Embassy of Japan in the UK — Local services in London

First of all I'd like to say that the Japanese staff are fantastic. I've never had anything other than a stellar experience from them and I appreciate that.

The English staff however...wow. Prepare yourself for a new low in service quality.

My Japanese wife just spoke to a man called "Tom Meanwell" over the phone, with an important query regarding COVID-19 testing for Japan.

My father-in-law is incredibly ill and acutely susceptible to COVID-19, therefore we are taking every step we can to shield him from it, as we travel to assist him in two weeks' time.

My wife was asking, in Japanese, about the testing parameters for dictating 'Positive' and 'Negative'. She assumed the embassy most likely wouldn't have that information to hand, but wanted to ask anyway on the off-chance she was wrong.

This "Tom Meanwell" didn't mean well at all. He was ASTONISHINGLY rude. Utterly dismissive, condescending, and apathetic. I've never once in my life heard such a truly hideous attitude from someone in a service position.

"Tom" consistently gave answers such as: "I can't help you. Go and help yourself..." "I don't know. Contact the Japanese government..." "Call the Japanese Employment Ministry..."_ "No." "That's not my job." "Just go and deal with it yourself."

To finish this all off, he went quiet for 20 seconds after my wife had asked a question, and after this pause, he said - and I quote - "I was filling out a form. I finished. You can ask a question now." - good god almighty that attitude.

A simple 'I am sorry Mrs. _ but I don't have access to this sort of information and it would be irresponsible of me to give you any answers without confirmation from the Japanese Health Service. I would suggest contacting the Japanese Ministry of Health. I wish I could help more."

It would take all of 60 seconds to explain that and the call would be over.

In addition - much like the experience of many others here - the English woman with long hair has some sort of God complex because she was atrociously rude. Perhaps if not for COVID she would have demanded I kissed her feet in exchange for my visa.

"Why have you included this bank account?" "Additional evidence" "But it's unnecessary..." "OK...I just wanted to make sure there was ample evidence of my elligibility. We can just take it out." "But why did you include it?!" "It's no big deal just take it out if you don't need it...I don't understand the issue." "No it's fine."

What the......was that? A tantrum? From Embassy staff?

Both of these English staff seemingly made it their mission to be as rude and passive-aggressive as they possibly could. They should be kept away from the General Public, it's disgusting. Even if your job is frustrating, it's your job.

On the flip-side, the Japanese staff were all incredible. As expected. Always polite and helpful and friendly no matter how annoying you are. What a shame that's tarnished by the...

I booked my visa appointment through the official website and visited the Japanese Embassy a week ago. The location was easy to find, clearly marked with a large Japanese flag. I was politely greeted at the entrance and directed to security.

Unfortunately, the security officer was unprofessional, offering no verbal instructions and relying solely on gestures. When I removed my keys and wallet from my coat pocket, assuming it was like an airport check, he abruptly questioned me ''What is that?'' and pointed to a tray without explanation. After the check, he sat down, sighed, and closed his eyes, which came across as discourteous.

In contrast, the rest of the staff were helpful and courteous. The person at the first counter explained the process clearly and directed me to the ticket machine. I was seen quickly, and the lady at the service counter was professional, friendly, and reassuring. I was informed I could collect my visa in seven days, and pay in cash.

On collection day, the staff remained excellent, but the same security officer’s behaviour was unchanged. A simple, polite instruction would have made a significant difference. I would have rated the experience 5 out of 5, but due to the repeated lack of professionalism at security, I can only...

I literally can’t believe that one of the staff at the counter was SO RUDE! She has curly long hair and is white (probably British). Such bad manners, literally the worst service I’ve ever seen! I went to collect my visa today and was just texting a message at the counter while she was away to get my passport. She didn’t give me a shout or say anything when she came back so I didn’t notice, then she literally blamed me like “I’ve waited here for a while, have you finished your texting? Put your phone away!” I then put my phone on the table, but she repeated ”Put your phone away and away! I’ve been waiting here for long blablablah...” To be fair, I texted a message bc I didn’t expect her to come back so quickly and, I was sure it wouldn’t be more than 10 seconds while she said she had been waiting “so long”.

One star is just too much for them, I’ve never seen such a rude and unfriendly embassy before. Terrible first impression, I hope Japan is not as disappointing as...