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）
Who this article is forThis guide explains the attitude worth having when you start to think about naturalisation.
Naturalisation is not the end point of your visa worries. It is a procedure that expects a voluntary intention to integrate into Japanese society, and a sense of responsibility. It is said to be important to build your explanation around a positive motive, such as contributing to Japanese society, rather than a negative motive of wanting to escape procedures.
This guide explains the attitude worth having when you start to think about naturalisation.
If you stress it too much as a negative motive of avoiding procedures, it is said this can become a risk.
It is natural for a person with permanent residence to find renewing the 在留カード (Residence Card) and re-entry procedures a nuisance, and to think "I will naturalise because I do not want to do these procedures any more". But if you stress that reason too much in the statement of motivation or at the interview, it is said there is a risk of it being seen as an easy way out to avoid procedures.
Permanent residence is the position of a foreign national carrying out activities in Japan. Paying tax and following the law are asked about, but you keep your nationality. Naturalisation, on the other hand, means becoming a Japanese national. It expects a sense of belonging to Japanese culture, history and law, and an intention to take part in national politics, such as by voting. It is said that the motive for naturalisation should not be a negative one. It should rest on a positive, forward-looking intention, such as "as a Japanese national, I want to contribute to the development of this country".
It is said that real integration is assessed, such as Japanese ability and contribution to the local community.
Being financially independent, and explaining your past honestly, are said to be important.
As with the screening for permanent residence, a perfect long-term record on pension, health insurance and tax is treated as essential. You need to show that you carry out your duties faithfully, and that you are able to take full responsibility as someone who supports the Japanese system, not as someone who is helped by it. If you have had turning points in your life, such as a divorce, a change of job, or large debts, it is said that explaining what happened honestly, without hiding it, proves your sincerity.
If you stress that reason too much in the statement of motivation or at the interview, it is said there is a risk of it being seen as an easy way out to avoid procedures.
Permanent residence is a position that lets you carry out activities in Japan while keeping your nationality. Naturalisation means becoming a Japanese national, and it expects a sense of belonging to Japanese culture and history, and an intention to take part in national politics.
Taking part in local activities and volunteer work is said to be assessed as a sign of an attitude of integration into Japanese society.
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Get a free consultationThis 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. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.