Japan visa delay + unusual request for credentials – need advice

Hey everyone, I need some advice regarding a Japan visa situation that has now become both delayed and a bit concerning.

Timeline:

27 Feb : Submitted passport for Japan visa

16 Mar : Visited VFS for follow-up; no updates

17 Mar : Visited VFS again; still no updates

18 Mar : Contacted by VFS; submitted additional documents the same day

19 Mar : Travel date (missed; had to cancel trip)

28 Mar : Still no passport / no clear update

8 Apr : Received a call from Japan Embassy asking me to call back tomorrow between working hours and provide login credentials of Income Tax Portal.

At this point, I’m mainly concerned about two things:

1. The long delay in getting my passport back

2. Whether it’s normal or safe for them to ask for income tax login credentials.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Is this request legitimate?

Any advice would really help. Thanks!