Creating a Proxy Cash Card at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

My Main Bank is...

My main bank is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). I've been using the account my family set up for me since I was young. Recently, when I went to reflect my change of name due to marriage, I was happy to see that the card design had been updated. This made me even more attached to it.

By the way, I also have a Wise account set up to withdraw money overseas.

This time, I learned that a proxy cash card that my husband could use could be created, so I went ahead and made one.

Proxy Cash Card

A proxy cash card is a service where the account holder (in this case, me) can apply in advance at the bank to issue a cash card for a proxy (in this case, my husband). It's worth noting that the proxy can be a second-degree relative or closer.

With this proxy cash card, the proxy can use ATMs just like the account holder.

I had assumed this service was mainly for elderly family members, but it seems that it can also be used for couples who want to share a joint account, not just for elderly relatives.

I used to think it might be tricky just for cohabiting couples or partners (I haven't thoroughly researched common-law marriage situations, so make sure to check), but I realized that marriage has legal implications.

Procedure at the Bank

To create a proxy cash card, you need to bring the following three items to a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch:

Personal identification documents
届出印（Hanko, name stamp）
Passbook or cash card

When you visit a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch, you can easily inquire about the requirements at the reception desk. Let them know that you want to create a proxy cash card.

Although it's called a proxy cash card, it's more like printing an additional cash card under my name. Since I was personally present at the bank, they didn't ask for a reason beyond "It's a cash card for my husband."

I had recently changed my hanko, so I was aware of it, but if you're not sure, you can bring a few potential stamps and have them confirmed on the spot.

Maybe because I didn't have a reservation, there were few open windows during weekday afternoons, and some windows were busy, so I think I waited for about 30 minutes. During that time, I filled out the application form and completed the procedure at the called window.

During the procedure, they verified the account information I had written on the application form and whether the name written in the proxy section was that of a family member. I also set the PIN number for the proxy card (it can be the same as my own cash card).

If there are no issues with this procedure, the card is said to arrive at your home in about 10 days.

Even though I had just reissued my own card when changing my name, I completely forgot that it wouldn't be issued on the same day (it might vary by branch).

Points to Note for the Proxy Cash Card

By the way, there are a few points to note for the proxy cash card. If any card-related procedures are required, such as changing the PIN number, the account holder (myself) needs to perform the procedures at the bank, not the proxy.

While immediate card-related procedures are unlikely, it's important to be mindful so that if the need arises, you won't make a mistake.

Also, since my name is written on the card's surface, I need to explain this to the proxy (my husband). I also need to make sure not to confuse it with my own card.

Conclusion: About the Proxy Cash Card

Although I had been preparing for this for a while and went to the bank with the attitude of "Let's do it!", I surprisingly managed to create the card quite easily.

Although there are some points to be cautious about, having a family card for "just in case" situations with trustworthy family members brings a sense of reassurance.

This time, I went to make a cash card with the idea of having it for cases where my husband could assist if there were delays in my transfers while studying abroad. However, since it could also be useful in scenarios where I might be hospitalized or unable to access the bank for an extended period in the future, it might become a lifelong card.

Even though I had been a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation user for many years, I didn't know about the possibility of creating a proxy cash card. If this article can be helpful to someone in a similar situation, I would be happy.

Recommended Reading!

A Special Photo Wedding Experience at Tokyo National Museum

Introduction

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, instead of having a traditional wedding ceremony, we decided to have a "photo-only wedding" at the Tokyo National Museum. We entrusted the services of ecoo, the shop we have been working with for consultations and dress selection. After eagerly awaiting, we finally received the completed photographs through digital delivery.

Our Special Wedding Venue

We chose the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno as our wedding venue. 

This decision was influenced by our mutual love for art and cultural spaces. Even before we consciously realized our feelings for each other, we had often visited this place together, both as a group of friends and as individuals. The museum exudes art and culture and has gained popularity as a filming location, including being featured in the drama series "Hanzawa Naoki."

Reliable Support from Ecoo

The realization of our photo wedding would not have been possible without the support of Ecoo. The staff at Ecoo took the time to listen to our ideas and worked with us to capture the images we envisioned. Despite our spontaneous decision-making style throughout our journey to marriage, the Ecoo team offered various suggestions and support, going above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Their willingness to communicate via email, even during late hours due to our work schedules, made the process extremely convenient for us.

Stunning Photos with Beautiful Lighting

Finally, the day arrived when we received the long-awaited photographs. 

To honor my husband's request, I patiently waited until he returned home before opening the email containing the download link. The next day, despite having work commitments, we prioritized viewing the photos together. As we viewed the pictures, we were amazed by how the lighting created a distinct ambiance, completely transforming the indoor setting. The Ecoo team's technical expertise and effective use of lighting truly brought out the best in us. We realized that capturing such remarkable moments would have been impossible with just our smartphones.

Creating Wedding Announcement Postcards with the Photos

Now, we plan to select our favorite images and use them to create wedding announcement postcards. These postcards will serve as a means to share our cherished memories with our loved ones. We believe that the beautiful photos will effectively convey our happiness and joy.

In the email notification we received, we learned that Ecoo offers photography services for various milestone events beyond photo weddings. The stunning results and the pleasant experience we had with Ecoo make us eager to continue working with them for future occasions. We are grateful for the incredible photos and the opportunity to meet everyone involved, which made our photo wedding an unforgettable experience.

Our special photo wedding experience at Tokyo National Museum exceeded our expectations. With the reliable support of Ecoo, we were able to capture our dream-like moments in the most perfect way. 

Now, we are excited to create wedding announcement postcards using these remarkable photos. The postcards will allow us to share our precious memories with our dear ones, and we are confident that the happiness emanating from the photos will touch their hearts. Lastly, we can't help but feel a sense of pride in saying, "We had the whole museum to ourselves!"

Blissful Tea Time♪ Exclusive Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo Experience

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo

I received a gift voucher from a wedding celebration, and wanting to make the most of it by enjoying something together, we made a dinner reservation at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo.

Dining at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is known for its refined cuisine and high-quality service. Interestingly, perhaps due to the economic downturn or the increasing number of inbound tourists, the restaurant was filled with mostly foreign visitors (at least those not conversing in Japanese), creating an atmosphere that made us feel like we were in another country.

Now, did you know there's a secret element that makes dining here even more special?

That secret is the Mandarin Oriental Tea, an original blend called Mandarin Oriental Tea. In this blog, I would like to write about the Mandarin Oriental Tea that I encountered during my dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo - "Keshiki"

Keshiki is a restaurant located on the top floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking views (keshiki) to enjoy.

When we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for dinner, we were immediately captivated by the sophisticated interior and pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant staff welcomed us with smiles and escorted us to our window-side table, as we had requested during the reservation made over the phone. The course was already pre-booked as well.

The dishes looked something like this.

I rarely have the opportunity to enjoy such a high-end hotel course, except for when attending someone's wedding. The courses consisted of a variety of dishes, perfectly portioned and exuding a luxurious blend of Japanese and Western flavors.

Dessert time arrived, and the waiter came to take our drink order.

Among the options, what caught my attention was the Mandarin Oriental Tea, part of the special services offered by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

This tea is an exclusive blend made by LUPICIA, combining Chinese Fujian province's oolong tea with the citrusy aroma of bergamot. It is known for its deep flavor and delightful fragrance, spreading a pleasant sensation from the moment it touches your lips.

According to the waiter, the Mandarin Oriental Tea is not served in any other hotels or restaurants, not even at other Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world, including those in Malaysia.

In other words, this unique experience can only be enjoyed at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo.

I felt an even greater sense of luxury and indulgence.

As the tea was served, I took a sip and was mesmerized by the deliciousness of Mandarin Oriental Tea. The rich flavor of oolong tea filled my mouth, accompanied by the gentle citrusy scent of bergamot. The aftertaste was smooth and enticing, making me crave for more cups of this enchanting tea.

The tea paired perfectly with the dessert, allowing us to savor the exquisite balance.

Sipping on Mandarin Oriental Tea while enjoying the surrounding ambiance and views was truly a blissful moment.

Even the conversations with my husband, whom I usually spend time with more as friends than in a romantic setting, became even more enjoyable.

Filled with gratitude for the hospitality of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, we experienced a truly blissful time.

A Luxurious Moment

The dinner experience at Mandarin Oriental Hotel has become a wonderful memory of our wedding celebration.

Among all, the highlight was being able to enjoy the special tea, Mandarin Oriental Tea, which is exclusively available at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It made our time even more joyous and fulfilling.

I highly recommend this unique tea experience, which can also be enjoyed during afternoon tea or other occasions at the restaurant.

No Worries About Changing Last Names! New Favorite Hanko with My First Name

The Dilemma of Choosing a Name for My Hanko

As I'm getting married, my last name will change.

Regarding my new last name hanko (personal seal), I had previously made one using a "Hanko Vending Machine."

However, I was a bit worried about using it for official purposes like banking transactions because it can be easily duplicated.

So, I thought about getting a new seal. But since I plan to continue using my maiden name for work, I won't completely abandon my old name hanko either.

Therefore, I decided to create a hanko using my first name so that I can use it in any situation after marriage.

Purchasing a Hanko from "Nishino Workshop" on Rakuten Ichiba

I chose to purchase the hanko from "Nishino Workshop," which is available on Rakuten Ichiba.

"Nishino Workshop" is a shop where two Kyoto craftsmen, Mr. Seiichi Inokuchi (hand-engraved seal) and Mr. Kiminori Yamazaki (hand-finished carving), make hankos by hand.

The deciding factors for my choice were the trial price, the craftsmen's hand-engraved seal, and the hand-finished carving! Moreover, the hanko comes with a guarantee, providing peace of mind in case of any issues. It's truly a hanko shop where everything I wanted is available.

When placing the order, you need to specify whether the last name or first name should be engraved on the seal surface. I initially thought I would have to provide detailed instructions, but the material and design are already determined, so you can easily place an order.

However, the delivery time is about one month, so it may not be suitable if you have an imminent need. But if you prioritize design and price, it's highly recommended.

The New Hanko Has Arrived at Home

Now, this hanko with my first name arrived at my home the other day.

Unfortunately, I can't show the finished product because it contains personal information, but it's amazing!

The black buffalo horn material feels more solid compared to the plastic seals I have used frequently in the past, and I like it. The envelope also contains a postcard-sized "Engraving Certificate," which serves as a commemoration of when I purchased this seal.

Since I will be using the hanko for various purposes such as marriage registration and changing the bank's registered seal, I hope it will be very useful and play a significant role.

Who is My 'Immediate Supervisor'? A Solution When Unsure About Announcing Marriage at Work! Consideration for Others is Important Too!

Announcing My Marriage

With my decision to study abroad in Malaysia, our originally planned wedding date got moved up due to the time required for obtaining a student visa in Malaysia.

Now, while it is not a problem procedurally since I had already inquired with the HR department, it is still necessary to inform my immediate supervisor in my department.

Considering the possibility of being transferred to a different department upon returning, I could potentially travel without mentioning it, but since there's no need to hide it, I thought it would be best to share the news.

Although I don't know when it will happen, I also want to avoid the situation of someone asking, "When did you get married!?" when I take maternity or childcare leave.

Before the question of inviting my supervisor to the wedding, there is no need for them to save the date as I don't have any plans for a wedding.

Who is My "Immediate Supervisor"?

This is where I encountered a dilemma. Who exactly is my "immediate supervisor"?

In the current work environment, the person with personnel authority is the section chief, with positions like assistant section chief or team leader in between.

When it comes to referring to my "immediate supervisor" in internal administrative procedures, it usually means the section chief, whom I may visit to get a seal. However, in terms of day-to-day tasks, I interact more with the assistant section chief or team leader level superiors.

In this case, I'm unsure who I should report my marriage to first.

I searched the internet and found others who were also struggling with this issue, but each situation was different.

I read many posts on platforms like "Yahoo Chiebukuro" and "Hatsugen Komachi."

However, I noticed that older articles from about 10 years ago tended to pop up, and the circumstances regarding women's advancement in society and workplace attitudes have significantly changed. Therefore, I couldn't rely on them as references.

Moreover, since I graduated from university and joined the company at a slightly older age than fresh graduates, although I'm at an age where it's quite common for people of my generation to be married, from another perspective, I'm still a second-year employee.

It might be a bit early to make a marriage announcement, and it's possible that my case is not common, as I'm at the bottom of the hierarchy with many higher-ranking officials.

While researching, I also stumbled upon articles where assistant section chiefs or team leaders expressed dissatisfaction, stating that they would have preferred to be informed first rather than the section chief.

Isn't it unnecessarily complicated to make a marriage announcement by simply saying, "I'm getting married"?

Asking Senior Brides for Advice

Since there was a person in the company who recently got married, I went out for lunch with her and asked for advice. I wanted to know about any local rules within the company.

She also shared stories from other people who got married. It seems that senior brides often choose the standard approach of informing their colleagues after work hours or mentioning it during meetings.

Activating the "Secret Technique" for Announcing Marriage

As for me, I ended up using a "secret technique."

Instead of individually approaching each person, which would be difficult timing-wise and make me nervous, I waited until after regular working hours and approached those who were unsure about whom to inform, announcing it to them collectively.

I also sent an email to those who I couldn't inform in person because I don't stay late due to family circumstances. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to directly inform some individuals in private on another occasion, so it should be fine.

Consideration in the Age of COVID-19

By the way, since the company has diverse employment types and age groups, I told others that I didn't want to openly discuss my marriage. Along those lines, I declined any celebration from my department colleagues, as their kind thoughts were more than enough.

Both my partner and I prefer not to be the center of attention.

Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there haven't been many social gatherings or off-site events, and I thought that if fundraising or similar activities for celebrations were initiated, it might involve people who don't necessarily desire a close relationship at work. Therefore, I declined any celebration.

Declining a celebration may be considered rude, but in exchange, I am expressing my desire to receive the well wishes of those who want to congratulate us. I think it's alright.

I don't need material gifts; I'm content with the idea of having a meal together before my study abroad in six months.

Creating a One-of-a-Kind Wedding Ring at Yokohama Renri: The Result and Price

Want to Make Our Wedding Rings by Hand

When it came to getting married, I had always wanted to make our wedding rings by hand, even before I found my partner. I didn't have any specific preferences for luxury brands or flashy stones. I simply wanted a ring that would make me happy to wear.

When I expressed this desire, my partner found a shop called "renri" for me. Since I love the history and culture of Yokohama, he chose a store in Yokohama for us.

Renri is an atelier started by a jewelry designer and a ring craftsman, and its name evokes the image of "happily ever after" with the phrase "比翼連理" (hiyoku-renri).

https://renri.jp/

The shop (atelier) is located near either Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station on the Minatomirai Line of Yokohama's rapid transit system. The building itself looks like an apartment, but as you climb the stairs, you come across the door to renri.

Design Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

In the handmade course, we first decide on the design together with the ring craftsman in charge of design. We had a rough idea of the desired design based on the photos on renri's website and Instagram, but we didn't have a clear image in mind. In addition to photos, the shop had actual ring samples made of different metals and designs, allowing us to try on and discuss various options without worrying about sizes.

I had seen other shops where you could make rings by hand, but I thought this place was particularly meticulous and thorough in the design process.

Even with similar silver-colored metals like platinum and white gold, I could see the difference in shades when I tried them on, and I realized how patterns and color transitions could change the impression of the rings.

The art of ring making is truly fascinating.

Production Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

Once the design is finalized, we move directly to the production booth. We were able to choose the color of the work apron to match our outfit preferences. Additionally, in the production corner, they had a display with our initials.

Now, what is that metal rod for? It serves as the prototype of the ring. We were able to handcraft the rings ourselves, shaping them into ring form and adding the design with the guidance and advice of the ring craftsman, even for someone like me, who is prone to being absent-minded and clumsy.

Though I was a bit nervous about using the burner to soften the metal, looking back at the photos, I was quite satisfied with the results. There were also parts where we used a hammer to shape and add patterns to the rings.

How Did Our Handmade Wedding Rings Turn Out?

Since we requested our names to be engraved on the inside of the rings, including the finishing work, it took about two weeks in total.

And here are the rings we received the other day.

The one without shine has a pattern called "布目" (nunome), an original design by renri.

According to the information from "Mynavi Wedding," the average purchase price for wedding rings is around 299,000 yen.

As for the rings we handmade at renri, the price varies depending on adding stones or additional work, but for designing our desired rings and experiencing the production process, it cost us around the mid-200,000 yen range for two wedding rings.

I think it's fantastic to be able to create rings filled with memories while also being kind to our wallets. I'm glad we chose to make them by hand, and I'm glad we chose this shop.

You Might Meet the Shop's Mascot Cat

By the way, you might have a chance to meet their mascot cats, Saku and Mitsuki. They watch over the ring-making process from nearby and are friendly and soothing.

The Pros and Cons of Getting Married Before Studying Abroad for Women in their Late 20s: What About Using Both Old and New Surnames in the Passport?

By the way, let's talk about getting married.

At this stage before studying abroad, I find myself unable to proceed with concrete administrative tasks despite wanting to quickly complete the procedures, as obtaining a student visa for Malaysia seems to take time.

Originally, we had planned to get married within this year, but due to the decision to study abroad, we decided to advance the wedding date. Specifically, we are planning to proceed with the marriage procedures before obtaining the student visa, which involves linking it with the name on my passport.

The benefits of getting married before studying abroad

Generally, the advantages of getting married before studying abroad include not having to worry if your partner will wait for you until after the study abroad period and the possibility of leaving your belongings in your current home if someone (such as family) remains in Japan.

In addition to these, personally, I consider it advantageous to have my spouse as the designated emergency contact required for various procedures. While studying abroad is an individual endeavor in choosing a school, it has been revealed that there have already been several instances where providing emergency contact information for unforeseen circumstances, similar to when submitting documents to schools or workplaces in Japan, is necessary.

If your family can provide contact information, that would be fine, and it may even be acceptable to ask your family to relay messages to your spouse. However, I thought it would be worrisome if there was no communication between myself and my significant other, who is important to me, especially considering that our families have not yet begun to establish a relationship before the marriage.

The drawbacks of getting married before studying abroad

Regarding my case, neither my partner nor my relatives oppose my decision to study abroad immediately after marriage. They have been supportive as I have always expressed my desire to study abroad and live overseas.

However, if you are the one changing your surname due to marriage, the most troublesome aspect is dealing with the name change procedures.

In my case, since I am planning to change my name, I will need to update my passport with the new name, as well as change the name on credit cards that are likely to be used abroad. Each of these processes will take a few weeks.

Furthermore, although I plan to complete the procedures with the certificates that can be obtained using the new surname for now, there are certain documents, such as university transcripts, that can only be obtained using the maiden name. Therefore, I had to extensively research methods to prove that the maiden name and the new name belong to the same person, just to be safe.

Procedures to prove the same person with the new and maiden surnames

Note that you should conduct your own research for the latest information when proceeding with these procedures. However, it is likely that the following steps will be involved:

While in Japan, translate the family register extract into English and have it notarized at the local ward office. Then, obtain authentication from the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

Once in Malaysia, request a family register extract and issue an English version of it at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

Issuance of various certificates.www.my.emb-japan.go.jp

The procedures in Japan would require taking time off on weekdays, and it seems quite cumbersome. However, these are the procedures that need to be done, and if necessary, I can only say that I will do my best.

Passport: Keep the maiden name, change it to the new name, or use both?

In the case of a honeymoon trip, if changing your name and not being able to obtain a new passport in time, it is possible to travel with both the old surname on the passport and the tickets.

It feels somewhat odd to be called by a recently changed name, and I wondered if there was a way to study abroad using the maiden name in a similar way to a honeymoon trip. However, as Japanese certificates to prove my identity will be issued with the new surname from now on, and I also plan to change the name on credit cards, I decided to have consistency and use the new surname in my passport.

If it doesn't work out in time, the worst-case scenario would be to travel to the study abroad destination (in my case, Malaysia) and then proceed with the procedures at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

As for using both the maiden and new surnames, although I personally would like to do so, I have decided not to (i.e., the passport will only have the new surname) because explaining this at immigration checkpoints during travel, not only in Malaysia but also in any future overseas travels, seems to be a hassle.

Considering that in Malaysia, not only having different surnames for married couples but also having no surname at all is quite common, I am concerned about the potential complications in explaining this.

Advice for those contemplating marriage before studying abroad

In my case, I simply accelerated my originally planned marriage before studying abroad, but there may be opinions suggesting that it's unnecessary to get married before studying abroad. As alternatives, you could prepare the documents and have one of the partners submit them, or perhaps there is no rush to get married.

While I decided to get married, I became unsure about the necessary procedures before studying abroad. If there are others who are also struggling with the decision of getting married before studying abroad and the associated procedures, I hope this discussion can be helpful, and I plan to write further articles on this topic in the future.