Japanese Embassy in South Africa
As with all embassies the Japanese Embassy in South Africa promotes good relations between Japan and South Africa as well as providing a number of consular services, such as the issuing of visas. The current Japanese Ambassador residing in South Africa is Mr. Akihiko Furuya.
The main office of the Japanese Embassy in South Africa is located in Baines Street of Pretoria. The hours of operation for the Consular section are 09:00 am to 12:30 pm, then 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm on Mondays through to Fridays. Those wishing to contact the Japanese Embassy in Pretoria can do so via telephone on +27 12 452 1500 or e-mail on info The Embassy of Japan in South Africa also has jurisdiction in Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia. South Africans desiring to travel to Japan will have to apply for a visa through the Japanese Embassy. The following documents are required when applying for a visa to Japan: a valid passport, completed application form, passport-size photograph, complete flight schedule and return air ticket. Those applying for a business visa will also require an original letter from their company as well as an invitation letter from the Japanese company to which they are going. Tourists applying for a Japanese visa will require in addition a daily itinerary, hotel bookings and a letter from the bank stating you have sufficient funds. Those living in the Cape who would like to apply for a visa can do so at the Consul of Japan in Cape Town. Contact details for the Cape Town office are: telephone - +27 21 425 1695.
Situated at the Embassy of Japan in South Africa's Pretoria is the Culture and Information Center. This Center offers people of other nationalities the opportunity to find out about Japanese culture. At the Embassy's Culture and Information Center there is an impressive collection books on Japan including the country's history, education, religion, economy, architecture, literature, culture and society. Also included in the collection are various Japanese newspapers and magazines. Videos with subtitles are screened daily at the center. Many of the books at the Japanese Embassy's Culture and Information Center are available on loan as are other items such as flags, paper lanterns, posters, paper dolls, clothing and traditional toys. The Japanese Embassy in South Africa certainly does much to promote its fascinating country.