Japan Visa, 2010

I submitted my visa application through a travel agent only 1.5 months before the trip. Normal process takes 4 working days but since I used a travel agent service I got it after 7 working days, fee was IDR 400.000,-

As long as you submit the complete requirements then you'll get it for sure, check THIS. You can find info on Japan Visa application HERE.

Let me summarize the requirements for visa application:
(1) Original Passport
(2) Fill in the APPLICATION
(3) Latest photo, color, white background, size 4.5 x 4.5cm
(4) Copy of ID
(5) Copy of ticket or flight booking
(6) Complete this form with your planned itinerary
(7) Latest 3 months Bank Statement
(8) Company recommendation -- not always asked, but I prepared it anyway.

At that time I applied with IDR 20.000.000,- in my bank account. I was about to go for 10 full days and was granted visa for 15 days. I hope nothing changed when I apply for my visa next year *crossing fingers*