Consulate General of Japan in Sydney

I got the visa application approved on the first visit. No need to go back. Reasonable service. The officer did his job well. He took all my documents to the back behind closed doors and analysed my application for about 25mins. He must've analysed it very carefully. I was quite anxious while waiting. I provided every document exactly as they required in the checklist.
My advice for people who are applying for a Japanese visa is to do EXACTLY as they state in the checklist. Read and follow instructions carefully. Arrive at consulate at 8:30am (1hour) before opening time so you will be ahead in the cue otherwise you may miss out on getting a ticket or book online in advance. All the best.