Having lived in Japan for more than three decades, I’ve concluded that I am a lifer and permanent residency is not enough.
One may think it is enough, but permanent residency is equivalent to a pair of jacks when aces are needed. It may be adequate for some residents’ purposes, but when the chips are down, many will be shocked at just how few protections it offers.
Many with permanent residency in Japan for an extended period have likely considered and rejected getting Japanese citizenship. The usual reasons for choosing not to become a naturalized citizen are manifold, but chief among them is their hesitance to forfeit their present citizenship. Japan does not allow — and never has allowed — dual citizenship.
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