There is no trial by jury, instead cases are tried by a panel of three judges. Depending on the complexity of the case, a trial could last for many months. Even with a guilty plea, a trial will consist of a minimum of two sessions. Prisoners normally receive partial credit for time served prior to the conviction. Only this registration constitutes legal marriage in Japan and is accepted as such throughout the United States.
Religious ceremonies are no legally valid marriages in Japan.
Diplomatic and consular officers cannot perform marriages. In an emergency, consular officers try to locate Americans believed to be in Japan. These requests normally originate with a family member in the United States. Occasionally we get child custody welfare and whereabouts requests made on behalf of minor children by a parent following a divorce or separation. The consular officer cannot take sides in such a dispute but will, if requested, attempt to locate children and transmit information to either parent regarding children's health and well-being.