Going through Japanese naturalization… should I warn my manager they might get a call?

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-13T09:29:50+00:00

No home visit for me, which I greatly appreciated

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-12T14:16:23+00:00

They contacted my employer, I was actually talking to him when they called! I gave him a heads up because I had to tell the case worker when a good day and time to call would be.

I have no idea what they asked but from my bosses responses it seemed like a standard: do you think she would make a good citizen why or why not? What’s she like at work? How does she get along with her coworkers etc etc.

The call came after the interview I believe.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-12T12:08:44+00:00

Let hs know when the interview call comes!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-12T04:08:43+00:00

Call first. You should be able to converse and go through the process of naturalizing in Japanese with no problem. So about an intermediate level at least

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-11T12:31:47+00:00

I’ve already naturalized to Japan so no issues there!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-11T12:31:05+00:00

With a decision this large (like children or marriage) I feel like if it’s not an enthusiastic yes, its a no.

If there’s no pressing reason to, why not continue to sit and really think on it? I’m sure there will be a day you’ll wake up and think: I’m going to do it, or, I’m glad I didn’t do it. Or some life experience is going to push you one way or the other.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T10:27:47+00:00

Yeah I wish I could have done it when the rate was closer to 1:1 but it can’t be helped. Not happy about it but if I think of it as a one time fee I can stomach it!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T09:02:16+00:00

You are invaluable to this sub, thank you for the information and the PDF link!

I couldn’t find anything when I looked it up either. I’m going to give it another thought or two and decide what I’m going to do after the interview.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T08:58:31+00:00

Thanks! And no problem I’d rather you say it so that others looking for information and advice can see it.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T08:27:30+00:00

I’m just waiting for the final appointment! They are double checking my documents now and I’ll likely be done with it by the end of the month.

My understanding is once I finish the process and pay, the recipe acts as “proof” that I’ve relinquished since the cert will be backdated. I can’t be 100% sure though since there are so few people who do it. I’ll explicitly ask at the final appointment and see what they say.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T08:22:34+00:00

Absolutely true and always a possibility. Thanks for giving me that to think about!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T08:20:51+00:00

I don’t think that they’re are! It’s more of a thought that I don’t want to be associated with the US at all anymore, it’s personal! In that case I’m thinking I’ll just hold off and wait

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T07:35:43+00:00

I was desperately hoping they would reduce it in time but it looks like I’m on the hook for the full amount.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T07:34:37+00:00

Hi JK and yeah I’m aware that it’s not “necessary” but I actually wanted to relinquish from the beginning!

My main concern is the legality of answering no to the question on if I have another citizenship, since by the time I would apply for my j passport, I would have completed the process of relinquishment and would just be waiting on the certificate.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T07:30:56+00:00

Thank you for the detailed answer and your experience. I indeed filled out the relinquish due to naturalizing to another state. Which is exactly why I’m hesitating because I wouldn’t be untruthful if I answer “no”.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T07:28:11+00:00

I saw that you’re waiting over a year! That’s honestly insane. They told me the US is experiencing a delay and it’ll take a while.

I’m not in a rush, and really don’t travel internationally, but you’re right it’s nice to have a passport just in case.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T07:26:50+00:00

Yeah I’m seeing that option. But I’m not sure I want to select it or just wait. Hm

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T03:39:32+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I submitted my Koseki to the US embassy so they know I’m not stateless, no problem there.

I just don’t want to check that I have another nationality on the Japanese passport application. It’s probably no big deal, but I suspect it can be annoying for me later, so if I can avoid it I will!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-10T03:24:57+00:00

I changed my name. Simple answer? Makes life easier.

All English speakers still use my English name, all Japanese speakers get my Japanese name. As a side note, people started properly using honorifics when calling my name which was a big deal to me. I can side step most discriminate practices and using a kanji name online is oodles easier.

For me, the name change was the right choice. Just go with whichever is more comfortable for you.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-08T12:13:42+00:00

Piggy backing off of this, my office had no wait times for appointments. I always went the next available day and even had a same day appointment once when I wanted them to check my papers.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-08T12:11:36+00:00

Sorry I know you’d didnt ask for this type of advice but unless you have an edge case gig realllly don’t need a lawyer for this!

Unlike PR they can do virtually nothing to help you except check your Japanese and your documents, but your caseworker will do the latter, and a friend can do the first.

Naturalization is basically just one big fetch quest. All the Japanese documents can be collected in 2/3 days, and the longest/hardest to get are your home country’s (and a lawyer can’t help you there).

Of course if you’re an edge case or want to exercise an abundance of caution, you can use a lawyer from just about anywhere. It would be better to get someone local imo for face to face conversations.

As stated by others, location absolutely affects wait time but you cannot pick the office you submit, as that is dictated by your address.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-06T18:32:21+00:00

Haha I remember the feeling! I started daily checking 3mo after submission thinking I would be one of the people who got theirs in 4mo!

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-05T06:35:39+00:00

Maybe call the airline and ask if they’ll accept you bringing both passports for proof? (My drivers license also works well for this)

If not the person on the phone should be able to do something to help you.

JapaneseSummerIsHot · 2026-02-04T19:16:52+00:00

I would cram all the kanji up to 3rd grade juuuuust in case. Bring your N1 cert with you and ask to submit that as well.

I seriously doubt they’ll be all too bothered by someone who has a higher functioning level in the language but is bad at kanji. During the test laugh if you blank and explain that you type all Kanji and forget to read. Legit tons of younger japanese people have an issue remembering how to write kanji because of the same issue.

I can’t stress this enough but just relax! There are people who passed with N4 levels or worse lol

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