Taking Depositions in Japan – Part 3

Sending Your Participant and Equipment Lists

Once you have your deposition room reserved and your deposition visa(s) secured, it’s time to send even more information to the Embassy/Consulate to ensure all intended participants may attend and bring whatever equipment they need to facilitate a successful deposition.

Two weeks before your depositions, send a list of all participants.  All participants who are not citizens of Japan must have a deposition visa, and all attendees must be on the list of participants sent to the Embassy or Consulate, or they will not gain entry to the respective diplomatic facility.  You will also need to send an equipment list, which lists the owner of the equipment, as well as make, model and serial number to be used.  Any equipment not included on the list will not be permitted into the building.  You may not bring any electronic equipment (such as a computer or video camera) into a U.S. diplomatic facility except those which have been pre-approved by the Embassy or Consulate General officials for recording the deposition.

It is important to note here a few security guidelines and access requirements.  Any equipment allowed into the Embassy or Consulate may not be connected to any network, whether wired or wireless.  Any removable USB device, smart card providing wireless capability, etc., must be removed from the computer/electronic device, and any non-removable wireless capability must be turned off, while on the Embassy or Consulate grounds.  Failure to comply with these requirements will result in removal from the Embassy or Consulate and/or a ban from the premises.  Other items not permitted into the Embassy or Consulate include:

• Cell phones (including iPhones and BlackBerry smartphones)
• Food or drink (there are vending machines available)
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Embassy or Consulate

There are additional deposition details online at the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo and U.S. Consulate, Osaka websites regarding office hours and facilities maps.

Once your list is received by the Embassy or Consulate, you are ready to travel to Japan and take your deposition(s)!  Of course, if you have any additional questions, please contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist.