Using a Japanese name as a foreigner.

[uruwa]

I have heard of foreigners being able to acquire Kanji aliases for us in daily life in Japan. How does this work? Can I apply for one before I arrive in Japan?

 

[Mike Cash]

You don't need to "apply" for one. As a foreigner, you can register an alias on your Alien Registration Card. It doesn't have to be kanji, or even a Japanese name. It is an option; you are not required to have or use an alias.

You will have to provide some documentation showing that it is a name you normally use in the course of your daily life in Japan before you will be able to register it as an alias, though. Note that you can use an alias in daily life without bothering to register it. It is only if you want to use the alias on official documents that it needs to be registered beforehand.

Why on earth would you want to have a kanji alias?

 

[uruwa]

So one cannot, upon arrival, register an alias immediately?

I feel the use of a Japanese alias would, to some degree, reduce discrimination against oneself. It would help in integrating into Japan, I believe.

 

[Mike Cash]

So one cannot, upon arrival, register an alias immediately?

I feel the use of a Japanese alias would, to some degree, reduce discrimination against oneself. It would help in integrating into Japan, I believe.

Unfortunately, I can't agree with you on that.

 

[uruwa]

Regardless, that is why I want it.

To clarify, one needs to be already using an alias in Japan to register it on ARC, yes?
One cannot merely register an alias upon arrival in Japan, even if it has documented use in one's home country, correct?

 

[Mike Cash]

They may accept something from your country. All you can do is bring it and ask.

Be sure to let us know how well this plan of going around calling yourself 鈴木太郎 or whatever works out.