Tokyo Court Upholds Denial of Naturalization for African Refugee Citing Insufficient Japanese Proficiency

The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday rejected an African refugee’s claim seeking to overturn the government’s decision to deny his naturalization application twice, ruling that he lacked the necessary Japanese language ability. Presiding Judge Yukito Okada issued the ruling on May 12, 2026.

Judge Yukito Okada said the justice minister has the discretion to decide whether to grant citizenship to a foreign national based on the current political and social climate.

The case highlighted the unclear criteria that foreign residents face when they want to become a naturalized citizen in Japan. ” Masako Suzuki and Sosuke Seki spoke to reporters Tuesday at the Tokyo District Court’s press club. Japan Times reported that the plaintiff’s lawyers used the “black box” description to underscore the opaque nature of the approval process.

The court’s decision leaves the government’s two prior rejections of the man’s naturalization application in place. According to the ruling, language proficiency formed a central element in the minister’s determination. Japan Times reported that the ruling underscores broader questions about naturalization standards for refugees and long-term foreign residents.

The plaintiff’s legal team has not indicated whether it will appeal the Tokyo District Court decision.