I want to preface this with apologizing as I know there are tons of similar posts, but after gathering info from those, I'd still appreciate any further insight on my particular situation.
Background Info:
I’m a 23-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Japan, born in the U.S. and currently living here.
My mother, originally a Japanese citizen who later naturalized as a U.S. citizen, is now back in Japan on a work visa, while my father, a U.S. citizen, is considering purchasing a home there.
I have a valid U.S. passport, though my Japanese passport has expired.
I don’t have my Koseki Tohon yet, but it might be possible to obtain a copy—while I was likely registered at birth, my mother and I briefly spoke about it but are unsure about the process.
I have not received any notice to renounce my Japanese citizenship nor have I sent in any notice regarding it. (Mentioning cause I heard this was a potential step prior to getting a passport renewal)
Current Plans:
Once my apartment sells (hopefully within the next six months), I’m planning to move to Japan. I’ll also be helping manage my father’s new home during times he’s away if in the case that he finds property. I’ll be bringing my dog along, and I’ve already completed the required vaccinations/microchipping, and he is within the waiting period to meet Japan’s pet entry requirements.
Work and Language Goals:
I have stable online work based in the U.S. and enough savings to support myself comfortably. However, I don’t yet speak or read Japanese fluently. While I’m actively studying, I’m not yet at a conversational level, so I’m preparing for the challenge of daily life as a language beginner.
Goals/Questions:
I'm looking for advice on what steps I need to take to prepare for a potential move to Japan. Specifically, I'd appreciate guidance on:
- Renewing my Japanese passport: Are there steps (how might I navigate them if so) to take before going to Japan, like getting a copy of the Koseki Tohon or "endeavoring" to renounce my US citizenship, or should I go on a visa and handle this when I'm there?
- Complications with limited Japanese: Since I am still learning Japanese and don't consider myself conversational yet, I was wondering to what extent this might be an issue when attempting to get any important documents?
- Navigating dual citizenship requirements: Given my current situation, are there specific residency or registration requirements I need to be aware of in Japan to keep my citizenship?
- General tips for settling in Japan as a dual citizen: Any advice on initial steps, important documents, or other logistics would be really helpful.
I'm sure I missed oodles of important information, so I'd absolutely appreciate any further clarification. Likewise thank you all in advance for any insights or recommendations!
by Dependentsparrow