Visa type G for cultural activities

I have been granted from JSPS, Japan from 2000-2006. On my last visit to Japan, Mar31 2006, I've got a VISA type G for cultural activities stamped on my official passport(expired 2010). This March, I plan to visit Tokyo with my family, for sightseeing. When I apply for VISA at Japan Consular, they said that I can used my official passport which my last visa "G" are in and can visit Japan for sightseeing purpose as long as this official passport is not expired.

Has anyone understand my problems and help clearing whether I can believe and fly to Japan as intended.

I do not want to stand alone at immigration office at Narita while my family can get in...

Thanks for your kind responses.

Piriyaporn from Thailand.

In your passport do you see words like: "single entry" or"multiple entry", what is the expiration date of your visa/status of residence ?

Or any words like "USED" in your visa pages from Japan Immigration?

Answer to Mr. John,

In my last Japan VISA,

No. of entries, SINGLE

Category = G for Cultural activities

It has been USED already from Jan 1,2006 to Mar 31, 2006.

I've already informed the people at JPN Consulate already. They confirmed this valid.

I don't see why the Japanese Consulate is saying you can use it.

I mean I don't work for Japan Immigration or the consulate, maybe they know something I do not.

But from an average view, I don't see how you can re-enter using that visa.

If it is USED and you already used it for a single entry.

You do not have a re-entry permit? or a "Landing Permission" sticker?

A re-entry permit is key here I think. If you have a re-entry permit that is still valid then the visa is still valid. Do you also still have your alien registration card?

"Used" is stamped when you arrive in Japan and doesn't mean the visa has expired.

Strictly speaking, the visa is a document just to enter Japan. It gets invalid (stamped "USED") as soon as you enter Japan, and gets replaced by a "landing permission" sticker (commonly and inaccurately referred to as "visa" in everyday life) which indicates your status of residence in Japan and your period of stay. If you want to re-enter Japan on a previous "landing permission", you will need a valid re-entry permit.

Thank you very much for your kindness. I've got a landing permission stamped in my official passport. However, it was until 12 Jul 2006. I cannot understand why Japan Consulate confirmed to me that with this passport, whenever I want to visit Japan for sightseeing (90 days), I can use it until this passport expired....

Thank you so much for your kindness.

Piriyaporn From Thailand

Are you speaking to the Japanese consulate in Japanese, English or your native language?

Maybe it is a language barrier, maybe they are saying you can use the Passport, but not the visa.

I'm also interested because you say you have an "Official Passport" instead of a regular passport. It is my understanding that "Official passports" can only be used if you are going on "official" business (eg government work).

Any case, I think you should get a tourist visa like the rest of your family to avoid troubles.