I have a brief update on the visa application system. As stated above, JTB will be handling the application for the ERFS certificate that attendees will use to apply for their visa. JTB will begin processing these on the 15th of August. If you have applied for visa assistance, you should expect to hear from JTB one or two days after the 15th of August.
Following that, we expect JTB to process applications regularly, taking no more than 5 business days to process an application for visa assistance (probably much less for most people). To ensure you get your certificate on time, please respond quickly when JTB asks for information.
Also note that the certificate from JTB is not a visa! You will need to use it to apply for a visa from your local Japanese consulate or embassy. The time required to issue a visa varies considerably around the world, with a minimum of 5 working days in countries like the USA and considerably longer if you are from a country that does not normally have a visa arrangement with Japan. Apply for your certificate and your visa as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact the address provided when you registered for ROSCon. Please do not contact the JTB office by phone or email directly, as they will not be able to help you.