Join Our Newsletter
  • Visit Our Store
  • Come Write for J-List!
J-List Blog
Visit J-List - Your Favorite Online Shop and Friend in Japan
  • Featured
  • News
  • Gallery
  • Product Reports
  • Your Friend in Japan
No Result
View All Result
J-List Blog
  • Featured
  • News
  • Gallery
  • Product Reports
  • Your Friend in Japan
No Result
View All Result
J-List Blog
No Result
View All Result

Turning Japanese

Peter Payne by Peter Payne
16 years ago
in Your Friend in Japan

The other day I met an American friend for drinks. Because his wife is from China, their kids grow up learning three languages, Chinese, English and Japanese, which always fascinates me. “But didn’t I tell you? My wife is Japanese now. She took citizenship.” Taking the citizenship of another country is a very special thing — it means that you’ve accepted the language, culture and values of your adopted nation and are willing to be counted as one of their number, a decision my friend’s wife had made. Although it’s one of the most homogeneous places on Earth, foreigners can take Japanese nationality if they meet certain reasonable requirements, including having lived in Japan continuously for five years and having at least basic ability in the language. It’s even easier too, now, thanks to a policy change that doesn’t require foreigners to take a Japanese name and kanji (although some foreigners like to see their name in kanji). Athletes often take Japanese citizenship for one reason or another, such as the Hawaiian or Mongolian sumo wrestlers who want to run their own sumo stable one day, and gaijin tarento (foreign TV stars) like Bobby Ologun from Nigeria often become Japanese citizens. I’m often asked by J-List customers if I’ve gotten my Japanese citizenship yet, and I tell them no, I’m quite happy with the permanent residence status I’ve got now. Mrs. J-List says I would make a kakko warui (lame) Japanese and should stay an American.

It’s nice to know there are few barriers to becoming a Japanese citizen.

Tags: culturegaijinkids

More Posts Like This

I Raised That Boy
Your Friend in Japan

What Anime Raised You? J-List Customers of Culture Respond!

by Peter Payne
5 months ago

One reason I love social media like X, Bluesky, and Facebook is that I can post questions to my followers...

Is Japan Xenophobic
Your Friend in Japan

No, Japan Is Not Xenophobic. Here’s Why.

by Peter Payne
1 year ago

Last night I was finishing up my evening social media work when I noticed a phrase was trending on X....

You've Been In Japan Too Long When

The Ultimate ‘You’ve Been in Japan Too Long When…’ List!

3 years ago
Rugby Explosion In Japan

Rugby Explosion in Japan!

6 years ago
The three stages of gaijin eye aversion?

What Are The Three Stages of Gaijin Eye Aversion?

6 years ago
Why Are Some Anime Inaccessible To Foreigners

Why Are Some Anime Inaccessible to Foreigners?

6 years ago
Next Post
PHS023 P36 W

Theory and Practice of Christmas in Japan

Trending Today

The Top 11 Anime Sex Scenes Blog
Your Friend in Japan

Happy Sex Day! Let’s Rank the 11 Most Surprising Ecchi Scenes in Anime

1 month ago
Spring 2025 Ecchi Anime Web Cover
News

Spring 2025 Ecchi Anime and Where to Watch Them

4 months ago
Yandere Dark Elf Episode 1 Featured Image
Featured

Yandere Dark Elf, Episode 1 — Love Heavier than Chocolate Melons!

3 months ago
Haite Kudasai, Takamine San Episode 9 Featured Image
Featured

Haite Kudasai, Takamine-san, Episode 9 — Slippery When Wet!

1 week ago
Dengeki Moeoh August 2025 Cover
Anime Magazine

What’s Inside Dengeki Moeoh August 2025? Ecchi Illustrations, Posters, Art, and More!

4 days ago
Get the Newest Figures from J-List - Your Favorite Online Shop and Friend in Japan
Seishun.Buta.Yarou.wa.Santa.Claus.no.Yume.wo.Minai Blog Post
Your Friend in Japan

Seishun Buta Yarou Returns! Why You Should Not Miss ‘Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus’

by Peter Payne
July 14, 2025

Solo Camping for Two — for the Love of the Wild

Grand Blue S2, Episode 1 — Sister Knows Best

Chuhai Lips — It’s Fap Material

Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO Begins the Exorcism in 2026

Seishun Buta Yarou Returns! Why You Should Not Miss ‘Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus’

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Discord
  • YouTube

© J-LIST. All trademarks, characters and images are property of their respective owners.

No Result
View All Result
  • Featured
  • News
  • Gallery
  • Product Reports
  • Your Friend in Japan

© J-LIST. All trademarks, characters and images are property of their respective owners.

No Result
View All Result
  • Featured
  • News
  • Gallery
  • Product Reports
  • Your Friend in Japan

© J-LIST. All trademarks, characters and images are property of their respective owners.