Article 4. For the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities provided for in this Law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall have the powers as listed below. Such powers shall, however, be exercised in accordance with treaties, the established laws of nations, and domestic laws (including orders issued thereunder):
(1) To make within the limits of budgetary appropriations those acts pertaining to expenditures necessary for carrying out its responsibilities;
(2) To collect revenues and make payments necessary for carrying out its responsibities;
(3) To establish and maintain offices and other facilities directly required for carrying out its responsibilities;
(4) To procure office supplies and other materials directly required for the carrying out of its responsibilities;
(5) To dispose of unnecessary property;
(6) To administer personnel affairs, including appointment, dismissal, awards and discipline;
(7) To establish and maintain facilities required for the welfare and health of personnel;
(8) To establish and maintain housing to be rented to personnel;
(9) To distribute or publish documents, research data and statistics concerning the affairs under its jurisdiction;
(10) To inspect the affairs under its jurisdiction and to take such measures as may be required in accordance with the provisions of laws or orders;
(11) To adopt the official seals of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
(12) To negotiate with foreign Governments and to participate in international organizations and conferences representing the Japanese Government;
(13) To prepare and deliver the full powers, the credentials and letters of recall of Ambassadors and Ministers, and the letters of commission of Consuls and Honorary Consuls;
(14) To accept the full powers of foreign diplomatic representatives, the credentials and letters of recall of Ambassadors and Ministers of foreign countries, and the letters of commission of foreign Consuls and Honorary Consuls, ann to prepare and deliver the exequaturs of foreign Consuls;
(15) To conclude, interpret and execute treaties and other international agreements and to dispose of legal matters concerning foreign relations;
(16) To negotiate with foreign authorities or to render assistance in commercial transactions for the purpose of protecting and promoting interest in commerce and navigation;
(17) To negotiate with foreign authorities, to conciliate or mediate civil cases which have arisen between Japanese nationals or between Japanese and foreign nationals, or to accept and register reports filed in connection with personal status, for the purpose of protecting the person and property of Japanese nationals abroad;
(18) To assist and protect and to take other necessary actions in connection with the foreign travels and emigration of Japanese nationals;
(19) To issue and visa passports;
(20) To administer affairs concerning the treatment of foreign nationals, etc. residing in Japan;
(21) To certify documents issued by Japanese or foreign authorities with regard to matters of personal status or other facts having relations to Japan and a foreign country;
(22) To release to the public, matters concerning foreign relations;
(23) To make recommendation with regard to the award of honors to foreigners and to Japanese nationals residing in foreign countries;
(24) To give permission or approval to incorporated associations or incorporated foundations under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
(25) To take necessary actions with regard to the liquidation of public and private Japanese property and liabilities. enterprises and other establishments in Korea, Formosa, Saghalien, Kwantung Province, the South Sea Islands and other areas;
(26) To administer affairs concerning the repataiation of Japanese nationals;
(27) To request organs of the National Government or of the local public bodies to make investigation and report and to submit data necessary in executing the responsibilities of the Ministry;
(28) In addition to those listed in the preceding items, such powers as are placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by law (including orders issued thereunder) or necessary for implementing treaties or the established laws of nations.