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Feb 22, 2017

how to become Japanese?

Has anyone gone through the process of naturalization? My husband is currently becoming Japanese, but I'm curious how long it took others and what the interviews were like. I'll be interviewed about him next week

edthethe

edthethe

American step mom with beautiful Brazilian babies. Raising them in Japan. I'm a crafter too

8 Answers



  • Ashes

    on Feb 22

    Does he have a special claim to being Japanese at all? Any relatives in the family tree? I'm sure you've read up on it, but it seems the idea is to be valuable to Japan and to show you can support yourself and your family. So basically if he benefits the country with a skill they need and if brings in a high enough wage that he can show he won't be a burden now or in old age (so he has enough savings and pension contributions, or at least a pattern of good history etc.) then he might have a good shot at it. High level Japanese language is a huge advantage too, or so I've heard. Fingers crossed for you!

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  • BigfamJapan

    on Feb 22

    I didn't even think this was possible unless you had Japanese ancestors, but I've just been reading up on it (out of curiousity). Its a lot easier than I would have imagined. Its not for me, I am Irish until the day I die. ;-) But its good information to have, so thanks for posting. :-)

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  • edthethe

    on Feb 22

    @ashes he has Japanese grandparents which helps, but I'm worried about him"being a burden on society" currently he is ok and can support himself, but there were a few years when the economy was down and he couldn't get work for a year. I guess I should come up with a good way to make him sound like he did a fantastic job on his own despite the circumstances. I'm worried about saying something in the interview that will look bad. @saitama yeah I don't think I would give up being American. At least not now, but my husband is practically Japanese, lived here since childhood too.

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  • I highly recommend checking the American Embassy site. They often have good links that may direct you in the right direction to make it speedy.

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  • shamiyu

    on May 13

    You'll get a lot of interviews. And it will surely take quite long. I've been going in and out in the place they called homukyoku. I'm also processing mine.

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  • ExploringJapan

    on Jun 11

    I believe that he also need to pass some test. Can speak Japanese and write and read hiragana, katakana and basic kanji. Its one of thefactor they consider.

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  • jguest

    on Apr 14

    Hope your husband would have become Japanese

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  • Mark4057

    on Aug 16

    Since he has been in Japan since childhood, he should be able to handle the language very well. Be advised, Japan does NOT recognize dual citizenship, so if he becomes a Japanese citizen, he must relinquish his Brazilian citizenship in Japanese eyes. If they don't take his Brazilian passport, I don't know how the Brazilians will find out, but it is something for him to consider.

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