Prohibition of dual nationality Automatic loss of Japanese nationality

Uncovering the reality that holding dual citizenship carries with it the possibility of losing Japanese citizenship

Background of the prohibition of dual nationality and Japanese law

In principle, Japan's Nationality Law does not recognize dual nationality. This law exists to prevent legal confusion and maintain clarity in the country's system of governance as it promotes multicultural conviviality. Article 11 of the Japanese Nationality Law stipulates that if a Japanese citizen acquires the nationality of a foreign country, he or she loses Japanese nationality.

However, there are exceptions to this principle; for example, if one parent is a foreigner at birth, they are allowed to retain dual nationality for a certain period of time. However, upon reaching adulthood, they must choose one nationality or the other.

Automatic loss of Japanese nationality upon acquisition of another country's nationality

If a Japanese citizen consciously acquires the nationality of another country, Japanese nationality is automatically lost. This is based on the Nationality Law, and the loss is inevitable if there is a fact that the citizen has done something such as acquiring a passport of another country.

However, this loss is not necessarily recognized administratively immediately, but only after the fact of the loss of nationality is reported to the Ministry of Justice in Japan, after which an official procedure is taken. During this time, the status as if you retain your Japanese nationality may continue temporarily.

Please refer to the websites of the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. and other organizations for detailed explanations on the operation of this law. You should be able to find useful information by searching.

Specific Consequences of Losing Japanese Nationality

In addition, the legal status of the individual will change to that of a foreigner, as he or she will need to obtain a visa or status of residence to work or live in Japan. Thus, the loss of nationality can cause significant changes in an individual's daily life.

When residing in Japan as a foreigner, it is also important to remember that there are restrictions such as the time it takes to open a bank account and certain investment activities are not allowed.

Is there a procedure to avoid loss of Japanese nationality?

First of all, under the current situation where dual citizenship is basically not allowed, the principle is that if you acquire another nationality, you lose your Japanese citizenship. In other words, the basic premise is that you must not acquire another nationality in order to avoid loss.

If you wish to acquire Japanese nationality, one way is to use the system of nationality selection to choose Japanese nationality and renounce the nationality of another country.

It is essential that you enlist the help of a Japanese domestic expert in these procedures. You must be careful and take the safest possible approach.

Future Prospects and Discussion on the Dual Nationality Issue

In Japan, too, there are moves to revise the Nationality Law and discussions on whether dual nationality should be recognized. This is an area in which changes are expected in the operation of domestic laws, while striving for harmony with the international community in the future.

I'm just warning you: The article was machine-translated from the article in the Japanese Blog section. Please take a look at the original article for any uncertain sections.