Immigration Specialist


Visa applications, wills & inheritance, subsidies — as a Certified Immigration Specialist,
we support you with expertise and experience.

Complex paperwork? Not sure where to start? Don't have time for procedures?
We solve your concerns with professional expertise.

✓ Free Initial Consultation ✓ Evenings & Weekends OK ✓ Available Nationwide

Our Services

Foreign employee collaborating with Japanese colleagues in an office
01

Work Visa Applications

Supporting companies in hiring foreign talent. We handle applications and renewals for various work visas, including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Specified Skilled Worker visas.

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International couple filling out marriage registration forms
02

Spouse Visa

Assisting with visa acquisition for international marriages. We provide experienced support for Spouse of Japanese National visa applications.

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Foreign family spending time at a park in Tokyo
03

Permanent Residency, Naturalization & Other Immigration Services

We handle all immigration procedures, including permanent residency applications, naturalization applications, and changes of residence status.

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Wills and inheritance image
04

Wills & Inheritance

From will preparation to inheritance procedures. We assist with creating inheritance division agreements and various inheritance-related filings.

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Subsidy application image
05

Subsidy Applications

We assist with application documents for various government subsidies and grants, including business restructuring subsidies and manufacturing subsidies.

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Why Choose Us

01

Clear scheduling so procedures never disrupt your life

We outline "what needs to be done by when" from the very start, building a schedule around your work and personal commitments. With a clear roadmap, you can proceed with your application without disrupting your daily routine.

02

Meticulous documents prepared with your next application in mind

Documents submitted to immigration authorities affect future renewals and changes of status. By preparing each document with precision, we build a track record of trust with immigration, creating a solid foundation for smoother procedures going forward.

03

Clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the process

We explain the process and required documents in clear, jargon-free language, one step at a time. You'll always know exactly what to do next, so you can feel confident even if this is your first application. Support available in plain Japanese and English.

04

Ongoing support you can rely on, even after your visa is granted

Small oversights — like missing a renewal deadline or forgetting to report a job change or address change — can lead to problems with future applications. We remain available for consultations even after your case is closed, providing long-term peace of mind.

05

We care about the person behind the paperwork

Visa applications come with hopes and anxieties about the future. Beyond preparing documents, we take the time to listen to each client's story and recommend the best approach for their unique situation.

How It Works

01

Inquiry & Free Consultation

Contact us by email, phone, or LINE. We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation to understand your situation.

Timeline: Same day to next business day
02

Detailed Assessment & Estimate

We'll discuss your situation in detail and explain the required procedures, documents, and costs. Once you're satisfied, we'll formalize the engagement.

Timeline: 1-3 days
03

Initial Payment

Once you agree to the estimate, we'll begin work upon receiving the initial payment.

04

Document Preparation

We prepare all necessary application documents. We'll also provide clear guidance on any documents you need to gather yourself.

Timeline: 1-3 weeks (varies by case)
05

Filing & Submission (Final Payment)

We file the application with the immigration bureau on your behalf. The remaining balance is due at the time of filing.

Timeline: Filing day
06

Result Notification & Collection

Once the approval notice is received, we'll promptly inform you. We also assist with collecting your residence card.

07

After-Care Support

Even after your case is completed, we provide ongoing support — reminders for visa renewal deadlines, guidance on reporting job changes or address changes, and more. Small oversights can affect your next renewal, so please don't hesitate to reach out.

About the Specialist

Shizuka Wakabayashi, Certified Immigration Specialist
Shizuka Wakabayashi

Shizuka Wakabayashi

Certified Immigration Specialist (Immigration Bureau Authorized Representative)
Board Member, Adachi Branch, Tokyo Administrative Scriveners' Association

I specialize in residence status applications, with a focus on work visas and spouse visas for Japanese nationals. I'm also a certified Japanese language teacher, so I can communicate in plain Japanese and provide advice that considers your life in Japan as a whole.

My passion for supporting foreign nationals stems from my own childhood experience of frequently moving between cities as part of a military family. The repeated transfers and feeling of being an "outsider" gave me a deep empathy and respect for those who work hard to build a life in Japan while overcoming language and cultural barriers.

Obtaining a visa isn't the finish line — it's the starting line for a secure life in Japan. Guided by my motto of "sincerity and precision," I strive to deliver results that make every client glad they chose to work with me.

Track Record

  • Extensive experience with work visas (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, etc.) and spouse visa applications
  • Successful reapplications after previous denials, with proven results in overturning unfavorable decisions
  • Lifestyle guidance and Japanese language support for foreign clients, drawing on Japanese language teaching expertise
  • Contribution to raising professional standards in the Adachi Branch as a board member

Background

  • Graduated from Nagano Prefectural Ueda High School
  • Graduated from Chuo University, Faculty of Law
  • Passed the Administrative Scrivener examination (2003)
  • Experience as a professional exam prep instructor, law office staff, and game software developer
  • Founded Wakabayashi Immigration Office

Visa Tips on YouTube

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Complete Guide: Spouse Visa Process for Couples Living Abroad

Hiring Foreign Nationals in Japan: What Employers Need to Know

How to Prepare Spouse Visa Application Documents Yourself

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I ask during the free initial consultation?

We will listen to an overview of your situation and provide guidance on the overall process, estimated costs, and timeline. Specific advice on document preparation or application strategy is provided during paid consultations or after formally engaging our services.

Can I reapply if my application is denied?

Yes, reapplication is possible. We analyze the reasons for denial, identify areas for improvement, and prepare a stronger reapplication. We also handle cases that were previously denied through other offices or self-filed applications.

Can I consult even if I don't speak Japanese?

If communicating in Japanese is difficult, consultations with an interpreter are available. We also offer basic English support, so please don't hesitate to reach out.

Can I use your services if I live far away?

Yes, we offer online consultations via Google Meet and LINE, accepting clients from across Japan. Documents can be exchanged by mail or email.

How long does it take from engagement to visa approval?

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application. Document preparation typically takes 1-3 weeks, and review periods range from several weeks to over a year. We will provide a specific timeline estimate during your initial consultation.

Can I also get help with subsidies or inheritance matters along with my visa?

Absolutely. As a licensed Administrative Scrivener, we handle a wide range of services, so we can assist with subsidy applications and will/inheritance matters alongside your visa application.

Consultation Plans

Free

Free Initial Consultation

¥0
First time only / 30 min
  • General visa-related questions
  • Overview of the process
  • Cost estimate
  • Available by email or phone
Online

Paid Consultation (30 min)

¥5,500 (tax incl.)
Google Meet / LINE
  • Personalized advice for your situation
  • Required document guidance
  • Application timeline & schedule
  • Meet / LINE / Nationwide availability
Online

Paid Consultation (60 min)

¥8,000 (tax incl.)
Google Meet / LINE
  • Detailed review of complex cases
  • Application document strategy
  • Thorough Q&A
  • Meet / LINE / Nationwide availability
In-Person

In-Person Consultation (60 min)

¥11,000 (tax incl.)
At our office
  • Detailed consultation with document review
  • Concrete application strategy
  • Review of your existing documents
  • At our office in Adachi, Tokyo

* Evening (after 18:00) and weekend/holiday meetings are available. Please let us know your preferred date and time.

Get in Touch — We're Here to Help

"Can I get approved in my situation?" "How much will it cost and how long will it take?" — No question is too small.
After understanding your situation, we'll outline a clear path to approval.
Messages accepted evenings & weekends. We typically respond within 24 hours.

03-5856-8157 Phone: Weekdays 9:00-18:00 / Messages accepted evenings & weekends