QUOTE (Kulong @ Mar 8 2004, 12:54 PM)
The Japanese government is funny in that way. Non-Japanese who have lived in Japan and contributed to the Japanese society for generations won't be granted citizenship while a person (criminal?) with Japanese blood who once gave up his Japanese citizenship gets it instantly.
Yes it is strange in that manner. Dual citizenship is a hot topic for many Japanese abroad as well.
However, Japan's strict immigration laws may soon be relaxed. As a few independant reports by Japanese economics researchers have found that with Japan's current population decline and retiring baby boomers, that it will suffer a massive shortage of skilled workers within 15-20 years. Figures have been estimated from 15-30 million skilled immigrants would be needed ('skilled' ranging from tradework to professional work). And unless those 5-30 million are entirely comprised of Japanophiles, people will not work there unless the government will recognize them as part of their society.