Proceed the Marriage
Japan and Indonesia has many differences in marriage procedures. We had to decide where we want to proceed it, whether in Indonesia or in Japan first. As both of us were in Japan and we had to apply for visa afterwards, so we decided to get done in Japan first.
I found surprising cases during the procedures. For example, in Indonesia, even the marriage will be held by both Indonesia national, each person needs to get “Single Certificate” (certificate mentioned that you are not in a marriage), but husband said that he’s never heard such a certificate in Japan. He asked city hall and they said that, generally marriage between both Japanese national does not need such certificate, however, for international marriage where “Single Certificate” is required, city hall will issue the document. So, I think maybe not so many Japanese know the existence of the certificate.
Marriage in Japan is proceeded in city hall. As my documents were written in Bahasa Indonesia, I needed to get it translated into Japanese by Embassy of Republic of Indonesia before submit it to Japan city hall. After we got all required documents ready (including marriage registration/kon’in todoke), we went to city hall to get it proceeded (for list of documents needed, please refer to your Embassy’s homepage).
For Indonesia national, information about international marriage registration and document needed could be found here (In Bahasa Indonesia)
City hall person who proceed our documents called to other city hall who have experience in proceed international marriage and looked for some appropriate ways from a thick guide book. Again, I realized international marriage was still uncommon. Even so, person in charge quickly completed the necessary procedures and explained everything to us politely. It impressed me and made me fall in love (again) to Japan.
During the procedure, as I do not have family name (which is quite common in Indonesia), I confused how to write down my name on “Marriage Registration” sheet, where family name and last name need to be written down separately. In the end, I was allowed to write down my name just the way it is by ignoring border line for family name and last name. Moreover, I thought that I will, automatically, get my husband family name, but I was surprised it wasn’t. (*In Japan, if a woman marrying a man, her family name will be changed into her husband’s family name).
After all procedures in city hall completed, we got married in Islamic way (called nikah) at Embassy of Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo. We received two Indonesia marriage certificates (it is in passport size, with green and red cover) as a proof that we are now husband and wife.
A person from Embassy of Republic of Indonesia who took care of our nikah was very polite and gentle, he gave a gentle advice to husband, “There are a lot of haram things such as pork and alcohol here in Japan, but I believe as a Muslim, we can keep the faith, good luck and do your best!”.
For Indonesia national, procedure for nikah can be found here (In Bahasa Indonesia)
Alhamdullillah marriage procedure in Japan and Indonesia (Islamic) way ended safely. Remains was visa which I will share in next article.
