The Foreign-born Japanese reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Foreign-born Japanese

A foreign-born Japanese is a person who was originally born outside Japan and later acquired Japanese citizenship. This category encompasses persons of both Japanese and non-Japanese descent. The former subcategory is considered because of intricacies of national and international laws regarding the citizenship of newborn persons.

By Japanese laws, adult persons generally cannot hold both foreign citizenship and Japanese citizenship (dual nationality):

• those who have acquired dual nationallity before age 20 must choose a single nationality before reaching age 22.
• those who have acquired dual nationallity after age 20 must choose a single nationality in 2 years.

The laws also require them to adopt a Japanese name.

Probably because of the difficulty of gaining citizenship and because of cultural difference, foreign-born Japanese people account for a very small percent of demography in Japan. Many who live in Japan permanently, particularly Korean and Chinese, tend to maintain their citizenship.

Notable foreign-born Japanese

• William Adams
• Akebono
• Alberto Fujimori, a former president of Peru
• Arudou Debito, also known as David Aldwinckle
• Akira Fujimoto, president of a Japanese company
• Lafcadio Hearn
• Rikidozan (1924-1963), famous pro wrestling star born in North Korea
• Tsurunen Marutei
• Alessandro dos Santos, a football player (Alex)

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See also: Ethnic issues in Japan, Demography of Japan.

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