaintance of Daniel declined to serve as a witness because she was not close friends with Daniel and did not know his girlfriend.
Uncertainties & gaps
The allegation by the girlfriend's friend that Daniel is pursuing marriage solely to secure a visa.
Whether individuals with estranged relatives, no friends, or no access to family are fully prevented from marrying under Japanese witness requirements.