What do I need to do to move to Japan with future husband?

I'm American, he is Japanese. We're getting married in the courthouse next spring, here in america. We'll stay here for a couple more years after, but intend to move to Japan if we have to. (I met him as we're both students in college a few years ago, he transferred from Japan)

First question, is, do I need to do extra paperwork to have our marriage recognized in Japan? (I'm a bit dim on this...)
Also, I remember I have to apply for a visa, and I think I have to have at least a four year degree correct? I'm okay with knowing the steps...I just need to know what to do. (haha)

Just any help and extra knowledge is appreciated. We'd like to know what comes up ahead, and I am pretty sure its not easy, that's fine.

Q #1. Yes, you will need to do paper work to have the marriage recognized in Japan.
Q #2. If you do the paper work, you should be able to get a spouse visa and no requirements are needed except that you are married and is recognized by Japanese authorities.

My suggestion is to go to the Japanese embassy nearest you with your fiance and ask about the necessary steps to to both of the above.

If you're not already doing so, begin an earnest and intensive study of the language, including reading and writing.

Mike Cash said:

If you're not already doing so, begin an earnest and intensive study of the language, including reading and writing.

Click to expand...

Oh, I've been studying and teaching myself since I was young. :] My kanji is horrible, however, but it is a work in progress. I interpreted before for him before his English improved, and a few friends and groups however.

browniegirl said:

Oh, I've been studying and teaching myself since I was young. :] My kanji is horrible, however, but it is a work in progress. I interpreted before for him before his English improved, and a few friends and groups however.

Click to expand...

That's good to hear. Double up on the kanji, though. Things are about to get real and you're going to need them.

Mike Cash said:

That's good to hear. Double up on the kanji, though. Things are about to get real and you're going to need them.

Click to expand...

I know, I just came back from Japan. I go every year now, and I only was able to progress to being able to read only 200...and almost half of it is for names, usually.

>< Next question, best book/method for catching up on kanji? xD

My husband and I are preparing to move to Japan also and going through the same things.
Make sure you get your marriage registered and onto your husband's koseki in Japan, because you need that to get the spouse visa.
We didn't do it right away, since we weren't thinking about ever living in Japan at the time. But once we decided to and started doing visa things, we had to register me on the koseki, went to the marriage registration place in his hometown and got the paperwork and copies of my passport, etc., BUT since we waited a while, we couldn't use the marriage license we had (as it had to be less than three months old, I think) and instead had to go back home and get a more recent one issued, and now we've sent that back to Japan with all the paperwork to finish filing the marriage (having his parents do it for us). So anyway, just be sure you register the marriage in Japan soon, otherwise it'll be more difficult to go back and do later!