Dai Fought the Law: Kansai's Bilingual Immigration Officer

By Emily Millar

Daigo Sekimoto may not know how many lawyers it takes to change a lightbulb (apparently, it takes three: one to change it, and two to sue him for malpractice), but he's probably the only lawyer who knows how to change a bicycle tyre. Often spotted pedaling around Osaka with a backpack full of books and a head full of legal jargon, Mr Sekimoto works as an immigration solicitor dealing with foreign immigration procedures and visa issues. Japanzine pulled him over, and asked him to show us his qualifications, swearing to tell us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Tell us about your background and how you came to work as an immigration solicitor.

After I graduated from high school, I went into the Japanese Defense Forces because I really wanted to study at university on a scholarship. My major was Western History, which is, of course, different from Law. I wasn't thinking about entering the legal profession then. By the time I graduated, the Japanese economy was very bad due to the recession, so I registered at an HR company as a temp worker, like so many other people of my generation. Eventually, I decided to apply for my legal license, and studied to be a solicitor. I qualified after about 1 year. You might be surprised, but I've never worked abroad, and haven't even traveled overseas before! 

So what do you specialize in?

Particularly in immigration procedures, and I also deal in international marriages and company establishment. Most of my clients are foreigners who want to apply for legal residence status in Japan. 

You can help us with our visa issues?

I listen to my client's situation, and consider their case according to the immigration code. Then I propose a possible outcome, both positive and negative. I've had a lot of experience in cases that have been both approved and rejected. If ever a visa application is rejected by the immigration inspector, I always talk to the person in charge, so I can be sure of the reasons. Although there are around 2000 solicitors working in Osaka, there are very few who mainly deal with immigration cases. I handle about 80 cases per year, which I'm very proud of. 

What are the most common visa problems most foreigners in Japan run into?

I think it's hard to find work that matches the requirements for status of residence. If someone comes to Japan holding a temporary visa for 90 days, it is really difficult to change to a working visa because a certificate of eligibility is required, which can take about 2 or 3 months. Also, foreign workers always receive a longer period of stay than their work contract, which can cause a problem. For example, the working visa is for 3 years, but the working term on the contract is for 1 year. Sometimes people don't worry when they change their job because it's within the period of their visa, but if their new job doesn't match the criteria of their working visa conditions according to the Minister of Justice, they can't extend their period of stay any further. Be careful, friends!

If you have an immigration issue and you're thinking about going through an immigration law office, why not contact Daigo Sekimoto. An independent solicitor with a lot of experience dealing with foreign clients, he understands the needs of the foreign community, and offers his services at very reasonable prices. Email him at daigoseven@yahoo.co.jp. 

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