u/Confident-Coast-3313

Hey everyone, I’m planning to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa soon and wanted to gauge my chances given a recent "mixed" travel history.

• Previous Japan Travel: I had a Japan visa approved in the past and visited without issues. However, that stamp is in my old/expired passport. (I have since renewed my passport).
• Recent Rejection: I had a Schengen visa rejected last year.
• Recent Travel: Since the Schengen rejection, I have traveled to Bali and returned home on time to show a fresh "clean" travel record.

I intend to submit my current passport along with my old passport (containing the previous Japan visa) to show my history of compliance.

Questions:

1. How heavily will the Japanese consulate weigh the Schengen rejection against my previous successful Japan trip?
2. Has anyone else applied with a "proven" history in an old passport after a rejection elsewhere?
3. Should I proactively explain the Schengen rejection in my cover letter, or only if asked?