What are the requirements to become a citizen in Japan? -

I know that it takes a long time for an immigrant to become a US citizen, but how long does it take to become one in other countries like Japan?

First of all, there is no citizenship and green card (PR) in Japan, but nationality. Nationality is equal to citizen. Japan don t take positive immigrant policy like the US. However, lots of Chinese and Taiwanese are trying to get Japanese nationality. If you lived in Japan more than 5 years, you can start to apply Japanese nationality. But, to live in Japan for more 5 years, you usually need student VISA or working permit. Or marry Japanese. And not all Japanese are descent of Korea. The stupid thinking comes from outdated Sinocentrism ideology. Actually only 15% of Japanese has similarity with Koreans in DNA level. But not for all aspects.

Japan, believe it or not, is far more hardcore than the US with citizenship requirements. Unless you are at least 25 percent Japanese, it s tough. Many, if not all, Koreans who live there (the largest ethnic minority in Japan), will never be allowed to become citizens. This will most likely change in the next few decades as Japan s population decreases and they need workers.

Japan is one of a number of countries that one has to be born and of that nationality to be a citizen. Korean born there today are not considered a Japanese citizen even though Japanese are descents of Korea. Japan is a purest culture and one of the most racist countries (not the ppl but countries rules) in the world. It doesn t mean you can t live there, you just won t have citizen rights. Even the immigration rules might preclude you from being a permanent resident.

You ll also have to drop your US citizenship. Japan doesn t allow for dual. The proceedures sound quite simple but they are rather tough.