Naturalization in 2022

Hi Maxpain,

Thank you for sharing your timeline, and congratulations on obtaining Japanese citizenship! I'm also really sorry to hear about your father..

I was curious about something, although they mentioned they weren't happy with your Japanese, you still passed the test. How did the interview go? Does the writing test alone determine success, or is it still okay if we're not as strong in the interview?

Thanks!!

Hello Everyone

Is there any one who applied Japan Passport in Tokyo Homukyoku?
Applied in April 2024.
Still no any update.
Does waiting time is so long these days ?
Kindly share your experience who applied in Tokyo Homukyoku.
Appreciate your answers.

@ Mili and Imy
There is no hard rule for Japanese test. It purely depends on tantou and your regional honkyoku.

For me, I was warned about my japanese language ability at the very first consultation. Then before at the last consultation before the application submission I was literally told not to come if my Japanese level is not acceptable.
Even after that on the application day, I failed the test and tantou almost convinced me not to apply and come back later. But I insisted and applied anyway.
Then my tantou changed and he was nice. Though every time I spoke to him for various matters, he would warn me about my Japanese and requested me to improve my japanese. He even requested my fiancee to help me study when she called to clarify about some of her papers.
The new tantou specifically told me that there will be a Japanese test in beginning of the interview.
So, finally I did my best to study, learned to read and write 2nd grade elementary level kanji. Practiced to read essays and do QA based on that.
In the interview, Tantou said to me and my fiancee that all my documents are okay. There is no problem with Tax, no problem with law and compliance, my income and job is stable, but only big problem is my Japanese skill. He said if I did not pass this test now, he will "discuss" the way forward.
The test was easier than my preparation and I passed with full mark. Tantou even showed my answer sheet to my fiancee during the interview with her.
After I passed the test, everything was smooth in the interview and I got confirmation call in less than 3 months.

@maxpain

Much appreciate and really helpful answer..
Thank you for your time.

@Tok22

I submitted my application for naturalization in Tokyo Jan 2024. I got the call around July for additional documents and scheduled the interview in early Aug. During interview, I was told that the result will take around 6 months to 1.5 years. I think Tokyo has many applicants that the processing time is longer than other prefecture. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your answer @maxpain

I have another concern. When I submitted my documents, I had around 450,000 yen in my bank account. My relative transferred me money from abroad to be sure my account had enough funds at the time, but I have sent that money back to them in the meantime.
Right now, I don't have any savings in my account. Will they check if my account still has the same balance? Could this be an issue?

Thank you !