After you submit your naturalization application to the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局), you will usually be contacted for an interview. This interview confirms the consistency of your documents, your daily life and financial stability in Japan, and your motivation to become a Japanese citizen. It is typically conducted in Japanese.
This article explains:
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When and how the interview happens
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What officers commonly ask (with Japanese–English question pairs)
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Practical tips to prepare with confidence
If you’d like mock interviews or targeted Japanese speaking practice specifically for the interview, our office can help (see the CTA at the end).
When and where is the interview?
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Timing: Often about 3–6 months after your documents are formally accepted.
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Venue: Usually at the Legal Affairs Bureau where you filed.
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Length: Commonly 30–60 minutes, but it may be shorter or longer depending on your case complexity and communication.
Tip: Calls from the Bureau usually come on weekday daytime. If you miss a call, return it as soon as possible during business hours.
What is the purpose?
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Consistency check: Do your oral answers match your submitted forms and supporting documents?
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Language check: Can you communicate in Japanese about everyday topics related to work, family, residence, and taxes?
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Motivation check: Why do you want to become a Japanese citizen, and what are your plans in Japan?
How to prepare (quick checklist)
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Re-read everything you submitted (forms, resumes, reasons for naturalization, tax/pension documents).
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Make a simple timeline of your addresses, visas, schools, and jobs.
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Prepare clear, short answers to expected questions (see below).
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If something is unclear or you forgot details, it’s okay to say “I’m not sure / 少し考えさせてください / 記憶があいまいです”—never guess or overstate.
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Dress neatly and arrive early.
Common Interview Questions
1) Personal Background（個人の経歴）
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出生地や出身国について教えてください。
→ Where were you born and raised? -
いつ、どのような理由で日本に来ましたか？
→ When and why did you come to Japan? -
日本での在留資格の変遷を教えてください。
→ Please tell me how your visa status has changed over time. -
日本での住所履歴を説明してください。
→ Please explain your address history in Japan. -
日本に来てから、生活はどのように変わりましたか？
→ How has your life changed since moving to Japan?
2) Education & Skills（学歴・スキル）
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最終学歴は何ですか？どこで何を学びましたか？
→ What is your highest level of education and what did you study? -
日本語の勉強はどのように続けていますか？
→ How are you studying Japanese now?
3) Work & Income（仕事・収入）
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現在のお仕事の内容を教えてください。
→ What kind of work do you do now? -
現在の勤務先ではどのくらい働いていますか？
→ How long have you worked at your current company? -
1日の仕事の流れを簡単に説明してください。
→ Please describe a typical workday. -
毎月の収入と主な支出を教えてください。
→ What is your monthly income and main expenses? -
過去のアルバイトや転職の経緯を教えてください。
→ Please explain your past part-time jobs or job changes.
4) Residence & Daily Life（住居・日常生活）
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どこに住んでいますか？賃貸ですか持ち家ですか？
→ Where do you live? Is it rented or owned? -
家賃（またはローン）の金額と支払い方法は？
→ How much is your rent (or mortgage) and how do you pay it? -
同居人はいますか？家計や家事の分担は？
→ Do you live with anyone? How do you share expenses/chores? -
日本の友人や地域との関わりはありますか？
→ Do you have Japanese friends or community ties?
5) Family & Relationships（家族・配偶者）
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ご両親・兄弟姉妹の氏名、年齢、職業を教えてください。
→ Please tell me about your parents and siblings (names, ages, jobs). -
ご家族はあなたの帰化に賛成していますか？
→ Do your family members support your naturalization? -
配偶者とはどのように出会いましたか？結婚までの経緯は？
→ How did you meet your spouse? What was the path to marriage? -
離婚歴・再婚歴がある場合、その理由を説明してください。
→ If you have a divorce/remarriage history, please explain briefly. -
お子様はいますか？国籍・年齢・学校は？
→ Do you have children? What are their nationalities, ages, schools?
6) Taxes, Pension & Insurance（税金・年金・保険）
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税金は期限内に納付していますか？
→ Have you been paying taxes on time? -
年金・健康保険には加入していますか？
→ Are you enrolled in pension and health insurance? -
もし滞納や未加入がある場合、理由と現状の対応は？
→ If there were delays or gaps, why and how did you address them?
7) Compliance History（法令遵守・違反歴）
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交通違反歴や罰金の有無、その内容を説明してください。
→ Do you have any traffic violations or fines? Please explain. -
刑事事件・民事トラブル・破産歴はありますか？
→ Any criminal cases, civil disputes, or bankruptcy history? -
海外渡航の回数や期間、目的を教えてください。
→ How often have you traveled abroad, for how long, and why?
8) Motivation & Future Plans（帰化の理由・今後の計画）
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なぜ日本国籍を取得したいのですか？
→ Why do you want to become a Japanese citizen? -
日本社会にどのように貢献したいですか？
→ How do you plan to contribute to Japanese society? -
5年後・10年後の生活やキャリアのイメージは？
→ What do you envision for your life/career in 5–10 years?
Answering Strategy
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Be consistent: Make sure your answers match your documents.
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Be concise: Short, clear sentences are easiest to follow.
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Be honest: If you don’t remember, say so politely; don’t guess.
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Be polite: Maintain calm eye contact, speak clearly, and avoid slang.
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Be prepared: Practice aloud with a friend or professional (mock interview).
Simple Japanese Phrases That Help
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少し考えさせてください。
→ Please give me a moment to think. -
記憶があいまいなので、確認してもよろしいですか。
→ My memory is unclear—may I check and get back to you? -
すみません、質問をもう一度お願いできますか。
→ Sorry, could you repeat the question?
What can make an interview difficult?
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Submitted documents and oral answers do not match.
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Poor tax/pension/insurance record without a clear explanation.
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Unclear motivation to naturalize or weak future plan in Japan.
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Frequent address/job changes you cannot explain clearly.
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Language gaps that prevent basic communication about your life.
These are not automatic disqualifiers, but you should prepare clear, truthful explanations and, where possible, show corrective steps (e.g., settling arrears, joining insurance, documenting timelines).
FAQ
- Q1: How long after submission is the interview?
- A: Typically 3–6 months after your application is formally accepted, but it varies by region and case.
- Q2: Is the interview entirely in Japanese?
- A: Usually yes. Officers assess whether you can communicate about everyday matters (work, family, residence, taxes).
- Q3: What should I review beforehand?
- A: Your submitted forms, timelines (addresses, jobs, visas), and your motivation statement. Practice short, consistent answers.
- Q4: Can a lawyer or gyoseishoshi attend?
- A: No. For privacy reasons, third-party attendance is generally not permitted; however, mock interviews and lesson prep in advance are very effective.
- Q5: What if I have tax or pension gaps?
- A: Prepare truthful explanations and evidence of corrective steps (e.g., paid arrears, enrollment). Consistency and honesty are key.
Summary
The naturalization interview is the final check on your readiness to become a Japanese citizen. With honest, consistent answers and targeted practice, you can face it with confidence. If you need a professional to review your forms and conduct a realistic mock interview, we are here to help.
Call to Action
Trust Gyoseishoshi Office provides:
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Naturalization application support (document review, risk check, additional materials)
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Mock interviews tailored to your case
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Japanese speaking lessons focused on interview topics
As a certified Japanese teacher, I offer short, practical sessions to build confidence for your interview—daily conversation, self-introduction, work background, family, taxes, and motivation statements.
Contact Us
Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com