Hi everyone, I am a hafu who grew up in the UK with an English father and Japanese mother. I am 30 years old, and I did nothing to renounce either of the nationalities I have by birth. (i.e., I am a dual national with a Koseki entry, but have never held a Japanese passport, only a British passport).
My understanding of the Japanese nationality law is that, upon turning 18, a dual national is supposed to renounce any foreign nationality in order to affirm their Japanese nationality. That is, failure to do so means that in principle, Japanese officials could revoke my citizenship after this point if they so chose. However, it is my understanding that until such a revocation occurs, I am still a Japanese national.
My question, then, is this one: so long as I have proof of my Koseki record, (which supersedes a Visa status), I could do the following:
- Enter Japan on a tourist visa, using my British passport.
- Apply for identification using my Koseki record, secure housing and banking.
- I could then contact the home office to renounce my British citizenship.
Have I understood correctly? It would not be illegal entry because I AM in fact a British citizen. But I am also, by birth, a Japanese national. So, is there any reason not to enter as a 'foreigner' and prove my nationality via my Koseki entry when I am there?
by EurasianAufheben