I never said I was going through the consulate in Japan. Our daughter went to the Japanese consulate to renew her Japanese passport and they took less than 10 days. I have end of year travel plans, and a US passport expiring less than a month after the return date.

So I'd figure we'd apply for a renewal before the trip and I get hit with the news there's an insane delay for processing passports. At this point I'm waiting for the appointment, and considering my options.

So based upon what I read above, just keep the current travel plans, call the passport agency 2 weeks before the trip and get an emergency travel appointment - which I may not be able to get since the passport is valid during the travel period. However, it does not have the 90+ days of validity countries want to see upon entry. If I cannot get an appointment, no problem. But if I try to reapply, it appears we'll be screwed as we will be without a passport.