What this document is
A copy of the Japanese family register, replacing the residence card in the packet.
What it must show
- Request it at the city or ward office holding your 本籍 — not necessarily where you live
- Ask for the 全部事項証明書 (謄本), NOT the 抄本 — the 抄本 covers one person only and hides the relationships
- About 450 yen per copy
- If you live far from your 本籍, apply by post: the form, a copy of your ID, a 定額小為替 money order, and a stamped self-addressed envelope
- Issued within the last 3 months is safest
- Submit a PHOTOCOPY to the Embassy and keep the original
Notes
Ask for the 謄本 (whole register), not the 抄本 (single person). The Embassy needs to see the other members listed in order to trace your relationship to the invitee; the 抄本 shows only you.