JJapan

Finding my Japanese Father

  • February 8, 2025

I'm 33 and from the Philippines. I just found out my Japanese father's name, birthday, an old photo of him, and his address in Tokyo 30-40 years ago. I know that my dad is Japanese but my biological mom never gave the specifics of it until I got curious (I am adopted by my loving parents and never felt I was not their kid). I don't want anything from him but just curious if he's still alive. I do not expect that he'll recognise me even if he meets me. Do you think there's a way I can find him?

by kogarahwaffles

7 comments

  1. It’s a really good question
    My wife is in the same situation and we have been unable to locate her father

  2. It might be possible but you will have zero legal right under Japanese law to name him as your birth father unless he admits it and signs papers with the govt. to get you the right to live or work in Japan.

  4. I’m also in the same boat as you. Currently seeking help with some of my friends living in Japan.

  6. I don’t know how it works in Japan but in my country you would be entitled to citizenship 

  7. I cannot give specific advice but I want to encourage you by sharing that two of my cousins found their biological mom, who was Japanese, about 35 years later after never having had contact with her since they were a few years old. My uncle had married her but left with the children for Malaysia when they were young.

    When one of my cousins got married, his wife wanted to find his mother, and somehow she did, despite not speaking Japanese. I then went and met her, as did my two cousins. She had moved back to her home town. She also flew to the US for my wedding despite not speaking English. Sadly she died about 6 years ago.

    I am not sure how my cousin’s wife found her but I can ask. You might try school or university records, and I believe every family has to be registered as well in the prefecture where they live, but this information may be protected due to privacy. There are also private detective agencies I suppose, but I don’t know anything about that? Anyway I just wanted to wish you good luck.

Leave a Reply