How to Find the Japanese Father

QUESTION 1

I am Myke. My husband is Taishie P. Yamada. He is half-Pinoy, half-Japanese. His mother is living in Japan together with his stepdad who is also a Japanese. My husband is in Japan right now with a tourist visa. He went there so he can find his father, talk to him and put him in his father’s koseki-tohon so he can have a long-term residency. However, we do not know where to start finding his father. My husband’s mother only knows his old address (not exact address) and only has his letters and pictures. We need help in finding him, but the questions are: 

1. How do we find his father?

2. Where can we seek help or hire someone who can do that for us?

3. After finding him, what are the next steps?

4. Do you help on finding relatives? If so, can you help us?  

ANSWER 1

Surely, I can help you. However, I can solve your case only if they will visit our office and consult with me in person. Because, I have to check the data and find the best solution. Hoping to receive their phone call (TEL: 090-1436-4107). On the other hand, if it’s impossible, there is the way, which he/she can visit the bar association in Nagoya City and find the solution there.

QUESTION 2

I am writing in behalf of my half-Filipino, half-Japanese wife. She will be working in Japan and was asked to submit a family registry or koseki-tohon of her father. We want to ask how to secure one. We have her father’s full name, contact number and permanent address although she was not able to communicate with her father since she was born. The company, where my wife is trying to get a job, sent out a request to Nagano and they were told it is not showing on their record. Perhaps, a change in address. Please advise on how we can proceed with her job application. We can provide further details if we get a response. – Aldwyn

ANSWER 2

I can obtain it from the municipal office only if you could inform the following information:

1) Your father’s full name (if possible, in Kanji letter)

2) His date of birth

3) Domicile address (Honseki-chi in Japanese)

As you see, one’s name, date of birth, domicile address, etc., which are described in the family register are defined as personal information. Therefore, since the “personal information protection law” protects this personal information, those who are not related cannot obtain other person’s family register. When she herself cannot acquire it, there is no way except for requesting it by a lawyer including me. If you will trust me, please send me your request and statement by a written document or e-mail through your family, friend or acquaintance who is now residing in Japan. Because I cannot make a contract with those who are currently residing abroad based on our office regulation.

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Office name: Miyoshi International Legal Counsel Office

Telephone/Fax (Japanese/English): 090-1436-4107(Mobile phone)

E-mail: miyoshi@ipcworld.co.jp or joshua-galasha@mvg.biglobe.ne.jp (Japanese/English) OR p-digest@ipcworld.co.jp(English/Tagalog)

Website: www.phildigest.jp

Nearest station: Keio Nagayama by Keio line or Odakyu Nagayama by Odakyu line in Tama-city, Tokyo

Working hour/day: 09:00-18:00/Monday-Saturday (except holidays)