Hello, this is Ito from IMS Legal Professional Corporation. In the event that your naturalization application is approved, you will have the opportunity to use the name of your choosing. Many individuals tend to continue using their current commonly known name. While it is possible to change from your commonly known name, it's important to note that there are certain limitations on the names that can be chosen.
During the application process, you will need to fill in your desired name on the application form and decide on a name before submitting the application. Changes to the name are also possible during the review period.
What kanji characters are allowed for a name?
Specific provisions are outlined in the Family Register Act and its implementing regulations.
・Article 50, Paragraph 1 of the Family Register Act: "Commonly used and simple characters must be used for a child's name."
・Article 50, Paragraph 2 of the Family Register Act: "The range of commonly used and simple characters shall be specified by Ministry of Justice Ordinance."
The range of commonly used and simple characters under Article 50, Paragraph 2 of the Family Register Act is specified in Article 60 of the Family Register Act Implementing Regulations.
・Article 60 of the Family Register Act Implementing Regulations: "The commonly used and simple characters under Article 50, Paragraph 2 of the Family Register Act, are as follows:"
- Characters listed in the List of Commonly Used Kanji (Cabinet Office Notification No. 2, Heisei 22) (excluding characters with parentheses).
- Characters listed in Appendix 2 of the Family Register Act Implementing Regulations.
- Katakana or Hiragana (excluding variant Kana).
In summary, the eligible characters include:
- Commonly used Kanji
- Characters listed in Appendix 2 of the Family Register Act Implementing Regulations
- Kanji for personal names
- Hiragana
- Katakana
Resources (in Japanese)
Commonly Used Kanji List: [link] [link]
Family Register Act Implementing Regulations Appendix 2: [link]
Ministry of Justice: Characters Usable for Child's Name: [link]
Personal Name Kanji List: [link]
Unified Character Information: [link]
Keeping your foreign nationality name
Upon obtaining Japanese nationality, some individuals also choose to retain their foreign nationality name. In this case, the name on the family register cannot be written in alphabetic characters but will be expressed in Katakana. The passport, as one of the documents requiring alphabetic representation, will have the name written in alphabetic characters. For documents requiring alphabetic representation, the Romanization will be based on the Hebon-shiki system, often known as Hepburn-style. For instance, if "TURNER ELIZABETH" is approved and the individual acquires Japanese nationality while retaining their current name, it would become "ターナー エリザベス" in Katakana. If using Hepburn romanization, it would become "TANA ERIZABESU." If you find this undesirable, you can present documents indicating alphabetic representation that you find suitable (such as a birth certificate or the passport from your previous nationality) to have a non-Hepburn alphabetic representation.
The documents required vary depending on the passport center where the application is made, so please confirm during the Japanese passport application process.
Please note that once a name is printed on the passport, it cannot be changed. Therefore, please proceed with caution during the application procedure.
Hebon-shiki (Hepburn) Romanization Table: [link]
