The statement of motivation for naturalisation: how do you write one that moves the examiner?

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

What is this enquiry about?

A guide for people who are unsure how to write the 動機書 that must be submitted with a naturalisation application.

Why does the 動機書 matter so much?

Because income, years of residence and other data cannot show your character or your feelings about Japan.

A naturalisation application is screened on a lot of objective data: your income, how long you have lived in Japan, whether you have paid your taxes. On top of that, you are asked for something subjective, a piece of writing about your motivation. The reason is said to be that the examiner wants to know what data cannot show: what kind of person you are, and how you truly feel about Japan. In concrete terms, the examiner checks whether your wish to naturalise is genuine, whether you have settled into Japanese society, and whether you think of yourself as a member of the nation.

What should the 動機書 include?

There are 7 elements: the core reason, your background, how you adapted, your life now, your future, your contribution, and your closing words.

1. [Core] Why you want to naturalise: write it with concrete episodes from your own life.
2. [Background] How you first met Japan, and the path you have walked since: look back on what brought you here, the struggle of learning Japanese, and your experiences at school or at work.
3. [Adapting] Fitting into Japanese society: describe how you have come to understand and accept Japanese customs and culture.
4. [Now] Your present life and how stable it is: explain your work and your life with your family.
5. [Future] Your plans as a Japanese national: set out your vision in concrete terms.
6. [Contribution] How you want to contribute to Japanese society: describe your contribution through paying tax and social insurance premiums, through volunteer work, and so on.
7. [Closing] State your firm resolve once more: pledge to obey the Constitution and the laws of Japan and to live as a good citizen.

What pitfalls should you avoid in the 動機書?

Negative reasons, vague wording and exaggeration of the facts are all said to be best avoided.

• Writing negative reasons or complaints: avoid reasons such as unhappiness with the politics of your home country, or how convenient a Japanese passport would be. Put your positive reasons for choosing Japan at the front instead.
• Content that is vague and could have been written by anyone: abstract wording does not carry your feelings, so use concrete episodes from your own life.
• Lies or exaggeration of the facts: do not write anything that differs from your real history or from the facts. You will be asked about the contents of the 動機書 in detail at the interview, and writing something untrue is treated as a serious breach that leads straight to a denial.

How can you make it more convincing?

Write honestly in your own words, and draw one consistent story.

Text copied straight from a sample on the internet is said to be easy for an examiner to spot. Your writing does not have to be skilful. What matters is putting your honest feelings into your own plain words. Aim for a consistent story that runs in a single line from the past (how you came to Japan), through the present (the base of your life here), to the future (what you plan to do). Once it is finished, it also helps to ask your Japanese spouse, a trusted friend or a specialist to read it and give you an outside opinion. It is said to be best to keep the 動機書 to 1 page and a half of A4 paper at most, so that you naturally get the chance to explain more at the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.