COE/Visa Waiting Thread 2026

Hello, fellow hopeful Japan immigrants.
I'd thought it would be nice to connect with others who are also waiting for their COE/visa for Japan. The waiting is the hardest part, and I feel it'd make the time more enjoyable to do so with others who may be eagerly (or patiently!) waiting to make the move abroad, too.
I know the timeline ranges from 1 to 3 months. I've even seen on another forum a wait time of 3 weeks once.
Without further ado, here's my timeline:

Applied: Utsunomiya
When: June 24th, 2026
Visa: Humanties

How have you guys been passing the time? As for me, I've been researching about my company daily. as well as what life in my new home for the foreseeable future is like. Apparently, Ustunomiya is famous for gyoza—lucky!

Welcome to the forum @ponzujyuusu!

I hope your wait goes quickly!

Most of us aren't in the same stage of their Japanese journey so you probably won't hear much about that. Utsunomiya is convenient since you have access to the Shinkansen there. You can get to Tokyo in an hour. And yes you should be able to find some good gyoza. Here's a gyoza lunch I had there last year when we went out to visit a customer.

mdchachi said:

Most of us aren't in the same stage of their Japanese journey so you probably won't hear much about that. Utsunomiya is convenient since you have access to the Shinkansen there. You can get to Tokyo in an hour. And yes you should be able to find some good gyoza. Here's a gyoza lunch I had there last year when we went out to visit a customer.

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Do I see nihonshu in that pic??

Petaris said:

Welcome to the forum @ponzujyuusu!

I hope your wait goes quickly!

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Thank you, I appreciate it!

mdchachi said:

Most of us aren't in the same stage of their Japanese journey so you probably won't hear much about that. Utsunomiya is convenient since you have access to the Shinkansen there. You can get to Tokyo in an hour. And yes you should be able to find some good gyoza. Here's a gyoza lunch I had there last year when we went out to visit a customer.

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mdchachi said:

Most of us aren't in the same stage of their Japanese journey so you probably won't hear much about that. Utsunomiya is convenient since you have access to the Shinkansen there. You can get to Tokyo in an hour. And yes you should be able to find some good gyoza. Here's a gyoza lunch I had there last year when we went out to visit a customer.

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Glad to know Tokyo is so close. I have lived there previously for a little bit and as overhyped as it may seem, Tokyo is pretty much the best place to live in Japan, in my opinion. Sure it's crowded, but the sheer convenience, international aspect and access to more countryside life is a huge selling point. If I don't get a license after moving, I see myself moving there within the next year.
Thanks for the pic! Can I ask what your overall impression of Utsunomiya or Tochigi?

thomas said:

Do I see nihonshu in that pic??

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Unfortunately not. This was a lunch set prior to our meeting. The clear liquid is お水.

ponzujyuusu said:

Tokyo is pretty much the best place to live in Japan, in my opinion.

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I agree but I'm also biased because that's the only place I've lived in Japan.

ponzujyuusu said:

Can I ask what your overall impression of Utsunomiya or Tochigi ?

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I didn't spend enough time to get a feel for it. Just seemed like a semi-rural/semi-urban place that should have everything you need for daily living. Of course there are some great tourist sites that you should definitely go see while you're there. Nikko and surroundings mainly but there are others too. Oze National Park, etc. If you like hiking you should take advantage of that region.