Choosing Japanese citizenship over permanent residency

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.

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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.

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mdchachi said:

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

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