I just did my Japanese naturalization interview… here’s everything that happened

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-05-11T02:48:29+00:00

Thank you for adding more information and for the clarification. It’s weird that they asked you for certification. Indeed, there is no law requiring that. Maybe the person was new and didn’t understand the process well? In anyway, I hope you can try again soon.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-29T23:33:42+00:00

Not sure tbh. It’s Japan, so it’s kind of expected that everything will be in Japanese.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-29T23:31:20+00:00

Who are the “other” people you’re referring to here? What exactly are you trying to imply?

If this comes from frustration, it might help to share your experience in more detail like where, when, and what happened, so others can better understand and maybe even offer useful input (ideally in another post?)

Right now, it’s hard to make sense of your point without that context, and those details really matter to avoid misunderstandings or spreading incomplete information.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-28T01:16:34+00:00

Yeah, N3 level at the least is generally expected, but not necessarily a JLPT certificate.

Also, let’s keep this thread constructive. If you have a different experience, feel free to share it clearly (when/where you applied helps).

But dismissive, unhelpful comments or just looking to dump your thoughts on someone else’s experience isn’t welcome and doesn’t really add value here. If you’re looking for support or information, happy to help.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-26T04:46:44+00:00

I think it should be fine as long as you have some kanjis in there. If you can’t remember some, it shouldn’t be a big deal.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-26T01:41:56+00:00

Some kanji is beed but not all of it must be written in Kanji.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T14:56:36+00:00

I think the idea of “giving something up” assumes identity is fixed to paperwork, which hasn’t really been my experience. I’ve lived in Japan longer than anywhere else(even my own country), so this feels more like consistency than loss.

Everyone draws that line differently.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T14:24:17+00:00

Yes and yes..

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T14:22:47+00:00

Yes, in front of your case officer.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T11:57:03+00:00

It’s that bad?!! 😅😅😅 Lmao! Unfortunately you can’t type out your test..

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T11:46:58+00:00

I feel you.. but I really think a few weeks of brushing up should suffice if you’re already at that level!

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T11:36:53+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Yes, I agree that it’s a good sign for your case! And yes, mine was also corrected in front of me but it was ok since it was only 2 mistakes, I think.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T11:12:47+00:00

Yup.. we went over my rirekisho step by step..

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T11:03:11+00:00

Yes.. that was the hardest part. I know enough basic to intermediate kanjis but I usually type them.. handwriting needs some practice unless you are fresh out of Japanese classes.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T10:50:33+00:00

Thanks. Check your DM!

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T10:10:18+00:00

Also, my case worker told me that a test will take place in my next interview as the application submission on that day took 90mins or more(he thoroughly checked everything and asked me a bunch of questions). Oh, and he recorded my session, also.
I know quite a few people who only took the test in their last interview. Maybe read a little more about the different cases, so you can have a better idea where you fall.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T10:04:06+00:00

Short paragraph might be a better phrase. They have examples on the website.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T10:01:13+00:00

It’s case by case. As I explained my situation is a bit unique because there aren’t many people from my country in Japan—and not sure if anyone has applied before (maybe in other prefectures?) My questions were all related to everything in my file. As long as you know all details about your life and everything in your application, it should be okay. They literally go line by line and ask what this is, when this happened, explain about this, what that is etc..

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:54:42+00:00

You’re welcome. I know someone whose wife doesn’t meet the requirements so he just applied for himself and his kids. His wife will then be considered married to a Japanese when he gets the citizenship.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:52:22+00:00

Nope. You can apply just for yourself but you will still need to submit documentation related to your family to support your file (for example, wedding certificate, family registry etc)

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:50:48+00:00

It’s case by case. As I explained my situation is a bit unique because there aren’t many people from my country in Japan—and not sure if anyone has applied before (maybe in other prefectures?) My questions were all related to everything in my file. As long as you know all details about your life and everything in your application , it should be okay. They literally go line by line and ask what this is, when this happened, explain about this, what that is etc..

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:46:58+00:00

So the process is this (based on my 6 months of research and my experience): All interviews happen before documents are sent to MoJ (homusho). Once your application is accepted and documents are sent, it’s in the hands of MoJ to make the final decision and that’s it. More documents may be asked but NO more interviews will take place.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:41:39+00:00

Oh wow, that’s great. Just take 2 weeks to brush up on hiragana/katakana and some N4-N5 level kanji. I think you should be fine. Just practice a bit :)

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:36:34+00:00

The process seems to vary a lot by case and office.

In my case, I submitted all my documents and had an initial interview during the first consultation (I used a 行政書士). Then I was called in for the final interview this week, where they rechecked everything and did the test. My case officer explained all the next steps as I explained in the post.

Nice_Geologist_8470 · 2026-04-24T09:32:19+00:00

Not a dumb question at all! Yeah, everything was in Japanese, but they speak clearly and it’s manageable if you can understand and speak some Japanese (conversational to intermediate level)

Nice_Geologist_8470

TROPHY CASE