Choosing Japanese citizenship over permanent residency

[thomas]

Jon Heese (ヘイズ・ジョン), a former Canadian citizen who became a naturalised Japanese citizen in 2007, explains why he gave up his Canadian nationality and why he felt that permanent residency wasn't enough. He was elected as a Tsukuba municipal assemblyman for four terms, from 2008 to 2014, and again from 2016 until 2022, when he was elected to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly.

Later I came to understand that rather than permission to travel, my passport represents my right to return to my home country. Rather than a key to open foreign travel, my passport indicated to other countries where to deport me if need be. Understanding this nuance changed how I thought of my passport. From Japan's perspective, its treaties with foreign countries are a promise to accept me back into the country. From my perspective, no matter the condition, now that I am a citizen, Japan can no longer refuse me re-entry.

For what it's worth, I have never had a Japanese person give me the stink eye when I tell them "I'm Japanese." At worst they laughingly say uso! (no way), and then move on to another subject. More importantly, since naturalizing I have never once been pulled aside at immigration in Japan or abroad for "further inspection" due to some officer's interpretation of what a Japanese citizen should look like. I know I will never be as Japanese as the surrounding society. Frankly, I don't need to be. That I make the effort to assimilate as best I can is all that's required. Importantly, I'm also accepted in various gaijin social circles. And why wouldn't I be? My character has not changed because of naturalization. I still cheer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (Go Riders!) when football season rolls around.

Why I chose Japanese citizenship over permanent residency

It may be adequate for some residents’ purposes, but when the chips are down, many will be shocked at just how few protections it offers.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Jon Heese - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[mdchachi]

My friend who got Japanese citizenship said it was easier to become a citizen than get permanent residency.

 

[Achilles 1-1]

My friend who got Japanese citizenship said it was easier to become a citizen than get permanent residency.

Thats also what I've heard. Plus, it takes less time to become eligible

 

[thomas]

Here's an interview Debito conducted with Jon Heese in 2023:

Visible Minorities: Life Lessons from a Naturalized Japanese Politician – SNA Japan

shingetsunewsagency.com