Originally Posted by
bocastephen
So now it seems possible that the OP received the electronic approval but did not go forward with actually applying for the e-visa online, but that theory I believe would depend on when the trip was booked. IIRC, when Japan initially “opened”, only supervised tours were allowed from designated vendors who took care of the entire process including getting the visa issued.
You could arrange a supervised tour directly with an agency in Japan, which wouldn't be able to get you the visa. They would be then only able to provide the ERFS which you then use to apply with the local consulate. It's not been clear from OP's messages if he used a Japan-based or US-based agency. The e-Visa system only went live latter part of August, so if he had gotten his visa before that, then there is only the physical visa attached to a passport available. There is no e-visa issued prior to I think 19/20th August.