Exchanging a European driving licence for a Japanese driving licence : impossible ?

Hello everyone,

I'm having a rough time right now. I was offered a job recently but it required me to have a Japanese driving licence. I just have a translation of my French licence for now, but it's going to expire soon. So I was looking into exchanging it for a Japanese one.

Apparently, you must take an appointment in 1 of 3 driving centers in Tokyo to do so. but the problem is that all the time slots a already full. And the reservation tool doesn't show time slot after October. Which is too late anyway, of course.

I was wondering if someone had to go through the same process recently. Did you go to the center without appointment? Did you miraculously find an available time slot?

Edit: miracles happen. I managed to find a canceled slot! I took it, but now I need a new interpreter, the person who was supposed to come with me cannot that day lol