Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re privileged to have a detailed discussion with Ami Ito about Japanese descendant visa. She is a highly experienced immigration lawyer. While her office is based in the Tokyo area, Ami Ito provides dedicated support to clients throughout Japan, specializing in Japanese immigration law. A significant focus of her practice has been assisting individuals of Japanese descent with their visa applications. She has a strong track record and deep knowledge, particularly concerning visa applications for Nikkei individuals, including many successful cases for Sansei. Thank you for joining us, Ami.

Ami Ito: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic. The desire for Sansei, or third-generation Japanese descendants, to connect with their heritage and explore life in Japan is something I encounter often, and I’m passionate about helping them navigate the legal pathways from anywhere in Japan.

 

Understanding “Sansei” and the Primary Visa Option

– That’s wonderful to hear. To start, for those who might be new to these terms, could you clarify who exactly is considered ‘Sansei’ and what the primary visa option is for them if they wish to live in Japan long-term?

Ami Ito: Certainly. “Sansei” refers to the grandchildren of Japanese nationals – they are the third generation from the original Japanese emigrant. For Sansei who aim to reside in Japan for an extended period, the most relevant visa status is the “Long-Term Resident” visa. This isn’t a standard work visa; it’s a status granted by the Minister of Justice based on special circumstances that are deemed to warrant a considerable period of residency.

 

Legal Grounds and Common Scenarios for Long-Term Resident Status

– When a Sansei individual applies for this Long-Term Resident status, are there specific legal grounds or common scenarios they typically fall into?

Ami Ito: Yes, while the specific internal legal classifications might not be something an applicant needs to detail on their form, their eligibility generally aligns with a couple of key background scenarios recognized by the Ministry of Justice.

For instance, one common situation is where the applicant is a grandchild of someone who was a Japanese national, and this Japanese nationality was continuous through to when the applicant’s parent (the second generation) was born. In this case, the applicant’s direct connection to a Japanese grandparent, whose child (the applicant’s parent) was also recognized under Japanese law as a child of a Japanese national, forms the basis of their eligibility. Of course, the applicant’s good conduct is always a mandatory requirement in this scenario.

Another scenario we often see is where the applicant is a grandchild of someone who was born as a child of a Japanese national and who themselves once held Japanese nationality (meaning they had a family register in Japan). Even if this first-generation grandparent later renounced their Japanese nationality, if this happened after the applicant’s parent was born, the grandchild may still be eligible. Again, the applicant’s good conduct is a critical and non-negotiable factor here.

Essentially, the immigration authorities will look at the history of Japanese nationality within the family, particularly at the time the applicant’s parent was born, to establish the qualifying connection.

 

The Significance of “Good Conduct”

– You’ve emphasized “good conduct” for both. It sounds like a very significant factor. Could you briefly explain what that means for an applicant?

Ami Ito: It is indeed a cornerstone of the application. “Good conduct” essentially means that the applicant should not have a history of serious criminal offenses and should generally be a law-abiding individual. Immigration authorities will assess this comprehensively. A clean record and responsible behavior are key.

 

– In relation to proving good conduct, particularly regarding any past criminal history, how does an applicant typically demonstrate this to the immigration authorities?

Ami Ito: That’s a very practical question. To confirm an applicant’s criminal history, or lack thereof, they are generally required to submit a criminal record certificate, sometimes called a police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct. This certificate must be issued by the competent authorities of their country of nationality. If they have resided in other countries for significant periods before coming to Japan, certificates from those countries might also be requested. This official document serves as a key piece of evidence for the good conduct assessment.

 

Financial Stability Requirements

– What about the financial aspect? Is there an expectation for Sansei applicants to demonstrate financial stability?

Ami Ito: Absolutely. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess a stable financial foundation to support themselves adequately while living in Japan. This is a practical measure to ensure they will not become a burden on Japan’s public welfare system. This is typically proven through documents such as bank statements showing sufficient funds or evidence of a concrete job offer or stable employment in Japan.

– Could you walk us through some of the other essential documents that Sansei applicants generally need to gather for their application?

Ami Ito: The documentation is crucial and requires meticulous preparation. Beyond the criminal record certificate, core documents invariably include:

• Proof of Lineage: This is fundamental. It involves collecting official documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates for the applicant, their parents, and their grandparents. These documents must clearly and officially establish the generational link to Japanese nationality. The accuracy and official validation of these documents cannot be overstated.
• Letter of Guarantee: Applicants will need a guarantor residing in Japan to provide a formal letter of guarantee, undertaking certain responsibilities. Ideally, this guarantor would be a relative living in Japan. If securing a relative as a guarantor is not possible, a friend residing in Japan may be able to act as a guarantor, provided they are a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident.

 

Employment Opportunities with Long-Term Resident Status

– That’s a helpful overview. Once a Sansei individual successfully obtains Long-Term Resident status, what does that mean for their ability to work in Japan? Are there limitations?

Ami Ito: This is one of the most attractive features of the Long-Term Resident status for Sansei. Generally, there are no restrictions on the types of employment activities they can engage in. This offers immense flexibility, allowing individuals to work in a wide array of fields, including roles often categorized as “simple labor,” without needing to change their visa status for different jobs.

 

Visa Duration and the Influence of Japanese Language Ability

– What about the duration of the visa? How long is the period of stay typically granted, and does an applicant’s Japanese language ability influence this?

Ami Ito: The period of stay for a Long-Term Resident is not fixed; it’s determined by the Minister of Justice based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s case. It can be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months.

Regarding language ability, while it might not be a strict pass/fail criterion for initial eligibility, demonstrating a good level of Japanese language proficiency can certainly be advantageous, especially if the applicant hopes to secure a longer period of stay, such as the 5-year term. For example, presenting evidence of proficiency equivalent to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 level, a score of 400 or more on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test, or proof of having completed at least one year of education in a Japanese school (as defined under Article 1 of Japan’s School Education Act), can be looked upon favorably by the immigration authorities when they are deciding the length of stay to grant.

 

Family Members: Accompanying Spouses and Children

– That makes sense. What if the Sansei Long-Term Resident has family members, such as a spouse or children? Are there pathways for them to join or accompany the Sansei individual in Japan?

Ami Ito: Yes, Japan’s immigration framework does provide for the family members of Long-Term Residents.

• For Spouses: The spouse of a Sansei who holds Long-Term Resident status may also be eligible to apply for their own Long-Term Resident status. The immigration authorities will carefully assess the genuineness and stability of the marriage as part of this process.
• For Minor Children: If a Sansei Long-Term Resident (who themselves qualified under common scenarios for third-generation descendants and holds a designated period of stay of one year or more) has a minor, unmarried biological child whom they financially support, that child may also be eligible for Long-Term Resident status.

 

Final Advice for Prospective Applicants

– This has been incredibly insightful. As we conclude, what final piece of advice would you offer to Sansei individuals who are contemplating this journey to live in Japan, regardless of where they are currently?

Ami Ito: My strongest advice is to approach the process with diligence and thorough preparation, no matter where you are applying from. The requirements, particularly those concerning proof of lineage and good conduct, are stringent. Ensure every document is accurate, officially validated, and complete. Presenting a clear, honest, and well-supported application is paramount.

Given the nuances and the importance of getting it right, I always recommend that prospective applicants consider seeking professional guidance from an immigration lawyer who has specific experience with Nikkei cases. As someone who has guided many Sansei through this very process, assisting clients across Japan and from overseas, I understand the common pitfalls and the strategies for building a robust application. The positive feedback and high satisfaction expressed by my clients, as you might see in online reviews, reflect my commitment to making this journey as smooth and successful as possible for everyone I serve, nationwide.

– Thank you, Ami Ito, for sharing your extensive knowledge and practical advice with us today. I’m sure this will be immensely helpful for many Sansei considering their future in Japan.

 

 

Disclaimer: This conversation is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Immigration laws, policies, and their interpretations can change, and every individual’s circumstances are unique. It is strongly recommended to consult directly with a qualified immigration lawyer like Ami Ito for personalized advice and assistance tailored to your specific situation before making any decisions or submitting any immigration applications.

 

 

 

Profile: Ami Ito　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

 

・Background: Born in Tokyo. Spent her high school years in the UK, graduating from a local school.

 

・Education: Graduated from Sophia University (Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of English Studies) with a focus on Intercultural Communication.

 

・Professional Experience:

-Worked for 11 years in the overseas division of a manufacturing company.

-Serves as an Officer of the Chiba Branch of the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (Since May 2025).

-Previously served as a Director of the International Affairs Department at the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (June 2023 – May 2025).

 

・Certifications & Skills:

-TOEIC score: 970; United Nations Associations Test of English (UNATE): Grade A.

-Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students.

-Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Gyoseishoshi Lawyers) in Chiba Prefecture Capable of Handling Foreign Languages.”

 

・Philosophy: Having lived abroad, I understand the challenges of living and working in a different culture. This experience inspired me to become a Gyoseishoshi (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist) to assist foreigners who wish to live and work in Japan, and to support companies looking to hire foreign talent.

I enjoy connecting with people and listening to their stories. I am dedicated to carefully understanding each client’s unique situation and proposing the best possible solutions based on my legal expertise. Through clear and attentive communication, I strive to ensure my clients feel secure and well-supported throughout the process.