Our friiend Jackie Bencke kindly forwarded this announcement regarding payment options for passport renweals from the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, Japan. The closest U.S. consulate to Kumamoto is in Fukuoka. Keep an eye on your passport expiration date. - William
As of the close of business on December 30, 2019, Japan Post Bank (Yu-cho Bank – ＪＰゆうちょ銀行) will no longer issue International Postal Money Orders. After this date, it will not be possible to purchase money orders for mail-in passport renewals in Japan outside of U.S. military installations as noted below.
The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages those citizens who wish to renew their passports by mail to do so prior to the end of this service. As of January 2020, most passport renewals in Japan will require in-person application at the U.S. Embassy or consulate.
For details on how to purchase an International Postal Money Order prior to December 30, 2019 please click here.
NOTE: this change does not impact U.S. Postal Service money orders. U.S. Embassy/consulates in Japan will continue to accept U.S. Postal Service money orders. U.S. Postal Service money orders will continue to be available for purchase on U.S. military installations in Japan by authorized personnel/family members, or at any post office in the United States.
Remember to make sure you have adequate validity in your U.S. passport to cover the duration of your stay outside the United States. Many countries (not Japan) require you have at least six-months validity on your passport.