How These Foreigners Became Japanese

[@jesseogn]

Would you ever consider switching your citizenship? Check out the description in order to get a 5% discount off your first eSIM with Holafly!

[@Test_749]

I WOULD NEVER GIVE UP MY CITIZENSHIP. I AM AN AMERICAN 🇺🇲

[@cooliipie]

I'm an American too but it's hard to know what American even is anymore... ​@@Test_749

[@JeanBaptisteDesJardins]

If I had a country that gave me a home, respect, a good life and quality of life? I would in a heartbeat.

[@chokyuhyuncover3796]

I am living in PH now but I consider myself a Japanese in mind and heart. I will certainly give up being a Filipino!

[@schrodingerscat3912]

@@JeanBaptisteDesJardins ok so not America

[@fochti]

"Having a certain passport isn't about traveling abroad, it's about the right to return home" well said

[@koko-maro]

Yup. If a war happen here in Japan,I can just run away back to Brazil lol

[@RenKohana]

The former Canadian man was very eloquent and wise. His insights were very refreshing, and I really appreciate his perspective

[@blessparco]

"Having a passport is giving you the right to return." Indeed, I absolutely agree

[@nagasako7]

Whenever I met someone fluent in Japanese, they 100% had Japanese aunt, grandma or parents. It so rare to find super fluent person, especially people you interviewed who made such a life change.

[@zacapps5029]

Jon Heese deserved his own interview. I had to look him up, super interesting fella. Third foreigner to be voted into the Japanese Legislative Assembly.

[@cyarutchiii]

Amazing interviews, thanks for the videos :)

[@Suedeash]

The Armenian girl and Zimbabwean girl seem completely naturalised, that's so cool.

[@jiminswriter4209]

Assimilated

[@akulakaboom]

The Zimbabwean girl has a noticeable accent

[@David-ue7vv]

@@Suedeash LOL 😂 this guy

[@David-ue7vv]

@@akulakaboom she also has darker skin

[@justbdsd4569]

​@@akulakaboomalso stands out like the sun

[@VyMauricio]

Really nice that you interviewed quite a diverse set of people in terms of ethnicity and even age so they really have different perspectives. If you would do a part two I’m quite curious as to how people from Southeast Asia (specifically Filipinos) would fare in the naturalization process (I’m leaning on the side of close to impossible though).

[@arceus54321]

the armenian woman is so fluent, it's incredibly impressive. she said she went to a language school.. i go to a language school now and can only hope to be that fluent after 2 years of it.

[@serinekawakami]

Aaaww thanks ❤❤ I think my Japanese skills got better after when I started to work. I really recommend you to work somewhere where you can use a lot of Japanese

[@rvr808]

❤ you will if you put your mind to it and find friends to speak with

[@rvr808]

@@serinekawakamihello🙌

[@PS-rx6pq]

It's a difficult decision, renouncing your citizenship of birth to get Japanese citizenship... these people are quite admirable in a way.

[@nanaholic01]

It's actually not hard renouncing citizenship of birth for most people cos most people don't really conciously build their self-identity around their country. The one truely difficult thing about becoming a Japanese citizenship is having to give up your birth name and changing it to a Japanese name - which IS something people closely build their entire self identity with over many years especially as an adult which makes giving that up being the hardest part. If Japan ever feels like rectifying that aspect of their nationalistation process, many more people will be willing to become Japnaese citizens.

[@AnimsOnDemand]

​@nanaholic01 it may not be hard for you, but for most that is a BIG deal and a lot to think about. There's a lot of pros and cons to consiser.

[@nanaholic01]

@@AnimsOnDemand It really isn't. If you've lived in Japan long enough to qualify for nationalisation under the most common case (> 5 years continuously, working fulltime for the entire duration of it making at least 3M or so etc), you've already pretty much figured out whether you actually like the country or not when it comes to living there (if you don't, you have far bigger issues than nationalisation), which includes all the pros and cons. Which again only really leaves the most important question of whether you see youself as "Japanese" enough to change your birthname to a Japanese one - that's the REALLY hard question since a name is an emotional attachment and decision and not a rational one. I know lots of people who nationalised - for them the question of abandoning their original nationality isn't even a question they have to think for more than 5 seconds as 90% of the time they left their home country to seek for a better life and came to Japan, the long staying requirement for nationalisation already filtered out those who found out Japan wasn't for them and thus returned home, those who stay are having a better life than they did back home so already made up their mind they want to stay for the long run. The final hurdle is always that of giving up their name.

[@williama.jefferson197]

Very touching video and best of luck to the citizens! Japan is a wonderful country with traditions language and culture that have helped to make it that way. Also much love to ya too brother Jesse Ogun! Keep up the good work on your channel!

[@younot-ez3xr]

The Zimbabwean and Armenian women speak Japanese beautifully

[@serinekawakami]

Thanks ❤

[@jul7291]

Um ... you mean the Japanese women!

[@2460-1]

@@jul7291 lol

[@pedrojulio1960]

Unfortunately Japan will fall

[@KochengRawr]

Love this video! It makes me feel more confident to pursue my dream and become a Japanese citizen. Wish me luck!!

[@JaiMandal-e8i]

You are not alone I'm with you all the best 👍🏻🍀. Best of luck ❤️❤️

[@belaytriks]

Best of wishes!!!

[@fionaspencer9559]

I just came back to the US after visiting Japan for the fourth time. My family always asks me why don't I vacation in another US state, or Canada, or Italy, etc. The best way for me to explain it is that Japan is where my soul wants to be.

[@gabecarrick]

Out of the group being interviewed, the girl with the pink hair from Armenia and the Zimbabwe girl feel truly Japanese.

[@brandonpreston84]

Is it because they were the ones speaking Japanese?

[@DMarinari]

Another 10/10 video. Congrats!

[@Mefistosteles484]

The Canadian man rings me a bell. Did Takashi from Japan actually interview him in the past? I think that I have seen him somewhere.

[@djmidori]

this is a very informative video with an interesting perspective not everyone thinks about

[@Sinneranne]

The dark skin black girl with the afro is beautiful ❤️

[@DMarinari]

Agree. Physically and spiritually.

[@ghostfarts_]

LITERALLY

[@benh5774]

shes a hottie

[@Dante-fk4yi]

She is fire, I hope she knows that

[@yapyappixi]

@@BaneTier I don't know why people do not understand that people have different preferences. Like, it is ok if you are the 2% that do not think she is beautiful but saying others are lying is like pushing religion on people - it will get you nowhere.

[@tsukuneboy]

The proof that the Zimbabwe and Armenian girls are speaking truly like a Japanese is how fluent the Zimbabwe girl uses shi go sai seamlessly instead of common mistakes for foreigners using yon instead. And the Armenian girl uses onomatopoeia moya-moya like a true Japanese girl

[@arceus54321]

i didnt notice that until your comment. why is it shi-sai instead of yon-sai? i believe if you're using 4 by itself (e.g. my brother is 4 years old), you would say yon-sai but when used in conjunction with another number, the reading is shi? (e.g. san, shi sai or shi, go sai).

[@tsukuneboy]

@@arceus54321 I believe it's more like French liaison. They chose the easiest syllables that are easier to say. Yon-Go-sai is too nasally. And there is ん syllable, one too many compared to if you instead using shi-go. Habitual thing I guess. There are many things like this in oral Japanese even sometimes they modified the pronunciation. For instance, they don't pronounce megane as me-ga-ne, but me-n-ga-ne. To smooth the first and second syllables. Same with kagami. But you don't pronounce jagaimo as ja-n-ga-i-mo. Or the Chinese spelling for number four = Shi was used often for more important stuff, like stating your age, the dates etc but they changed it to Yon along the way because it sounds the same as death. But the shi-go-sai was left as it was in conversation. Sorry, I was too lazy to google it using Japanese LOL. Can be both IMO

[@yo2trader539]

@@arceus54321 I believe we say it like that because it's coming from how we count. san, shi, go.... However, if we were to say 3 and 4 years old, it's always "san, yon-sai." It's just customary to do so. It's like that because it's easier to pronounce.

[@keithsweat.2461]

Saw you at a cafe recently but didn't want to bother you.. I enjoy your videos :)

[@ccr7077]

Such a great video. Very gratefull for the people who shared their story and feeling. This is a hard feeling to explain your "identity" and specially about citizenship. This is a mix between home feeling, belonging feeling, safe feeling. The canadian gentleman explained well. Where do you want to come back when there is a disaster ? Where is your home ? Where is your life? Where are you feeling safe to come back ? Thanks

[@unapologeticallyhuman]

The Zimbabwean girl’s name means “Love the Lord”.

[@dbztoyreviews5448]

That girl from Zimbabwe is one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen! I cetainly would want to be friends with her! Very stylish, too.

[@Foxheartbby]

Same!!! She seems so down to earth and interesting.

[@user-pm6hb2ql9z]

素晴らしいインタビュー　ありがとうございます。

[@rvr808]

Thank you for your channel it opens up a lot of perspective ❤

[@JaiMandal-e8i]

Thank God I'm not alone i can completely relate to the Pink haired Japanese girl. Hope everything turns good 🍀🤞🏼. Thank you a ton for this video keep up the great work, loads of 💓 from 🇮🇳

[@ashishbarthwal6961]

Weird compliment but your background music choice is pretty good!

[@marsmohr1122]

Thanks for the Interviews- Wonderful people, Wonderful video 👍🏿

[@VannaValentine]

The thumbnail for this video caught me super off guard because I know Idaishe! Wasn't expecting to see her face pop up on my KZbin feed. I went to school with her when I was studying abroad last year. She's super nice to talk to and an all around really cool gal, glad she got to be featured in this video.

[@yznation4549]

1:31 her Japanese sounds really smooth and unique

[@shanellaj]

Honestly, I've always wanted to travel to japan. And I am planning to do so after my studies at university where I'll also study Japanese as my foreign language. Giving up my Jamaican citizenship would not be an issue for me. I love my country but I would love to experience the joy of being in Japan more. The American and Zimbabwean ladies' fluency is so amazing. And like the Canadian gentleman said . giving up my citizenship to be naturalized in Japan is no problem. If that's where your heart is then do it!!!❤❤❤❤

[@-VaIhalla-]

I just saw you walk past me and I said hi with my uncle and aunt in azabujuban Minato, I was shocked cause how big and how many people in Tokyo that I saw you😅

[@lialiakicks]

The Zimbabwean young lady is GORGEOUS 💖💖💖

[@AtR-h4c]

Correct she is 100% not Japanese and never will be.

[@elizabethhafferty1200]

I enjoyed this video very much. I thought you asked good questions. Each person's story was a bit different, but all interesting. I do feel sad that the young lady from Zimbabwe was treated badly as a child, but thankfully, she has overcome this issue, and is living happily.

[@minicooper2002]

14:44 I agree with him. After living in the US for 22 years, I gave up Japanese citizenship.

[@neworooms]

Tough question Jesse, but I think I actually would do it but only if I was sure that my happiness lies in Japan. I think living in Japan and visiting Japan are 2 different things. So if you change citizenship you must be very sure that you can deal with the good and the "bad". In my case, I would definitely consider it.

[@brilleon]

Mr. Jon can show himself as a mature and experienced person, he is very cool 13:01 I like this part

[@803midd]

Love it! So proud of everyone here!!

[@DanTJones]

thats awesome. cudos to the zim girl. my old man is from zimbabwe. But he's a white zim dude. im half Thai. always been interested in japan.

[@PPB_Army]

No such thing as "White Zim" He's a white man and a Zimbabwe citizen Stop trying to slowly recolonize other people's land.

[@DanTJones]

@@PPB_Army then there must be no such thing as a white looking Thai person, yet here we are mate. Lol what are you on about. Colour don't mean squat to me, its where you're from that counts.

[@PurpleDoritos666]

@@PPB_Army BRO what are you on LOL

[@malvinelpinnoy]

There's white Zimbabweans ​of course, you sound ignorant @@PPB_Army

[@garyrobert1971]

Though the blacks did kick the whites out and now most black Zimbabweans are trying to leave their own country! Soon they’ll be no Zimbabweans! 😂

[@smorris2353]

The women with the pink afro has the ideal figure.

[@baisabel5193]

Yep

[@kobzster06]

The Black lady is absolutely gorgeous. And I'm not surprised her Japanese is impeccable since she moved to Japan at around 4 years of age.

[@satoyoshihisa1089]

As A Japanese. One day I want to go Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. Old name is Southern Rhodesia. Zimbabwe is next to South Africa . That’s all. My knowledge about Zimbabwe. I want to go there. Please bring me to there !

[@markpickardlife]

good interviews... thanks,

[@thedragonballmultiverse]

I have multiple citizenships. I would like to add Japan but they dont allow multiple. Collecting another 2 citizenships in the process, but that will be last 2. I am interested in Japanese PR😊

[@FlaneganB]

Yup, I'm one of them losing the residency visa during covid.

[@makaidiy5716]

In Barbados, our citizenship laws make provisions for situations that arise in countries like Japan. You can renounce Barbadian citizenship and not loose it permanently. The states that if you have to renounce Barbadian citizenship to take up citizenship in a country that does not practice dual citizenship (like Japan) you do not loose your Barbadian citizenship permanently. If you choose to later in life you can reapply/reinstate your Barbadian citizenship.

[@cyarutchiii]

Longer than you live hits hard

[@CubanDre]

Canadian guy was the vibe. My wife wrote it for me he said😂

[@AbdulbositYuldashev-tg6xr]

I was thinking about switching my citizenship to japanese. This video was very helpful

[@spearib2396]

やめた方がいい 北朝鮮や中国などの核保有国と戦うことになります

[@marky1470]

Man, everytime i watch your video it makes me continue learning japanese language 😂

[@dachosenone207]

The politician guy really found his calling.

[@natashasharma2457]

Loved this

[@ellierobbins746]

I had dual citizenship (Japan and US) because I was born in Japan and my mom is Japanese and I lived in Japan for 10 years altogether but I came to US for college and I gave up my Japanese citizenship (they make you choose when you’re 20). I love Japan and I love being part Japanese but I realized I would rather be Japanese in the US than American in Japan. It would be great if the US could adopt some of the awesome things in Japan like 7/11 onigiri and bullet trains!

[@TheNomadicJamaican]

Love it!

[@にゅにょ-i2q]

黒人の子が1番ネイティブ

[@ベル-z2p]

いだいちゃん、めっちゃ綺麗✨。 見た目も心も❤️笑顔も！ 日本を選んでくれてありがとう！

[@martinwilkinson7939]

Does the girl who was born in Zimbabwe have an Instagram page?

[@onlineotaku9166]

@idaishe_o

[@hanqnero]

Found her: idaishe_o

[@majibento]

I want to live in Japan but I’m not sure I could give up my German and American citizenships… the American one is a pain in the a** because of having to file taxes and FBAR and getting spammed with mail about voting but idk if I could give up the German one too. Two for one is a bad deal. I wish Japan let you keep your other citizenships ETA: Giving up your American citizenship also costs $2350. Because of course it does

[@spearib2396]

日本の国籍はアメリカのように長期滞在できるビザという意味ではありません 天皇陛下に忠誠を誓い、日本民族を守る必要があります 日本は北朝鮮や中国などの核保有国に囲まれており、中国は台湾を狙っています あなたは核保有国と戦いたいですか？

[@yamaten6931]

As Japanese, I really welcome people who truly love, respect and fit in Japanese culture. However, I feel uncomfortable with people who pretends to be victims by taking advantage of being minority, and switch their position depending on the situation.

[@hatmanlive]

we need more videos

[@kabunasux]

I'm Japanese, but I think Zimbabwean women are the most beautiful black women I've ever seen in Japan 😍💞

[@JOKA773]

crazy content as always

[@iiraingirlii]

So impressive

[@neetuh4850]

I lived in japan and if i got married there i woukd have changed my citizenship for sure, but i ended up moving and now i have Canadian and Italian citizenship. We can have multiple passports. I married an italian citizen so, that's life. The problem of Japan is that they want you to give up your other citizenship, which i dont really understand why at least among the g8 countries. I'm sure there is a reason that i dont know.

[@yo2trader539]

The main reason is war and Japanese emigration. The government needs to know who is Japanese is who is not in wartime. But Japan did allow dual-citizenship for children of Japanese citizens born in Jus Soli citizenship countries before 1985. It's actually why people like former President Fujimori of Peru was a natural-born Japanese citizen. (He was a dual citizen of both Japan and Peru.) Japan only uses Jus Sanguinis rule for natural-born citizenship so location of birth doesn't matter. Legally, he was a child of a Japanese citizen living in Peru. As long as the father was a Japanese citizen, and the child was registered with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate at birth, he/she was able to inherit Japanese citizenship. However, the government started to realize that Jus Sanguinis citizenship rule was not practical after the 3rd generation emigrants (or grandchildren of Japanese emigrants), who often no longer shared Japanese identity, language, culture, mindset and mannerism. It was increasingly difficult to consider them as Japanese citizens. Thus, Japan revised the citizenship law in 1984 to ban dual-citizenship. As a legal remedy, Japan newly created a Descendant Visa for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation emigrants so that they can live/work in Japan.

[@real_alienn]

Can you do part 2 of saying "I love you in Japan" please my bro

[@TheWilliams2013]

I would really like to know is Japan similar to NYC’s city life(specifically Manhattan) like busy full of ppl ,things staying open late @night..always having something to do ?

[@Kaizoushin]

I was like, "Isn't that...?" "I'm Jon Heese" やっぱり！😂

[@YK-mn2nd]

Idaishe is gorgeous 😍😍😍

[@mishkaa5362]

Right now I have Swedish citizenship and I have taken quite a liking to Japan and their culture. I haven't decided if I want to study abroad yet because I will have to be financally stable and at least know how to normally communicate in Japanse (I'm in the process of learning Japanse right now so don't worry). But the thing is, is it worth abandoning the Swedish citizenship for the Japanse citizenship? I would appreciate any advices or help from anyone who sees my comment, thank you.

[@JK_JK_JK]

What do you want in life? Only you can make that decision.

[@mishkaa5362]

@@JK_JK_JK I would like to explore the country and its traditions. I do like it a lot but the issue is financally. I do want to go and try to live there but even as a student it would be very expensive and Im sure it would be hard for my parents to help me as well

[@wendyon4517]

My life is in Japan but I don't feel the way the politician does. Japan should allow dual citizenship rather than forcing people to choose. I'm good with permanent residency even though I understand that it's a second class residency compared to citizenship. His point that citizenship guarantees re-entry to the country is valid. Allowing dual citizenship does the same.

[@にゅにょ-i2q]

中国人と韓国人の問題が大きい

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

I'd give up my Canadian passport for a Japanese one for sure. Nothing wrong witht that.

[@user-yo2hz1xw7w]

嬉しくない。カナダの方が住みやすいと思う。

[@Waryfuls]

4:10 interesting fella

[@nagasako7]

The no connection to Yakuza is good idea for passport. Lot of people are only changing citizenship for organized crime circles..

[@creativepicnl]

The Japanese passport is one of the best passports to have when it comes to universal access, right?

[@winter10x06]

Yes! One of the top 3 i think! Many visa free countries for traveling.

[@nagasako7]

Swiss and 日本 passports are most powerful passports in the world. If you know someone at young age to teach you Japanese, jump on it.

[@taniahhorton6162]

I wish the Japanese government would recognize dual citizenship. If they did, I would immediately head over to Japan now and settle and become officially a Japanese American. 😊

[@YK-mn2nd]

Why did the politician guy admit to plagiarising his exam?😂

[@igorbrice5490]

Honor bro 😂😂😂 being honest is important 😂😂

[@ogawasanjuro]

@JESSEOGN, where is the link to your DISCORD? It is not in the description.

[@takaogibson845]

I gave up my japanese citizen to become US citizen. No regrets.

[@ErosMorelli]

@9:44 Japanese police watching this video *NANI!??*

[@koko-maro]

Lol

[@ripe_avocados]

What does this mean?

[@winter10x06]

@@ripe_avocadosnani means what in japanese

[@SomehowCreative]

I have an american boyfriend and since then i've been thinking more about visas and citizenships...but tbh i think i would be really hard for me to give up my German and therefore European passport. I think i won't give it up until i haven't traveled each european country :) i love the US but i also love Europe i dunno...i just wish i could have both.

[@person880]

Why can't you be a dual citizen? An American passport will also work for visa-free travel in most, if not all, of Europe.

[@cojodotgg]

The US allows dual citizenship so there's always the option of just getting another one. Japan is unique in the fact that they require people to relinquish their citizenship to any and all other countries.

[@beautifulcatastrophes463]

@@cojodotgg Not unique but different from the US yeah lol

[@riversong9333]

Es ist möglich trotz neuer US-Staatsangehörigkeit die deutsche zu behalten, du brauchst nur einen guten Grund. Bedenke aber, dass du mit einer US-Staatsangehörigkeit auch dann US-Steuern zahlen musst, wenn du im Ausland lebst und arbeitest. Eine Verwandte ist der Liebe wegen ausgewandert, hatte lange beide Staatsangehörigkeiten, musste ihre deutsche jedoch ablegen, nachdem ein Sohn beim...war's Secret Service? ...angefangen hat. Als Familienmitglied mit ausländigscher Staatsangehörigkeit hätte sie ein "Sicherheitsrisiko" bedeutet und damit wäre seine Clearance gefärdet gewesen irgend sowas. Sie musste deswegen jedenfalls die Deutsche ablegen und bereut es seit Jahren.

[@LostintheUS-2030]

​@@person880 with a US passport, one can stay in the Schengen area for 3 months out of 180 days (6 months). That's it! With a German passport, the time frame is unlimited. So the German passport is better at travel in Europe.

[@agatsumazenitsu-uppermoon193]

Finally new vid ?!🥺

[@mrflavio90]

Stunning black girl i am speechless .

[@Kawasaki99841]

That’s my type bro SLAMMING!!!

[@rohan34]

If I had an Assamese citizenship i would never give that up ... But the label that i am under feels like a colonial vestige that has been oppressive and i want to give that up

[@beautifulcatastrophes463]

Assamese? Assam is part of India...

[@Toagame-o3y]

Japanese people tend to distinguish between Japanese and foreigners based on whether they are mentally similar to Japanese people, rather than on their appearance.So, even if you are East Asian, if your mentality is different from that of Japanese people, you will not be recognized as Japanese.

[@beautifulcatastrophes463]

Even still, you will never truly be Japanese. Nobody will look at you and think you're Japanese. You will always be somewhat of an outsider.

[@yosuikuro]

I live in Japan most of my life but I have a ph passport, even tho I didn’t grew up in the ph I wanna still keep my pass instead of converting it to jp

[@niggblehlm5818]

Japan is not a circus. Read the news.

[@schrodingerscat3912]

bro, did you get Zimbabwe girl's number?

[@lessardo87]

I think it would be cool to live in Japan but I’d definitely get a permanent residency for 5 years to make sure I want to stay for the long term

[@CamilinLupin]

with permanent resident you can be deported or ban of the country in any moment like in the covid time

[@lennynjenga5696]

Who's here after emirichu video 👉

[@elderlynoises9804]

EEEEY

[@brailsford6010]

no and nobody gives a shit

[@matirex12]

Instagram of Zimbabwe girl pleaseM

[@tarik6990]

Some of them speak Japanese as if they were born and raised in Japan.

[@slowgazing]

idk but the thumbnail was giving megan thee stallion 😂

[@fatimalshakaki]

i think the armenian girl should be just a tiny bit more proud of being armenian considering an entire genocide happened to her people and can’t afford to not be close to her culture but idk

[@okayed5017]

Just a little suggest. I think it will be better to finish an entire interview with one person before moving to the next, my smooth brain can't keep up like this 😓

[@S4vage-wl2nb]

Black people in Japan give me a feeling of being slim and fashionable.

[@ThinkAboutMyComment]

Anyone here gave up a US citizenship to become Japanese or any other citizen?

[@MoroccanlivinginAsia]

I am also applying for citizenship

[@deemon710]

I want to hear from all these people about the importance of having family and social connections. I lived there for several years and couldn't make more than just acquaintances here and there. Aside from my significant others' family, I didn't feel rooted into the community which made me kind of depressed when I thought about it. Is that a common experience? I specially want to know what these naturalized citizens think about it.