Japan does not officially allow dual citizenship. However, there are several circumstances where individuals may hold multiple nationalities without facing legal consequences.
- Birth: Individuals born in Japan to parents who are not Japanese citizens may acquire Japanese citizenship by birth. This is often the case for children born to foreign parents who are living and working in Japan. These individuals may also hold the nationality of their parents, effectively becoming dual citizens.
- Marriage: A Japanese citizen who marries a foreign citizen does not automatically acquire the spouse's nationality. However, they may be allowed to maintain both nationalities.
While Japan does not legally recognize dual citizenship, it is widely practiced, especially in cases of individuals born with multiple nationalities. This is often due to a lack of enforcement and a complex legal framework. However, it's important to remember that Japan may still require individuals to choose one nationality if they wish to hold public office or engage in certain activities.
