I was told, when I got hired recently, that one big problem now is the time of year. People in the government go on holiday in August, and then Ramadan will start sometime in September. So point being the government is shorter-staffed, and then almost completely closed through September.

It's frustrating, especially when you're waiting to get out and get started, but I just think you have to hold on a bit longer. Things just move at their own pace, and as is the case with many countries, foreigners often take a place at the back of the queue. Or at least that's how Japan's government works. You get there first, you're helped last.