【You’ll Want to Tell Others】The History of Naturalization in Japan
The system by which foreign nationals acquire Japanese nationality is called “naturalization.” This system has changed over time. Here, we explain the history of naturalization in Japan.
The Early Meiji Naturalization System
The precursors to the current naturalization system were the Imperial Rescripts promulgated in 1873 (Meiji 6): the “Regulations on Marriage Between Japanese and Foreigners” and the “Regulations on Marriage with Foreigners.”
This system was established because increased contact with foreigners since the 1858 (Ansei 5) Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States led to marital relationships. It was also necessary to establish unified legal provisions, considering the relationship with the Family Register Law.
Subsequently, the actual “Naturalization Law” was discussed alongside the “Nationality Law,” in conjunction with the enactment of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan. Ultimately, the naturalization system was established not as an independent system or through the enactment of an independent law, but by being incorporated into the “Nationality Law” enacted in 1898 (Meiji 31).
Postwar Naturalization System
Postwar Japan was placed under Allied occupation. However, this was not direct rule; while the government and parliament were allowed to continue, reforms were implemented in various fields under directives from the occupying authority (GHQ).
Regarding measures related to the naturalization system, first, the “voting rights” of Koreans and Taiwanese, former colonial subjects residing in Japan, were suspended (1945, Showa 20). Subsequently, the “Alien Registration Ordinance,” promulgated in 1947 (Showa 22) as the Emperor’s final “Imperial Rescript,” stipulated that “Taiwanese persons designated by the Minister of Home Affairs and Koreans shall, for the time being, be regarded as foreigners for the purposes of this Imperial Rescript.”
Consequently, although Taiwanese and Koreans held Japanese nationality, they were required to register as foreigners and carry a “Certificate of Registration” at all times to prove their status.
Later, in 1952 (Showa 27), former colonial subjects transitioned from being “foreigners for the time being” to being “foreigners who had lost Japanese nationality.” This led to the creation of the “naturalization system” for Taiwanese and Koreans who had lost Japanese nationality to regain it.
The Current Naturalization System
Currently, foreign nationals residing in Japan who wish to acquire Japanese nationality must submit an application and required documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau and undergo screening. The rules governing such naturalization applications are stipulated in the “Nationality Act.”
In addition to scrutinizing the documents, the responsible officer at the Legal Affairs Bureau also conducts field investigations. This includes verifying employment or school records and conducting interviews with neighbors. Following these investigations, approval is granted within approximately one year in the fastest cases, or up to about two years in more complex cases.
Summary
Japan’s naturalization system began in the early Meiji period. It underwent significant reform after the war, evolving into the current system governed by the Nationality Act, which enforces a strict screening process.
