Do you know Article 14 of the Japanese Nationality Law?
"A Japanese citizen who holds a foreign nationality and who acquired both nationalities before the age of 18 is legally required to choose one nationality before turning 20. If the dual nationality is acquired after turning 18, the person must choose one within two years of that time."
In other words, Japanese people born with two or more citizenships are legally required to choose their own by the age of 20.
The Actual Situation of Nationality Selection in Japan
Under Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act, Japanese nationals born with dual nationality are legally obliged to choose their nationality within two years of reaching adulthood (18 years of age), meaning by the age of 20. However, no guidance or notification is provided to the individuals concerned during this period. While there are no penalties for leaving the matter unresolved, the obligation to choose does not cease even after this period expires.
Many individuals, even those directly affected, were unaware of the procedure itself or assumed that guidance would eventually arrive and they could proceed then.
The Nationality Act stipulates that the Minister of Justice may issue a written demand for nationality selection (Article 15, Paragraph 1), and that failure to select after such a demand results in loss of Japanese nationality (Article 15, Paragraph 3). Consequently, many individuals harbour concerns about potential deprivation of nationality. However, in practice, it has been reported that no such demand has ever been issued, and not a single person has lost Japanese nationality as a result of such a demand*.
*Source: Japan Federation of Bar Associations “Easy-to-understand Nationality Act Q&A: A pamphlet to understand the overall picture of Japan’s nationality system,” June 2024
THE ISSUE
To protect the human rights of children and young people who were born with both Japanese and foreign nationality
Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act has the effect of causing young people with dual nationality to feel anxious about their future.
We hope that consideration will be given to amending Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act to allow Japanese people with dual nationality to retain their birthright, under certain conditions that do not pose a conflict of interest to Japan.
Examples of problems caused by choosing nationality before the age of 20
Violation of identity
Choosing nationality is a "harsh choice" between choosing one's homeland and abandoning it.
Academic difficulties
There are concerns that this could result in the loss of scholarship eligibility and negative impacts on study abroad conditions.
Right to residency
Without citizenship, you will need to apply for a residence permit at immigration and renew it every several years, even if you are in your home country.
Right to Entry
If you are traveling to a country without a visa waiver, you must apply for a visa in advance even to visit family members.
Losing career opportunities
You will also lose your eligibility to intern at a public institution or take civil service exams.
It’s not just citizenship that will be lost.
It also affects many other things, such as voting rights, social security, and family ties, etc...
Numbers talk...
The number of Japanese people with international roots is increasing. Isn't it out of place in Today's Japanese society to impose a harsh binary choice on young people who have grown up influenced by both Japanese and foreign identities?
newborns in Japan, 1 has a foreign parent (Vital Statistics of Japan, 2023)
of United Nations member states allow dual citizenship (Maastricht University Survey, 2018)
cases, or 3.5%, are international marriages in Japan ("Basic Data on Marriage and Family", 2022)
Japanese supposed to have dual citizenship at birth (Ministry of Justice estimate, 2018))
About us
We are a nonprofit research group composed primarily of high school and university students who share a concern about the “obligation to choose one’s nationality by age 20” imposed on young Japanese citizens born with dual citizenship, as stipulated in Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Law.
We conduct surveys, research, and public relations activities on this topic, also serving as opinion leaders to advocate for amending Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Law.
Spreading understanding of nationality choices
To increase understanding of the current system and issues surrounding nationality selection among society in general, and particularly among dual nationals themselves and the guardians of minors who are choosing nationality.
Collecting opinions of the Japanese society
To collect, examine, and publish various opinions from various angles regarding the obligation to choose nationality and the disadvantages it brings to us as the parties involved.
Social acceptance of dual nationality
To Realize a society in which people with dual nationalities can make use of their identities, including by allowing society in general, as well as companies and local governments, to employ people with dual nationalities.
Amendment of the Nationality Law art.14
Article 14 of the Nationality Law will be revised (to consider the protection of the human rights of people born with dual nationality and the conditions under which Japanese nationality can be granted).
Young Leaders’ Society for Nationality Act in Japan (YLS)
THE TEAM
You can join our activities or support us from all over the world!!
We are the board members who run the Young Leaders’ Society for Nationality Act in Japan (YLS).
We are also looking for members to join us. You can join from anywhere in the world! Please feel free to contact us!
Aiko Elisabetta Di Santo
President
Yurika Matsufuji
Vice President
SUPPORT US
Please sign the online petition to request the Japanese government to amend Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act and accept dual nationality legally.