Naturalization Interview Questions and Strategies Guide

For foreigners who have been living in Japan for a long time and have established a stable life base, obtaining Japanese nationality requires a procedure called “naturalization application” through the Legal Affairs Bureau. Among the many steps involved, the interview (hearing investigation) at the Legal Affairs Bureau is considered particularly important.

Naturalization is not just about submitting the required documents. Through the interview conducted by an examiner, the applicant’s character, lifestyle, compliance with the law, and adaptability to Japanese society will be directly assessed.

This article provides a detailed and practical explanation of what kind of questions are asked during the naturalization interview, how to prepare for it, and how an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) can support you through the process.

What is the Naturalization Interview?｜Purpose of the Legal Affairs Bureau’s Hearing

The naturalization interview is conducted by an official from the nationality section of the Legal Affairs Bureau (or its branch), who meets with the applicant in person to confirm the content of the submitted documents, the applicant’s intentions, and their actual living conditions. This is not just a casual “interview” but one of the key elements in determining whether the applicant is qualified to become a Japanese citizen.

According to Article 5 of the Nationality Act, requirements include “good conduct” and “ability to make a living through assets or skills.” These requirements cannot be fully assessed through documents alone, so the examiner makes a comprehensive judgment during the interview.

Interviews are usually divided into two stages: the initial (pre-consultation) interview and the post-application interview. However, depending on the case, there may be more than three interviews.

• Confirm consistency of application documents
• Ask about applicant’s motivation, intentions, and future outlook
• Verify consistency in family, residency history, and lifestyle
• Gather information not listed in the application forms

For example, details about family environment, marital history, and children are often unclear from documents alone and will be asked during the interview. The examiner may also ask detailed questions regarding residence status history, tax payments, and pension records if deemed necessary.

The interview is basically conducted in Japanese, and your Japanese language ability is also part of the evaluation. If communication is difficult, a companion interpreter may be allowed in some cases, but even that will be taken into consideration to assess your “adaptability to Japanese society.”

Interview Timing and Types｜Differences Between the Initial and Final Interview

The term “naturalization interview” generally refers to multiple sessions, each with a distinct purpose and timing. Below we explain the difference between the “initial interview” and the “main interview during final review.”

Initial Interview (Consultation and Pre-check)

Timing: From the stage when the applicant starts considering naturalization until before document submission
Location: Jurisdictional Legal Affairs Bureau (usually by appointment)
Content:

• General explanation of naturalization procedures
• Preliminary confirmation of requirements (residency history, income, conduct, etc.)
• Assessment of Japanese language skills and applicant’s intentions
• Guidance on documents to be submitted

In the initial interview, the examiner conducts a screening to determine whether the applicant is eligible to apply. If issues are found at this stage, the application will not proceed to official acceptance.

Significance of having an administrative scrivener present:
With a professional by your side, you can clearly understand the requirements and future steps. Communication with the examiner also becomes smoother.

Main Interview (Final Review)

Timing: Several months after submitting documents (usually 6–10 months)
Location: Same Legal Affairs Bureau where documents were submitted
Content:

• Detailed confirmation of motivation, lifestyle, and background
• Verification of consistency between submitted documents and interview responses
• Practical test of Japanese proficiency (speaking and writing)
• Specific questions on income, occupation, and living conditions

This is the actual screening phase. The interview may last 30 to 60 minutes, with in-depth questions about work history, family relationships, and daily life.

Key Points:

• Insufficient Japanese skills can result in denial of approval
• Discrepancies between documents and interview responses are heavily scrutinized
• Unclear or contradictory answers may be viewed negatively

The Interview is a “Screening Process,” Not a Formality

Especially the main interview is not just a casual conversation. It is a critical part of the naturalization review process. You must attend with sufficient preparation, not lightly.

Examples of Questions Asked and How to Answer Them Effectively

During the naturalization interview, you will be asked a wide range of questions regarding your daily life, behavior, motivation for applying, and Japanese language ability. Below are examples of commonly asked questions and important points to keep in mind when answering them.

1. Questions About Motivation for Naturalization

• “Why do you want to become a Japanese citizen?”
• “What made you consider applying for Japanese nationality?”
• “What changes do you expect in your life after naturalization?”

Tips:
Your answer should reflect positive and realistic reasons, such as “for a stable life in Japan,” “for work or family reasons,” or “to broaden future options for education or employment.”
Mentioning your wish to participate in elections is also effective. However, avoid negative comments about your home country or reasons based solely on dissatisfaction.

2. Questions About Japanese Language Ability

• “How well can you read and write Japanese?”
• “Can you read this kanji?”
• “Can you explain the meaning of this word?”

Tips:
The interview itself is part of the evaluation of your Japanese communication skills.
You will be assessed on how accurately you answer questions and whether you understand the meanings of kanji. Sharing your efforts in learning Japanese or talking about your study history makes a good impression.
If you cannot answer something well, it’s okay to respond honestly with “I’m not sure” or “I’ll look it up later.” Staying calm and truthful is key.

3. Questions About Family and Social Relationships

• “Please tell us about your family structure.”
• “Who do you currently live with?”
• “Do you have interactions with friends?”

Tips:
Be careful not to contradict what you wrote in your submitted documents. Questions about family and social relationships are used to assess your lifestyle stability and community ties.
If you have a spouse or children, be prepared to clearly state their names, ages, and relationships.

4. Questions About Employment, Income, and Taxes

• “Where do you currently work and what is your job description?”
• “How much is your salary?”
• “Have you been paying your taxes every year?”

Tips:
Your employment details and income are also verified in the submitted documents. Be ready to explain your actual working conditions clearly.
If your income is unstable, mention whether you have financial support from family members. Regarding taxes, explain specifically, e.g., “I pay through withholding” or “I file a tax return.”

4. Questions About Employment, Income, and Taxes

• “Where do you currently work and what is your job description?”
• “How much is your salary?”
• “Have you been paying your taxes every year?”

Tips:
Your employment details and income are also verified in the submitted documents. Be ready to explain your actual working conditions clearly.
If your income is unstable, mention whether you have financial support from family members. Regarding taxes, explain specifically, e.g., “I pay through withholding” or “I file a tax return.”

5. Questions About Residence History and Legal Violations

• “Can you tell us your history of residence status in Japan?”
• “Have you ever had any traffic violations or other issues?”

Tips:
Even minor violations should be reported honestly. Don’t wait until you’re asked—review everything with your administrative scrivener in advance.
If a violation exists, be ready to explain the background, show remorse, and describe your efforts to prevent recurrence. Being upfront can work in your favor during evaluation.

6. Questions About Daily Life in Japan

• “What is your typical day like?”
• “Where do you go shopping, and with whom?”
• “What do you do on your days off?”

Tips:
Show that your life in Japan is stable and well-integrated. Giving detailed answers helps convey your connection to the community.
If you participate in local events or are interested in Japanese culture, be sure to mention that—it leaves a positive impression.

How to Prepare for the Interview and Key Mindsets

The naturalization interview is a critical opportunity to confirm your character, lifestyle, and how well you have settled in Japan. Going in unprepared may result in poor responses and negative impressions. Below are concrete tips from a practical perspective to help you prepare effectively.

1. Understand the Contents of Your Submitted Documents

Your application will include documents like the “statement of reason,” “personal history,” “employment certificate,” “resident record,” and “tax certificates.”
During the interview, you’ll be asked based on the contents of these documents, so it’s essential to know exactly what you wrote.

• Keep a copy of your documents and review them multiple times
• Accurately memorize dates and durations of your education and work history
• Even if someone else wrote the reason statement in Japanese, you must be able to explain its contents

2. Prepare Your Own Answers to Common Questions

Practice answering the example questions mentioned above in your own words so that you can respond naturally.
Common questions likely to be asked include:

• “Why do you want to naturalize?”
• “Please tell us more about your job.”
• “How is your life in Japan? Are you facing any difficulties?”

Rather than memorizing model answers, practice speaking from your own experience and feelings. This helps convey sincerity to the examiner.

3. Strategies If You’re Not Confident in Speaking Japanese

The interview is conducted entirely in Japanese, and your ability to communicate is one of the key criteria evaluated.

• Practice answering typical questions using everyday Japanese
• Familiarize yourself with elementary-level kanji (e.g., address, occupation, reason, family)
• Since there might be a reading test, practice reading aloud from newspapers or official notices

Note: In principle, interpreters are not allowed. You will be expected to respond on your own.

4. Organize Your Living and Employment Information

Since many questions will be asked about your daily life and job, it’s helpful to prepare and clarify your answers in advance to avoid giving vague responses.

• Your daily schedule (from waking up to going to bed)
• Company name, location, job type, employment status, and years worked
• Income amount and how you use it (rent, remittances, savings, etc.)

Especially for part-time, contract, or freelance workers, explain clearly how your income is stable to make a good impression.

5. Honesty Is Key—Stay Calm and Sincere Even If You’re Nervous

No matter how much you prepare, it’s natural to feel nervous and forget things during the interview. In such moments, what matters most is how sincere and honest you are.

• If you don’t understand a question, politely say “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”
• Don’t try to bluff—just state the facts clearly
• Never attempt to fake or lie (inconsistencies and dishonesty are red flags)

Legal Affairs Bureau examiners are experienced in detecting dishonesty. Answering in your own words with honesty and transparency is the best way to gain their trust.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid in the Interview

Even if your documents are in order, inappropriate behavior or answers during the interview can lead to a negative evaluation. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid and how to handle the interview more effectively.

1. Discrepancies Between Documents and Interview Answers

• Giving a different number of years or places of employment than what is stated in the written declaration
• Explaining your family structure in a way that contradicts the resident record or family registry

If your interview responses contradict what’s written in your submitted documents, the examiner may judge your application as inaccurate or untrustworthy. It’s crucial that all facts—especially regarding your work history, residential history, and family relations—match precisely between your documents and what you say.

2. Inability to Communicate or Understand Japanese

• Unable to answer even basic questions
• Unable to understand the examiner’s questions, making communication impossible

Japanese language ability is one of the key criteria for naturalization. If you can’t communicate at a basic level, the examiner may determine that living in Japanese society is difficult or that your intentions cannot be confirmed. Fluency is not required, but you must be able to manage a minimum level of conversation.

3. Arrogant, Insincere, or Too Passive Attitude

• Crossing your arms or showing a sulky attitude during the interview
• Interrupting the examiner or speaking in a condescending tone
• Frequently saying “I don’t know” or “I forgot” without showing sincerity

Naturalization is a privilege based on voluntary application. A respectful and polite attitude is the minimum requirement. If your behavior suggests a lack of seriousness or preparation, it may be interpreted as a lack of will to become a Japanese citizen.

4. Providing False Information or Concealing Facts

• Denying a past legal violation
• Not being honest about family matters or marital status

The Legal Affairs Bureau verifies your information using your documents and other official records. The interview is meant to confirm facts, and inconsistencies or lies will eventually be exposed. Even if something may seem disadvantageous, it’s often better to be honest—sincerity can work in your favor during evaluation.

5. Leaving Everything to the Administrative Scrivener

• Saying things like “I don’t really know, the scrivener wrote the reason letter”
• Claiming “I just had them prepare the paperwork; I don’t know the details”

Even if you hire an administrative scrivener, it’s your responsibility to understand the content of your application. Naturalization is a personal decision and cannot be handled entirely by proxy. Especially for subjective documents like the reason letter or written declaration, you must be able to explain the contents in your own words.

How an Administrative Scrivener Can Support Your Naturalization Interview

In a naturalization application, the interview is not just a simple conversation—it is a process as important as the document review. By hiring an administrative scrivener, you can receive consistent support from preparation through to the actual interview, allowing you to approach it with confidence.

1. Document Preparation with the Interview in Mind

Administrative scriveners are professionals at preparing documents with the interview in mind. They anticipate commonly asked questions and prepare statements and explanation letters with consistency and clarity to avoid contradictions.

• Conduct thorough interviews covering frequently asked topics in interviews
• Clarify and document the applicant’s intentions, especially for those with limited Japanese proficiency
• Ensure consistency between the documents and the applicant’s actual lifestyle

This makes it easier for the applicant to explain themselves in their own words during the interview, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

2. Mock Interviews and Sharing Sample Questions

Some administrative scriveners provide lists of likely interview questions and conduct mock interviews based on past cases. This kind of training can be a great source of reassurance, especially for those feeling nervous.

• Listing of anticipated questions
• Advice on how to respond and express oneself
• Practice in Japanese responses (as needed)

By preparing together in advance, applicants can stay calm and respond confidently—even to unexpected questions.

3. Accompanying You to the Initial Consultation (if permitted)

Depending on the local Legal Affairs Bureau, administrative scriveners may be allowed to accompany the applicant to the initial consultation. Their presence can help clarify points and ensure smooth communication with the officer, which may lead to a smoother overall process.

• Professional support in confirming requirements and providing explanations
• Assistance for applicants with limited Japanese (as a support role, not as an interpreter)
• Understanding the officer’s intent and tone to inform future actions

*For the main interview (final screening), only the applicant may attend. Administrative scriveners are generally not allowed to accompany you.

4. Post-Interview Follow-up

Even after the interview is complete, scriveners continue supporting the process with the following assistance:

• Reviewing the interview content and confirming key points
• Preparing any additional or corrected documents, if requested
• Providing mental support and guidance while waiting for results

With professional support, applicants can approach the interview not just as a document check, but as a personal evaluation, reducing anxiety and improving their overall chances of success.

Conclusion: Interview Success Depends on Preparation

The naturalization interview is a critical moment that reveals the applicant’s character, lifestyle, future goals, and ability to adapt to Japanese society. Unlike document screening, it is a face-to-face interaction, where the quality of preparation and the applicant’s attitude greatly influence the result.

Rather than going in unprepared and anxious, working with an expert ensures you have accurate knowledge and proper strategies—leading you one step closer to approval.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you want to obtain Japanese nationality quickly and securely, or if you feel uncertain about preparing the required documents, please feel free to consult our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.
We handle requests from all over Japan and provide the most suitable support based on our experience with immigration procedures and applications to the Legal Affairs Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your naturalization application smoothly and with confidence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

▶ See our fee schedule here

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