As mentioned in previous blogs, depositions in Japan are permitted only at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or at the U.S. Consulate in Osaka.  The Japanese Embassy and Consulate have strict requirements in place regarding scheduling and taking depositions in Japan.  In addition, there are certain access requirements that apply to all who visit the Embassy or Consulate.  Failure to follow these will result in non-admittance to the Embassy or Consulate, causing delays or cancellations of depositions.  Non-compliance can even result in a ban from the Embassy or Consulate.

Anyone entering the Embassy or Consulate must present a photo ID (passport is preferred) and subject his/her picture to a security screening.  No electronic devices will be permitted into the Embassy/Consulate unless they have been approved previously.  This approval should be requested two weeks prior to the deposition.  Each piece of equipment must be listed separately, with model and serial numbers.  For such approved equipment, no device may be connected to any network, either wired or wireless.  Any removable device providing wireless functionality must be removed from the computer or electronic device, and any non-removable wireless functionality must be turned off.  The wireless functionality must remain turned off for the entire duration on Embassy/Consulate premises.   To be clear, this means no wireless realtime is permitted.

Court Reporters, videographers and court reporting agencies experienced in taking depositions in Japan know these rules, follow them strictly and gladly provide assistance to lawyers and their legal teams to ensure compliance and avoid disappointment or embarrassment.