Tokyo, Japan - June 2025: Concerns have been raised in Japanese parliamentary discussions regarding the ease of obtaining Japanese nationality compared to the challenges of securing permanent residency.
Upper House lawmaker Hirofumi Yanagase highlighted that many individuals are choosing naturalization due to difficulties in obtaining permanent residency permits. He urged the Justice Ministry to reconsider the current criteria.
Under Japan's Nationality Act, foreign nationals can apply for naturalization after residing in the country for at least five consecutive years. The process for permanent residency is generally more challenging, requiring at least 10 years of residency.
The disparity has led to calls for policy revisions, with ongoing discussions suggesting potential reforms to address these concerns. As of June 2025, the Justice Ministry has not announced any official changes.