Renho, the leader of the Japan's main opposition party — who was born to a Taiwanese father and a Japanese mother — said Thursday she will disclose a portion of her family registry and other documents to prove she no longer holds foreign citizenship, amid criticism that doing so may encourage discrimination against those with dual nationalities.
Renho's decision appears to reflect an intention to put an end to a months-long dual nationality saga that has arguably marred her credibility as head of the biggest opposition party as well as a potential prime minister. Under Japan's current nationality law, those with dual citizenship are required to choose one by age 22.
"I'm ready to disclose a portion of my koseki (family registry) that shows I no longer possess Taiwanese nationality," Renho, who only goes by her first name, told a packed news conference Thursday. She was elected the first female president of the Democratic Party last year.