What do you have to do/get to become a Japanese citizen?

Question

I'm studying neurology here in the Netherlands and I'm really going to live in Japan. My mother, who works for Sanyo, went to Japan last year, she became good associates with the Japanese, she told them about my study and intelligence and the Japanese are considering to be my sponsor!

But I don't know what will happen next, with the university and stuff. I want to study there because I like the country and because of the fact that Europe is the most boring place in the world! So, could you guys please name some universities there in Tokyo (area) and other important things that I have to do to become a Japanese citizen?

My biggest problem unfortunately is the language. I can understand five words or something, that's all! And if it comes to reading... Is there maybe a university where they use English? And where they teach neurology?

Thanks in advance, please tell everything you know!

Some SERIOUS answers please... even though it's difficult for some people...

I'm crazy enough to live there forever. I'm not just going to study there and then go back to Europe...

Answer 1

It is entirely possible for foreigners to attend Japanese Unis. Just do some homework about what you're in for before you decide.

If you are wanting to go all the way through and graduate, you can do that... Right or wrong, the west does not rate Japanese education very highly, and a degree from a good Japanese Uni will probably not be worth the same as a degree from a good 'local' school. One reason is there are simply lots of 'Unis' in Japan that would not have that status in the US or Australia. The overwhelming majority are private businesses, with an eye on profits rather than education. And even in Japan there has been quite a buzz recently about how the standards are dropping.

But I think study is great. And overseas study particularly so. Sure it might not be perfect but if you are young you'll have a heap of fun at a Japanese Uni.

If you are just wanting to do a year or two of study while you are in Japan, and have that credited back towards a degree you've already begun in your own country speak to your school first. Not many schools will allow this, and those that do have VERY strict parameters on which schools you can attend, and what you can study and get credit for. They really only want you to learn the language. My passion is Japanese History, which was right out of the question !?

The other big decision you will have to make is whether you enrol to the Japanese Uni as a foreigner or just as a normal student who happens to be from a foreign country.

Some Japanese Unis have courses designed for us foreigners. You will of course have to meet a particular level of language skills but the first year is very much designed to ease you into the whole deal. You have (mainly) special classes rather than just being jumbled into the normal mix. It's a far easier option than standard entry.

For mine though, standard entry is the better way, IF you can survive it! You will be expected to pay normal fees. You will need near-native language skill - all classes, materials and assessment will be in Japanese. BUT, it opens up a the full range of courses taught at the school, and you'll fit into the student body alot better if you are all working at the same things. To try and gain access this way you'll typically choose the school you want to attend and approach them directly. The school year starts in April, and enrolments will be taken from about 6 months out from that.

All of this refers to undergrad work. Postgrad is a whole new game again, and in lots of ways easier, plus, the Japanese government through the Department of Education (Monbusho) has a fantastic scholarship scheme for foreigners doing postgrad work in Japan. Check it out through the web http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj03... or your local Japanese Embassy or Consul.

With a specialised field like yours I would say that you will face serious difficulties because your Japanese qualifications might not be recognized in your home country, and the language thing is going to be an issue... There are lots of good unis in Japan, but an even greater number of bad ones. I don't know enough about neurology to make any indepth suggestions but Tokyo, Kyoto, and Keio are probably the most famous...

You'll also need Visas, but once you're enrolled that should be pretty easy. Just make sure you allow enough time for the sometimes long-winded process. Accomodation will depend on your school, but clubs like Rotary etc also have a really good homestay program, and that can certainly help you ease your way into the country.

The whole idea of getting Japanese citizenship is one almost too difficult to imagine (unless you're a sports star). I know of one total fruitcake in Hokkaido who took it just for the challenge, and now he parades around carrying his Passport berating older Japanese people with claims that he is as 'Japanese' as they are! Ridiculous in my opinion.

You certainly don't need it; and I think in lots of ways it's a disadvantage. I have permanent residency - and that too has 'issues', but as a home-owner you need it. Generally, Japan is very forgiving of foreigners and so make the most of it. Working holiday visas are great if you're eligible, otherwise working visas are the best bet. But if you're a student just start off with a student visa...
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/foreign-bor...

Good luck in your pursuit, and feel free to flick me an email if you need any more help...

Answer 2

To become a naturalized Japanese citizen is not impossible but it's hard. You need about ten years of residency first, and be able to prove your a good member of the community(ie. be financially stable, etc)and have documentation for your entire education etc.

There are three English language universities in Tokyo that I know of,Sophia, Temple and International Christian University. As far as I know you have to be able to pass the exams in Japanese to enter medical school in Japan. If your going to spend the rest of your life there you might as well learn the language first in any case.

Answer 3

I just want to make short as top answerers have given a good advices so far..
GIRL..go .. your mother has good relation with Japanese people, you got promising sponsors who are Japanese..
About the language? you are young and universities are open to everyone if you have sponsors, and your Japanese basic knowledge would improve when you start studying. Sophia University is a good choice, or try Monbusho scholarship, apply in your nearest Japanese embassy there.
About converting to Japanese National, it is way too far to think now, it is not expressway going to Japan and become one Japanese however you like the country. .. what you do first is....go if you have enough support and study ..when you have lots of knowledge, they are the one to look for you and you would have lots of opportunities to discover it yourself..

Answer 4

Aren't there any student-exchange program in your school?
Unfortunately Japanese ppl doesn't speak English very much.
If you wanna join the univ in Japan, probably you need to take language test first.

I have heard there are any course in which you can take a class in English at Sofia University. but I don't know much the details. and probably there is no neurology course.
http://www.sophia.ac.jp/E/E_toppage.nsf/

I recommend you to start study Japanese since tomorrow, and finish your degree, save money. I think one or two year time will pass away soon.

Answer 5

no i didn't think so to be Japaneses citizen the Egyptian and Americana citizen is the best

Answer 6

I think if you can start practicing to bow a hundred times a day, probably you may have a chance.. who knows what??

Answer 7

you need to lose all moral standards and not give a fook about any one else.

Answer 8

ask visa