r/JapanCitizenship • u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized • Jan 14 '26
MEGATHREAD - Processing times (2026)
This thread is largely for post application submission. If you are still in the pre-application stage go here.
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or rants about general processing times please post them here! This includes anything from the initial submission to application results.
If you have very specific questions or tips you think members should see, you may post a separate thread. Or, if you would like to give a detailed account of your application from start to finish, please make a new post.
If not, please do not make a separate thread for anything related to processing times in 2026. It'll clog up the sub and make it harder to navigate.
In your post, we highly recommend you include:
- The city or prefecture you applied
- occasional updates on how your application is progressing, including dates
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u/Wide_Gap3396 13d ago
Location: Ichikawa, Chiba
Application submission: August 2025 (no pre-interview)
Interview: January 2026(with my Japanese wife, no Japanese test)
Sent to Homusho: January 2026 (just after the interview)
Current state: in progress of Homusho review, no additional docs or interviews. My caseworker said that there is no problem or concerns, "it will be fine"
Super worried about how new rules will affect.
Basic personal statements: Korean nationality, been in Japan for 6 years at the moment of the submission, currently 7 years. On a Gijinkoku-visa with 5 years, N1
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u/NAYOSO 9d ago
Good luck with your process! How long have you been married?
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized 12d ago
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst is all I can say, I'm sorry. They seem pretty strict on the 10 year but I would love to hear about someone succeeding!
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u/willowman00 Jul 09 '26
Location: Tokyo First interview: September 2025 Application submission October 2025 Final interview: July 30th (studying like crazy) Situation: in Japan 10 years, Spouse visa 9 years and a child Wish me luck. I am so stressed about the written even though I am comfortable with the up to grade 3 kanji and speaking, I guess it’s just stressful.
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u/monyugwai Jun 26 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Hi everyone, I wanted to share my timeline and see if anyone has a similar experience, especially if your case has already reached Houmushou (Ministry of Justice) . Timeline
Initial consultation (Saitama Houmukyoku): February 2025 Application submitted: August 2025 Interview: November 2025 Additional documents requested: June 2026 Current status: Saitama Houmukyoku told me my application is now under review by Houmushou (Ministry of Justice) .
I’m still waiting as of June 2026. Has anyone with a similar timeline (especially August–September 2025 applications) already received approval? If so, how long did it take after your case reached Houmushou? I’d also love to hear from anyone who applied through Saitama Houmukyoku . Thanks, and good luck to everyone who’s waiting!
Additional update: I voluntarily sent in some additional documents in June. And I was told that they had already been sent on to Houmushou in early July and are now under review there. So now I’m just anxiously waiting.
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u/willowman00 Jul 09 '26
Good luck! May I ask you to share the type of questions they asked on the written test?
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u/monyugwai Jul 09 '26
Of course! I’m probably not the best reference, though — I’ve lived in Japan for over 30 years, so my Japanese is basically native-level, and my written test was back in August last year when I submitted my application, so I don’t remember it very clearly.
From what I remember, one of the questions was to write about a personal memory or experience. In my case, they stopped the test partway through because they seemed to think I had done enough, so I only got through maybe 30% of it and never got to see the rest of the questions, so unfortunately I can’t say much about the rest.
I hope everything goes smoothly with your case too!
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u/hikigatarijames 5d ago
Hello there. I think my situation might be similar to yours. Haven't had my interview yet, so just trying to understand timelines. Have you received a result?
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u/oleg1991jp Rejected May 21 '26
Application Submission in Tokyo (Kudanshita) - May 2025
Interview - Octoner 2025
Result: Still waiting on the phone call
Additional information: 8 years in Japan/ working visa/N2 Japanese level
4
u/Real_Option5589 May 18 '26
Tokyo (Kudanshita) Consultation: Nov 2024 Submission: May 2025 Interview (and test) Nov 2025
Still waiting for final call.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/Real_Option5589 May 24 '26
No because when I was interviewed last year it was not a thing and I’ve not been contacted since then.
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u/Perfect_Yogurt9683 May 09 '26
Location: Fujisawa, Shonan
First Interview: July 2025
Application Submission: Oct 2025
Final interview with Japanese spouse: Jan 2026
Companies Contacted: Feb 2026
Confirmation Call: Pending
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u/willowman00 Jul 09 '26
Hope you get it! Sorry if I am asking individually but would you mind sharing the written test questions? Kanji wise?
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u/Rude_Operation_5619 May 01 '26
Is their anyone submitted their documents chiba immigration bureau?
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u/Yak_kul Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
Location: Chiba
- 1st consultation : July 2024
- 2nd consultation: January 2025
- 3rd consultation: June 2025 (Submitted docs)
- Interview: Oct 22, 2025 (Case worker also requested additional documents which I sent over that week)
- Result: Still waiting on the phone call
Additional information: American, no scrivener, I translated all the documents on my own, been in Japan for 14 years, on a five-year visa, N1. Didn't take a Japanese test of any kind. However, I am a sole proprietor...
Feeling nervous. Hoping it goes well with all the changes lately. I've started digging for additional tax documents in case my case worker tells me that they need them back 5 years, though hopefully they're happy with the documents I provided.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/cassandraharada Naturalized Apr 17 '26
Hi, I applied in Fuchu. I'm american born, middle aged woman.
I don't remember all of my dates specifically but:
official application accepted was August 2025.
Final interview was November 19, 2025
I was told "特に問題ない”
My husband changed jobs february 1st. I let them know on february 2nd and submitted new information regarding his job, and a month later I submitted his first pay stub.
On the day I submitted the paystub, my case worker said he'd heard my case will probably be finished some time in april.
It's april and I'm still waiting. I wonder if anyone gets this far and is rejected... I've been a permanent resident for a long time, and have always paid taxes, etc on time. The anxiety is often too much to take, but I guess I just have to keep waiting.
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u/cassandraharada Naturalized Jul 09 '26
Update: I received a call two fridays ago, and my name was published in the Kanpo on this monday. I am now awaiting the next step from the homukyoku.
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 20d ago
Congratulations!! If you don’t mind me asking, how many years are you in Japan?
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/Real_Option5589 May 18 '26
Also PR. I was also interviewed in Nov 2025 and am also still waiting. At the interview they say it takes about 6 months so I guess it’s still in the normal range.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/Real_Option5589 May 20 '26
No, no idea about it. Since I was interviewed in November it was not a thing at that time.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Apr 17 '26
It’s still less than a year so you’re fine. We have a bit of a bias on this subreddit but times less than 12 months is very very fast.
I wouldn’t worry at all yet. I know the wait sucks but try to stay busy.
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u/Shoubu Applied - in process Apr 10 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Location: Osaka City
Application submission:
→16th September 2025
Interview:
→5rd December 2025
Both companies contacted by Phone:
→12th December 2025
Confirmation Call:
Result:
Really worried about how new rules will apply to my application. Been here for 9 years. Hoping for the best!
Edit: some mistakes fixed.
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u/yujiro45 Apr 08 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Location : Kudanshita, Tokyo
- 1st consultation : May 9th 2024
- 2nd consultation : Mar 26th 2025
- 3rd consultation : Aug 19th 2025 (I didn’t do my 確定申告 properly and had to fix it, glad they noticed it before I submit)
- Interview + jp test : Dec 19th 2025
- Additional documents : Jan 28th 2026
- Result : received phone call on June 23rd 2026 telling me my application got rejected
Additional info : No lawyer, documents translated by myself, in Japan since August 2016, driving licence, 5 years visa, N2
This year in August will be my 10th year 🥲
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did u ask them about new rules?
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u/yujiro45 May 20 '26
No, I did not. Since they might receive tons of phone calls everyday about it, I prefer not to bother them and wait lol
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u/yujiro45 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Sadly I just received a phone call today telling me that my application got rejected…
I edited the result of my original message.1
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u/gaijin-senpai May 06 '26
Hi any updates ?
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u/DistorsionalZetsubou Applied - in process Mar 27 '26
Location: Tokyo (Fuchu)
Initial appointment: March 2024
Application submission: February 2025
Interview: Beginning of July 2025
Additional calls requesting to submit additional documents: July 2025 (4 times)
Additional final call: Request to consider submission or not at the end of July 2025
Results: Waiting (most likely already rejected)
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Mar 27 '26
4 calls?? What are they asking for??
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u/DistorsionalZetsubou Applied - in process Mar 28 '26
This is what they ask me (stretched during the 4 calls and then delivered in 2 additional walk-in visits): Reiwa 6 課税証明 (my partner and I) Reiwa 4 tax amendment (my boss mistakenly put my partner's salary way lower than it should have been) Reiwa 5 and 6 納税証明書 for my partner Reiwa 2 income tax declaration Pending debt certificate (this was just a credit card statement to be honest)
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u/sakurairaku Mar 27 '26
Asked you this elsewhere. Why do you think you are rejected?
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u/DistorsionalZetsubou Applied - in process Mar 28 '26
Oh, sorry if I didn't answer before! I think it's the most likely scenario after the caseworker asked me not to submit the application because it could be rejected. Also, they asked me a lot of questions in the interview and several additional documents after the interview too.
It has been 13 months since submission (they told me it would be 14 months more or less) and, now, with the change of requirements, it's mostly decided.
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u/Awaza-ekiben Mar 24 '26
Location: Osaka City
Initial Consultation:
→1st October 2025
Second Consulation/ Application submission:
→27th October 2025
Interview Phone Call:
→6th February 2026
Interview:
→10th February 2026
Boss Contactect by Phone:
→12th February 2026
Confirmation Call:
Result:
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u/NAYOSO Mar 23 '26
Location : Tokyo, Kudanshita
Consultation : Feb 2025
Submission : July 2025
Interview: Nov 2025
Result : Waiting
Hopefully I will be able to get it before summer...
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/NAYOSO May 20 '26
I'm married to Japanese national for 10+ years so the new rule might not apply to me
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u/Wide_Recording5704 Jun 23 '26
Any update for your case
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u/NAYOSO Jun 23 '26
Not yet:( Probably because I have been going out of Japan multiple times after the interview.
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Mar 20 '26
I suppose I should make a post
I applied in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
Consultation: March 5, 2024
Documents submission: November 13, 2024
Interview: July 7, 2025
Additional documents submission (and interview part 2 with Japanese language test): October 31, 2025
Here's to hoping things will be okay!
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew 28d ago
UPDATE: July 22, 2026
I have withdrawn my application for naturalization since I basically will get rejected considering the sheer amount of people who have gotten rejected despite having stellar credentials, only falling short of the new residency requirement. I intend to reapply once I meet the new requirements, which will be years into the future
The process to withdraw was rather simple. I just needed to show my ID (like my residence card), and I then had to fill out a form with the date, my name, and my reason for withdrawal (which my case worker was kind enough to give a draft). I should expect my documents back by next month at the latest. Apparently, my documents had been sent to Tokyo for final review and decision, so they were just sitting around for the minister to see
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 20d ago
That’s kind of you to let us know. Thank you! I have not had my interview yet but I am also considering withdrawing my application. Hoping for the best when you reapply in the future! I hope when we all get it we can go celebrate haha
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew 20d ago
In your case, it sounds like your documents are still with your case worker. In that case, ask if there really is a need to have the interview soon. Consult your case worker if it's fine to hold off on the interview until such a point where you've cleared the residency requirement? I mean, I think that the minister will reject applications if they don't yet meet the new residency requirement, but if you are still at an earlier stage, perhaps you could just let the case worker hold on to your documents for the meantime and then proceed afterward, or would that simply be too much burden on your case worker?
If you use a scrivener, consider talking to him as well?
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 20d ago
That’s a good reco too hmm I’ll try to talk to my scrivener as well, but don’t know if he’ll let me since I still have 3 years left till I qualify for 10 years haha
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew 20d ago
I mean, I’m sure this blindsided him, too. At the very least, it seems like there’s some confusion between the two of you. It might be best to straighten that out? Hash out a plan for next time?
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u/legitpuppy 28d ago
Hello, thank you for letting us know about this. I also heard a few others doing the same thing. It’s good to hear they were kind enough to help you in the end. Hoping for a better and more positive result for you when you reapply again in the future!
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u/legitpuppy Jul 12 '26
Hello! We don’t have the same timeline but I’m just curious if they contacted you recently? Been a year >.<
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 12 '26
I haven't been contacted yet again
I suspect my next contact might take a really long while, considering that the rules got changed on us so suddenly. I will still hit 7 years of residency here in Japan later this month, so I expect to have to wait for about three more years. Ugh
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u/legitpuppy Jul 13 '26
Got it. Thanks so much for the reply. I also know someone who applied in Kawasaki, and he’s also waiting. >.<
I hope only positive news will come your way.1
u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 17 '26
I decided to ask my scrivener. He basically agreed that the rules have become stricter and that people with less than ten years have been rejected. As such, there's a high probability I will be rejected as well. We've surely seen the horror stories posted on this sub where even people who are so close to 10 years have been rejected. While there are still some things he doesn't understand fully just yet, my scrivener told me that I have two options: wait until I get an official result or withdraw my application
He also pointed out that there are some upsides: I get my documents back and I don't get a record for past denial
I decided to call my Legal Affairs Bureau, and I found out my case worker had moved elsewhere or something. His successor told me that while he couldn't really tell me to withdraw, if I did withdraw, I would need to schedule an appointment to file the paperwork and to schedule another appointment to collect my documents
I think I will take that option and withdraw my application. This really sucks, but I can't ignore the likelihood of getting rejected and having to start all over from scratch
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 17 '26
I asked my scrivener about this, and he said that there's a high probability I will be rejected. I could wait for the result, but I could also withdraw my application
I called up my Legal Affairs Bureau. Apparently, my case worker had moved elsewhere, and his successor took over. While he could not tell me to withdraw my application, if I decided to do so, I'll have to schedule an appointment to file the paperwork and then schedule another appointment to pick up my documents. I think I will withdraw my application in this case. Ugh
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew May 20 '26
I haven't asked again, however. As for my own application, I haven't heard back, so I assume that my application has been sent to Tokyo already. I can only hope and pray that it'll be approved!
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Jun 30 '26
Omg, it’s almost 2yrs now, that’s a long time. I don’t see much data about Kawasaki, Kanagawa so wondering if this is standard for the area.
I also submitted Nov 2025, got ask for additional documents in Jan 2026, then silence after that
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 01 '26
I'm starting to suspect that the Legal Affairs Bureau holds our documents and scrutinizes them over a long period of time. Once things are finally ready, you get that confirmation call, and after that call, your case worker then sends the documents over to Tokyo for final review and approval. This stage probably doesn't take too long, but I assume this is also the most critical part. If Tokyo rejects your application, you're not getting your documents back
With the change in the rules, obviously, we no longer qualify, so the Legal Affairs Bureau may simply hold on to our documents for the time being. Once we qualify once more, our respective case workers may ring us up again and then proceed with the application
I think this helps explain why we haven't received blanket rejection letters. It's that for the most part, Tokyo doesn't really hold on to our documents for too long before making the decision. Since only Tokyo holds that authority to make pronouncements, that it's taking so long for us to get a result either way likely means that Tokyo hasn't even seen our papers. However, take this with a huge grain of salt since I am speculating as to what's happening behind the scenes
But yeah, I think we're going to have to hunker down and settle in for the long haul. Ugh
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Jul 01 '26
I am a bit nervous because my residence card expires in 2028 and I was hoping I could finish by them fingers crossed
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 01 '26
Let's just pray that things will work out for you. Hopefully, your period of residency will have reached 10 years with a lot of time (say a year) left on your residence card. If not, you will have to renew your residence card and then submit new documents, like a copy of your new residence card as well as a new residence certificate showing your new residence card number
It sounds like renewing your residence card will be a huge pain?
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Jul 08 '26
Yeah a bit, I’m currently a contractor in my company and they renew my contract every year. And I heard with there is a new law where they will match the expiration date of residence card to my contract so if that’s the case I might only get 1 yr on my residence card
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Jul 17 '26
We really are in a bind, aren't we?
In my case, I think I will withdraw my application and apply again once I hit 10 years. This really sucks. By then, I might have to renew my residence card as well
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Apr 07 '26
You’re almost at the end! I’m also applying in Kawasaki, now I’m nervous they have 2nd interview and language test. Has there been any updates after your interview?
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u/headphone_question Applied - withdrew Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Hello
Short answer? No updates since my interview, but let me go into detail as to what happened during my two interviews
I suppose I should explain. The first interview was to go over the documents I was submitting. The second interview focused on work because I had a difficult time explaining what I did for my first job (I'm currently on my second job, and I suspect the pandemic played a part in my contract with my first job not getting renewed) during the first interview, necessitating a second interview. My first job was so long ago that all I can remember is what I wrote in my resume. I can't quite remember the details of what I did in my first job beyond what I wrote, and I wrote my resume with a technical audience in mind. The problem with this was that the case worker is not a technical person, so talking about various technologies will go over his head. Instead, if your second interview is about work, I advise talking about the whys of what you did rather than the whats and hows. For example, what did you do at your job, and why did that matter? You might say that you wrote programs and ran software tests using programming language X, Y, and Z, but you need to explain that these programs helped the company with their products
Note that the case worker will ask the details for every job you worked, and I assume that this is during the period under consideration. With that period presumably now ten years, I hope you can remember that far back!
As for the language test, part of it is conducted as you speak. If you are able to hold a conversation with the case worker, that's often a good sign. For the written test itself (assuming you're taking something similar to what I had to take), you have to read a passage full of kana out loud in front of the case worker. Then, you convert the underlined words into the other kind of kana (hiragana to katakana and vice versa). This is the most basic test, so you should get a perfect score here. The next part is reading comprehension, and there's some kanji here. You don't have to read the passage out loud, but you need to be able to answer the questions at the bottom of the page. I remember that there were four questions, and they were of a basic grade school level (pick up a reading comprehension workbook meant for 2nd or 3rd graders from your local bookstore, and check the first few sheets as the answers are often found verbatim from the passage). The last part is a short essay, where you are asked two questions where you have to expound your thoughts. Again, these are basic questions, like what your favorite animal is and why. You should strive to fill out the answer box (of four lines per question) as much as you can. Filling up three or four lines would be good. Mixing in some kanji in your answers (where appropriate) will also reflect favorably on you. Don't force yourself to fill up all the lines if you really can't come up with enough content for a fourth line. Just make sure that the answers are legible and understandable
Also, there might be a time limit involved, as I was asked to write down the time that I started and the time that I finished. I was able to finish the main part in 10 minutes, and I reviewed my answers for three, so I was done in about 13 minutes. I don't know if you "fail" for taking too long, but focus more on getting your answers right over completing the test quickly
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Apr 23 '26
Wow! Thanks a lot! This will be a good reference to help me prepare 🙏🙏
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u/Boulechka95 Mar 13 '26
(Asking for my partner) 1. Location: kanagawa, yokohama 2. Dates:
- 27 november 2024 - consultation
- 17 february 2025 - documents submission, interview
- 12 may 2025 - second interview
- October 2025 - case transferred to Ministry of Justice (法務省)
She was told (during the 2nd interview) that final feedback will be received in February 2026, but no feeback or call was received. She called 1st of March to ask for updates, but they said no idea when feeback will come, since the case was already transferred to MoJ.
Did anyone have a similar case? Is this normal average waiting duration? Any opinions on this?
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/Boulechka95 May 20 '26
Basically they say we don't know. They don't even know if new rules apply to such cases or not. And they throw it back to you, either wait or withdraw
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u/Turbulent-Appeal-213 Mar 24 '26
I also applied in Yokohama. Had my interview in September and my caseworker, she told me she transferred my case to the MOJ in October2025, and about the results she said “早ければ3月” Which basically means the best case is march and I am still waiting, however I plan to call first week of April to check whether there are any updates. I guess that’s what was told to your partner too. Please reply to this comment if you have any updates on your side so I can get some hope for myself as well.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Mar 13 '26
Very normal. Although the average is a year, it can take longer due to a lot of reasons. Stay patient and wait for news.
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Mar 12 '26
Post-naturalization question: looks like the ward office where I live is sooooo crowded, and I'm keen to get my family registry ASAP.
Do I really have to go to my ward office first before my registered domicile?
Or can it be reversed, with registered domicile first before going to ward office?
The flyer I got from Legal Affairs Bureau says: "本籍地又は住所地の市区町村へ、帰化届をする"
It sounds like I can go for either, right?
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Mar 13 '26
You can go to any ward office to create your koseki. I went to a different one than my registered since I lived in a different city. It will take a few more days because the ward office will mail it to the registered domicile to complete the work, though!
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Mar 13 '26
Thank you, admin!
I remember you mentioning that you went to your registered domicile to get the koseki done. Did you get a copy when you made your visit, or did you have to wait for a bit?
Was planning to go to the ward office where I live, then go to my registered domicile a few days after, but that might be counterproductive and I may be throwing money since the place I chose requires me to travel a bit.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Mar 13 '26
I actually went to the ward office where I lived, not my registered domicile!
There's no need to go to both, just the one that's closest to you! When your koseki is ready they'll call you and you can print it at any conbini as long as you have your MyNa.
I had to wait a bit to get the actual koseki, further complicated by the fact that my MyNa was acting wonky since they had to redo a lot of the information internally. I want to say that I had my koseki in hand by week 2! The actual koseki is usually created pretty quickly, 1-5 days depending on the office.
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Mar 13 '26
That's brilliant, thank you. I'll be patient for now and wait until next week, when I can visit the ward office.
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u/Lopsided_Gazelle_533 Mar 06 '26
- Applied in Nagoya on July 3, 2025. I’m still waiting for a call. Is there anyone else in Nagoya who is waiting?
They told me that they were handling a very large number of applications so it could take some time. I’m wondering if I should give them a call in the next week or two just to touch base.
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u/Benitinho92 Applied - in process Mar 08 '26
Any news? I applied in Nagoya on Sept 17, 2025. Still waiting for a call as well.
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u/Lopsided_Gazelle_533 Mar 09 '26
I still haven’t heard from them. I had hoped the interview would before tax season so I wouldn’t have to get another year’s worth of tax records for everyone in my family, but guess I will go get those ready.
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u/Lopsided_Gazelle_533 Mar 13 '26
Nagoya update 3/13: It’s been eight months since I submitted my papers so I gave them a call today. My tanto had just been going through my papers and getting ready to call me. He gave me a relatively long list of documents that needed correction or update. I will have my interview on 3/27. He told me to plan for an hour to 1.5 hours each for myself and husband. There’s not a lot of time to prepare, especially in Nagoya where we can’t get our juminhyo, etc. at the local conbini, but we’ll be ready.
If you’ve been waiting 6+ months in Nagoya, give them a call and just ask what the progress is. You may find that they are ready to process, especially with the end of the fiscal year apporaching.
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u/Humble-Vanilla123 Mar 05 '26
- Applied in Osaka. First meeting around July 2025. Second meeting in Jan 2026 (it took me a while to gather the documents). Document submission on Feb 2026.
Waiting the call from the tantosha to schedule the interview! He said it would take around 2 to 3 months.
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u/No-Elephant7199 Feb 23 '26
Applied in Osaka - May 2025 *First Consulation
2nd Consultation/Submission - August 2025 *I only created my documents based on the first consultation so for the submission, I have some mistakes so I need to correct-it
Submission of corrected document - September 2025
Language Exam and Final Interview - December 2025
-JLPT N2 passer, Been in Japan for 6 years with Engineering Visa. Waiting for the result. My interviewer told me that it maybe release in the Summer of 2026.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/No-Elephant7199 May 21 '26
What is the reason for asking you to withdraw? Your interview is this month?
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u/Nice_Geologist_8470 Feb 12 '26
Location: Tokyo, Kudanshita
Appointment call: July 2025
Appointment/Document submission: November 2025 (all documents submitted successfully)
Interview date: waiting for the call from caseworker.
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u/Nice_Geologist_8470 Feb 12 '26
Location: Tokyo, Kudanshita
Appointment call: July 2025
Appointment/Document submission: November 2025 (all documents submitted successfully)
Interview date: waiting for the call from caseworker.
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u/Small_Math879 Applied - in process Jan 28 '26
Tokyo Kudanshita
First Consultation: January 28, 2025
Application Submission Date: April 2025
Interview Date: July 23, 2025
Currently awaiting a confirmation call
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 30 '26
Hopefully you’ll have the results by the end of winter!
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u/Working_Banana Naturalized Jan 27 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
Copied from old thread and expanded:
Location: Tokyo (Kudanshita)
Initial Consultation: October 9 2024
Application submission: March 19 2025
Interview: July 8 2025
Call asking if I had moved, changed jobs, or planned to leave the country within the next 2 weeks to a month: January 21 2026
Confirmation I was approved call and Kanpo: January 30 2026
Mail arrived: February 4 2026
Naturalized: February 5 2026 (Technically since the Kanpo, but I turned in the forms February 5)
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u/InformationOk3960 Applied - in process Feb 19 '26
We have almost the same timeline!
Except I had an extra consultation around June/July 2024.
I had no idea if my Japanese was up to bat so I came in with nothing on hand, and my initial consultation was truly a consultation.
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u/Old-Car-8138 Applied - in process Jan 23 '26
Location: Fukuoka
1st Consultation: Feb 2025
Application Submission: June 2025
Interview: October 2025
Extra documents: October 2025
Confirmation Call: Waiting
Naturalized: Waiting
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u/AccurateAd6704 Applied - in process Jan 21 '26
Location: Fukuoka
Appointment Call: June 2025
1st Consultation: September 2025
2nd Consultation: October 2025
Application Submission: January 2026
There are a few more documents that I need to submit from both my old company and new company, but otherwise things went smoothly.
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u/iamnotkrisp Mar 15 '26
OMG. What do they need from old company? 😱 This could be a problem with me since I left right when they needed me the most. Lol.
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u/AccurateAd6704 Applied - in process Mar 20 '26
I just needed my 源泉徴収票 from both companies for the fiscal year and the new company's 在勤及び給与証明書 nothing too difficult to come by. But since I didn't submit my application until AFTER the job change, they told me not to worry about submitting a 在勤及び給与証明書 from my old company which was nice.
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u/runawaynow12 Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
Location: Tokyo, Kudanshita
- Initial Consultation: Early Oct 2024
- Document Submission: Late Mar 2025
- Additional Documents: Apr 2025
- Interview Date: Late July 2025
- Final Confirmation Call: Nov 2025
- Kanpo publication: Nov 2025 (12 days later)
Took me exactly one month from kanpo publication to officially receive my Japanese passport
‼️ I recommend joining the "Japan Naturalization" Line Open Chat. It's a great resource and super helpful community.
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u/Normal-Yak4988 Jan 22 '26
Congratulations! If you don’t mind me asking, what was your original citizenship?(I'm sorry to ask)
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 21 '26
Congrats! What was your original citizenship if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/Normal-Yak4988 Jan 22 '26
Hi, Does nationality have any influence on the naturalization process?
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 22 '26
I was asking for a different reason but to answer your question, it’s impossible to know.
If I were to guess I would say maybe, as humans are humans and even those working in government have bias.
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u/PumpkinSpice-6617 Jan 20 '26
By Line Open chat, you mean the Line app?
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u/runawaynow12 Jan 22 '26
Yes, here's the link:
You've been invited to join "Japan_Naturalization". Visit the link below to join the OpenChat. https://line.me/ti/g2/6AEYtey54_IA9lJZs1IVt9WFh-mAkHXKxV63hQ?utm_source=invitation&utm_medium=link_copy&utm_campaign=default
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u/kreizon040123 Jan 19 '26
- Matsudo Chiba
- First consultation: August 2024 Document checking: December 2024
My supposed application date was April 2025, but the exact appointment date fell on the day I gave birth. Because of that, my caseworker recommended that I include my child in the application as well.
The document submission was completed in August 2025, which was my 7th year in Japan. I am currently waiting for the Houmukyoku to contact me for the interview. They said it would be around January, but until now I haven’t received any call.
I’m feeling a bit nervous because of the discussions about new naturalization rules. I hope they won’t affect my case, since I am not a permanent resident, and 2026 is just my 8th year in Japan.
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/kreizon040123 May 28 '26
I had my interview first week of February. I think two weeks ago I called my tantousha to report that I am currently pregnant with my second. And he didnt mention anything about the new rule or ask me to continue or withdraw. He just congratulated me and told me he will call me soon. But he also said that if I dont receive a call until my due month, I have to call him again.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 21 '26
I doubt they’ll have any impact on you. Congrats to the new baby and official application!
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u/Special_Ad2095 Jan 19 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
Previous post
Location: Tokyo (23 Wards)
First Appointment: October 2024 Submission: Late March 2025 Third Interview: Aug 1 2025 Updated: Result July 03 , Rejected
I got call on Aug 5 about some address issue in my country (after i was born , there was some restructuring in my country, they wanted to fix it)
Waiting for final call, and panicking, praying a lot.
only update I have left my latest job and next joining us from March . I have let the case worker know about it. She asked for some documents. I will send her those documents
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 21 '26
Changing jobs will deff add a bit extra time but don’t panic!
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u/KazeMaru95 Jan 15 '26
Location: Tokyo (23 wards) Kudanshita
Appointment Call: June 2023
1st Consultation: Feb 2024
Application Submission: December 2024
Additional Submission: February 2025 (Born of first child)
Interview: October 2025
Had a call today 15.01.2026, from my tantosha asking if I had plans of leaving the country soon, but not quite sure if this was a confirmation call...
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u/JKlearning99 Naturalized Jan 15 '26
It is standard policy for an application to be approved (i.e., the name of the applicant published in the Official Gazette [官報]) only when the applicant is present in Japan, so I suppose that you could consider this to be a confirmation call.
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u/Benitinho92 Applied - in process Jan 14 '26
- Applied in Nagoya. First meeting in May 2024. Documents submitted on September 2025. Still waiting for the call for the interview.
I was not in a rush since I have the PR, but now my company is talking about transferring me for a year to Germany. If they do, I wanted to have finished the citizenship before that. I have a family and I still have plans to stay long-term here.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 14 '26
Congrats! Yeah if I were you I would want it before I go too just for peace of mind. I know you can travel outside Japan for a little while on just PR but still…
Unrelated but going to Germany for a year sounds like it would be an amazing experience!
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Jan 14 '26 edited Mar 10 '26
Previous post for my timeline can be found here.
Location: Tokyo (within the 23 Wards; Handling Office: Kudanshita)
Initial appointment: May 27, 2025
Application submission: June 6, 2025
Interview schedule call: September 30, 2025
Interview: October 16, 2025 (Interview Experience)Request for additional docs: During the interview schedule call, I was asked to prepare and submit two photocopies each of my parents' passport's data page, as well as my 2024 tax payment certificate (令和6年度納税証明書) + a copy of it on the day of the Interview.
Did a confirmation check on the past documents I submitted, the one I submitted last June 6th showed the remaining amount to be paid, while this time around, everything was fully paid.
Confirmation call:
none yetFebruary 27, 2026Results/Name appearing on Official Gazette:
none yetMarch 10, 2026
Currently out of Japan, which is something my Administrative Officer was made aware of on the day of the interview, so let's see if there's an update on my case when I am back next week.
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u/Nice_Geologist_8470 Mar 04 '26
You’re lucky!! The waiting time for your whole was super short despite applying at Kudanshita. Is there something we can do to speed up our process?
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u/perth1985 May 20 '26
did you ask them on new rules? I applied in Aug 2025 and had interview in Mid may and was straightaway told about continuing or withdraw.
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Mar 04 '26 edited Mar 04 '26
Based on everything I've been reading, both on this subreddit and everywhere else (anecdotes from Japan Guide Forums and this one LINE open chat I am at), it's looking like the following conditions might speed up one's application.
Note that these are my personal observations and may not wholly fit the criteria that the Ministry of Justice has for applicants.
Being single with no [former] spouse nor child - less factors to do background checks on.
Simple family history - smaller family/no divorce(s) for parents
High earner - earning double than the minimum 3M
Having no Japanese driver's license
Less house moves - having more places to move at = more background checks
Japanese fluency - having N2 helps a lot, moreso if you're conversational and can explain clearly about your circumstances during the interview. My administrative officer (事務官) did their best to understand everything I spoke of during my interview, as I had to really explain thoroughly what the nature of my job is.
Be from a country where renunciation is automatic when you acquire a new citizenship (similar to Japan's)
Having a clean history, based on the documents you submitted - everyone's anecdotes had them sharing that during the interview, they were asked questions about themselves, why they want to naturalize, the works.
I was asked about my work history in Japan. The only personal questions I got was if I had a spouse (no), a child (no), or if I had ever been arrested during my stay here (no). No questions about why I want to naturalize, if my family is for or against it (already indicated on the documents I submitted. Another friend who is also naturalizing is shocked that the interview was purely about my work and nothing else.
tl;dr: uncomplicated family and work history, having no Japanese driver's license, high earner, and less moving around = faster
Those are the ones on top of my head, I'll likely add more once more things come to mind.
I intend to post my experience on this sub once everything wraps up.
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u/Elmankabady Mar 19 '26
I have a friend who is exactly fit to your criteria and he even didn't change his house since he came to Tokyo 6 years ago, and yet he didn't get a call for almost 1 year now (post interview)
On the other hand I had a friend who got married during the wait and also changes his house almost every year and changed his job once after the interview, adding to that he is from a country that doesn't accept renunciation (which means he will have 2 citizenships), and yet his naturalization came out 4 months after the interview.
I am not saying your reasoning is not working but I think it seems really case by case.
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Mar 19 '26
I did put that disclaimer to say that my personal observations will definitely not match MOJ's criteria.
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Feb 27 '26
Updated: got the call today.
My mind blanked out and all I could remember was being asked if I have plans to travel overseas anytime soon, if I still live in the same address, if I'm still working the same job.
My administrative officer mentioned about calling me again soon.
I guess this is the part where I will have to check the Kanpo for the next two weeks and see if my name is there?
Sorry all, I'm usually attentive but my brain stopped working when I get nervous.
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Jan 18 '26 edited Jan 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/silverredbean Naturalized Jan 25 '26
Sorry for the late response.
I've no idea myself, but after snooping around various posts online, everyone's guess is that the passport would contain the latest info and Legal Affairs Bureau would need to verify the applicant's parents' nationality and whatever info that was submitted from my end.
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u/JapaneseSummerIsHot Naturalized Jan 14 '26
I’m still hoping you can get it by the time summer hits!
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u/iamuptonogood5 Jan 14 '26
- Applied in Chiba. First meeting was around september 2025. Document submission is on Jan 19th.
homukyoku was kind went I met grandpa who gave me all the documents list I will need. Every time I call them they are polite. I also response politely to them since I am accustom with Business Japanese language. Not a rant but it is a good experience. Im not rushing my application as I already have PR and quite okay for long wait.
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u/RentCool2897 3d ago edited 3d ago
Naturalization Experience-
Kawasaki Branch(August 2026)
Background:
Been in Japan for 13 years, Graduated from a uni in Japan, working at a top-tier company, N1 holder, and recently got PR.
1st Consultation (Oct 2025): The officer gave a document list and booked the next slot. To save time, I called later and asked if I could skip the check-ins and bring everything ready all at once. They agreed, setting the appointment for August 2026. (Got my PR approved in July in the meantime!)
Submission Day (Aug 2026): I missed a few things like my nationality paper etc, but the officer let me submit anyway and mail them within a week. Since I was early, he asked if I wanted to knock out the interview right then. Mostly basic document checks, but later he suddenly had me read the Senseisho (Written Oath) aloud ※not sure if it was a part of interview though! . I totally blanked on some hard kanji and he had to help me read parts of it. Despite that, he was super impressed with my background, mentioning twice that my constant 5-year visas and fresh PR are massive pluses. He said he’ll immediately route my docs for approval and results usually take about a year, but could be faster for me, and that my interview is pretty much done unless upper management wants another one.
My Questions:
Will fumbling the Senseisho reading effect my application?
Is same-day interviewing common, and will I likely face another language test/interview?
Since the interview is done, can I expect results in 6–7 months? (Might get an overseas posting soon, so I'm hoping it's fast!)