Shinagawa Immigration – no more postcards?

Partner has been renewing her visa, waiting a good month or two now. Last couple of days she received a bunch of missed calls from the main Immigration number (conveniently just before their offices close). We confirmed the number was legit. This isn't a scam.

She eventually managed to call back during work hours, and the attendant said that her visa was ready; come to XYZ counter with your passport.

Buh? Has Immigration done away with postcard notifications? Are they now making annoying-ass phone calls that you barely have time to answer, forcing you waste hours trying to call back, all for them to say, "your visa is ready"?

Anyone else experienced this?

Addendum: She also filled out her details on a postcard when originally doing the renewal, as one usually does.

by shambolic_donkey