Overview
- A senior Justice Ministry official told Japanese media the government is preparing administrative rules to raise the effective residency requirement for naturalization from five to ten years and to require basic Japanese proficiency.
- The Nationality Law would not be amended, leaving the five-year statutory minimum on the books while authorities apply stricter standards through guidance and discretion.
- Separate proposals under discussion would set a Japanese language standard for permanent residency and introduce civic instruction through a tentative social inclusion program reported by local media.
- Exemptions are expected for applicants deemed to have contributed to Japan, with examples including athletes who have competed domestically for several years.
- Reporting indicates the LDP plans to unveil immigration policy proposals in January, with a package of rule changes likely to be readied for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s signature by the end of the month as public debate intensifies.