This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Even with the passport not filed, there is a chance that the 法務局 will accept your application. But that chance depends heavily on how convincing and how honest your explanation of the situation is. Writing an account of what happened, and filing material to fill the gap, are the important parts.
An enquirer whose passport renewal will not be ready by the date planned for filing the application.
It is treated as the most important official document proving who you are and what nationality you hold.
A passport is the most important official document proving the applicant's identity and nationality. In a naturalisation application, a valid passport, or the original of an expired one, is in principle asked for, so that your identity can be confirmed when you file and your past entries and departures can be checked. If no passport is filed, the 法務局 can also refuse to accept the application at all and send it back, on the ground that the requirement is not met.
A full written account, material to fill the gap, and talking to the counter in advance are likely to help.
The key point is whether the missing passport seriously gets in the way of screening the requirements.
Without a passport, your past departures and re-entries cannot be checked, which may get in the way of screening the continuous residence requirement. Your past entries and departures can be checked by asking the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) separately for a 出入国記録 (record of entries and departures). Requesting this record yourself, before the 法務局 asks for it, and including it with your documents is an effective way to cover the missing passport.
There is a chance that it will be accepted, but that chance depends heavily on how convincing and how honest your explanation of the situation is.
Your past departures and re-entries cannot be checked, which may get in the way of screening the continuous residence requirement.
A copy of the old expired passport, copies of both sides of your 在留カード, documents proving your nationality, a document from the embassy showing that a renewal application is in progress, and the 出入国記録 you request from the 地方出入国在留管理局.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.