If presenting only Japanese documentation - Certified copy of Japanese family register, Japanese certificate of marriage etc. - it may be quicker than if presenting the same information in exotic, Canadian currency.

Also, I think going from "specialist" or "education" status (i.e. already living and working in Japan) to "spouse" might be easier than going from no visa to spouse.

As an update.

My multiple entry "Child of Japanese National" visa was approved in Vancouver. It took a week.

After entry into Japan, as joejoes clearly stated, I got a sticker in my passport giving me entry and residency status of 3 years.

The next day I went to the Immigration Bureau and got another sticker in my passportt that gave me multiple re-entry permission. This cost 6000 yen as others has mentioned. This took 30 minutes total to process at the office.

I then went to city hall and registered for my Alien Residency. This was free and it took 30 minutes total to process. I did need a certificate to apply for my drivers license which costs 300 yen per certificate.

All in all, it was a very smooth process.

Thank you all for your assistance