Looking for input from other nikkei about tracking down information about past generations in Japan. Me 34m nikkei Jin 4th gen living in Japan on work visa. Thinking about applying for the updated 4th gen nikkei Jin visa whenever immigration decides to update rules officially. From US. No idea how to track down koseki, my family has no idea where we are from in Japan or even the correct kanji for either parents side (I’m 100% japanese).
maybe can track down birth and death certificates and marriage certificates. But that’s gonna suck if I need the entire family tree. My grandma on dad’s had 7 siblings, dad side had 5.
Also unsure of how the generations are counted. I’m assuming I’m 4th gen because my great grandfathers were first to leave Japan and last to have japanese citizenship. Am I counting that right?
2 comments
The generation that emigrated from Japan is the first generation. Thus, the great-grandchildren are fourth-generation descendants.
The visa, however, is only available to those up to the age of 30, so if you’re 34, you don’t qualify. Here is [the MOJ website](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/materials/nyuukokukanri07_00166.html) describing the program, and a link to the [English PDF pamphlet](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001344922.pdf), which provides details and the various requirements.
Sounds about right. My great grandparents left Hiroshima to Hawaii during the Meiji period. Most of the Japanese who left Japan to US or Brazil came from Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Yamaguchi area. Where did your great grandparents go to in the US? Hawaii or mainland? I read there is a group who will do this type of research, but you have to pay for the service. I don’t qualify for this visa based on my age, but I have a valid visa. Why do you need this visa if you are already here?