Honorary consuls are appointed to safeguard the interests of Japan and its people and to promote cultural exchange with foreign countries in regions or territories where Japan does not have a diplomatic mission. Their specific duties vary according to the local circumstances but normally involve such activities as helping Japanese citizens in emergencies and assisting with cultural exchange activities conducted locally by the Embassy of Japan.
Normally honorary consuls are people who are based in the regions or territories concerned. As they are not Japanese civil servants, there are limitations to the duties they are authorised to perform. For instance, they are not authorised to issue passports or visas and cannot authenticate documents related to nationality or residence.
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