Skater Mervin Tran mulls turning Japanese

[MikiAndoFan#1]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...53371c24df.831

"I'm seriously considering (seeking Japanese nationality) for this season to see how it goes," Tran said.

[Vagabond]

Turning Japanese

Tom Monroe version

Naturalization

The Minister of Justice must approve any application for naturalization in order for it to occur. Review of an application generally takes about one year.

The criteria for naturalization are provided in Article 5 of the Nationality Act:

Continuous residence in Japan for five years or more
At least 21 years old and otherwise legally competent
History of good behavior generally, and no past history of seditious behavior
Sufficient capital or skills, either personally or within family, to support oneself
Stateless or willing to renounce foreign citizenship

The Minister of Justice may waive the age and residence requirements if the applicant has a special relationship to Japan (for example, a Japanese parent).

The Nationality Act also provides that the Diet of Japan may confer Japanese nationality by special resolution to a person who has provided extraordinary service to Japan. However, this provision has never been invoked.

So how does Tran plan to get around the residence requirement? Waiver or legislation? Neither one of them seems like a realistic option.

[Jenna]

Well, I think Tran could fall under that category of having a "special relationship to Japan."

He will most certainly NOT be alone in this endeavor. I'm sure JSF will back him up all the way...they want a pair in Sochi, for sure.

[ponta1]

Regardless of what happens regarding the citizenship issue, I hope Takahashi and Tran stay together! I just discovered them, and I'm liking what I see!

[allezfred]

Well, I think Tran could fall under that category of having a "special relationship to Japan."

He doesn't. The example that is given is of someone having a Japanese parent. This suggests strongly that this category pertains only to those of Japanese lineage.

[Jenna]

He doesn't. The example that is given is of someone having a Japanese parent. This suggests strongly that this category pertains only to those of Japanese lineage.

That's only an example, and last time I checked, you don't work for the Japanese government.

I don't think this just going to go away, especially if T/T are in the GPF (likely). There will be a lot of politicking here.

[Vagabond]

If anything about Mervin Tran constitutes a "special relationship" or "extraordinary service" to Japan, the floodgates to Japanese citizenship are wide open. Don't count on his application getting very far.

[Jenna]

If anything about Mervin Tran constitutes a "special relationship" or "extraordinary service" to Japan, the floodgates to Japanese citizenship are wide open. Don't count on his application getting very far.

At least he's making an effort. You never know..God works in mysterious ways. If it's meant to happen, then it will!

[allezfred]

That's only an example, and last time I checked, you don't work for the Japanese government.

[Vagabond]

At least he's making an effort. You never know..God works in mysterious ways. If it's meant to happen, then it will!

God, yes. The Japanese Ministry of Justice, no.

[Jenna]

God, yes. The Japanese Ministry of Justice, no.

You know, everyone loves when it comes to

[yunasashafan]

How about having provided "extraordinary service to Japan"? maybe in the eyes of JSF, being a very (the first?) successful pair skater constitutes extraordinary service??
Anyway, in his place, I would wait until I have received some encouraging feedback about my chances before making such a statement and I think that's what happened here... JMHO

[flowerpower]

I wonder if Mervin can take out Japanese citizenship, compete in the Olympics, then later renounce it so that he can get his Canadian citizenship back. (ETA: That's if he can get Japanese citizenship in the first place.)

He was born in Canada, has always lived and trained in Canada, and is dating another Canadian skater. I can't see him giving up Canadian citizenship permanently.

It's tough for dancers and pairs skaters to find good matches; it's often necessary to look beyond a country's borders. It's unfortunate that the Olympics requires citizenship of both partners (rather than just one).

[Jenna]

How about having provided "extraordinary service to Japan"? maybe in the eyes of JSF, being a very (the first?) successful pair skater constitutes extraordinary service??
Anyway, in his place, I would wait until I have received some encouraging feedback about my chances before making such a statement.. JMHO.

Maybe he has, and that's why he made such a statement.

[allezfred]

You know, everyone loves when it comes to

Neither God nor money come into the equation when you are dealing with the Japanese Ministry of Justice. It's difficult enough for non-Japanese who live in Japan to get citizenship. I've friends who have been through the process.

Good luck to Mervin in whatever he chooses to do.

[yunasashafan]

Maybe he has, and that's why he made such a statement.

my point exactly sorry I wasn't clear

[julieann]

Good luck, he'll need it

[Jenna]

Good luck, he'll need it

There's no reason to roll eyes. Sheesh, the guy is just trying his best.

[Jarrett]

Uh.. what connection does he have to Japan besides skating with a Japanese skater? I hope this is not approved.

[julieann]

There's no reason to roll eyes. Sheesh, the guy is just trying his best.

The Olympics are in 26 months the next Olympics are 6 years away. Maybe if they moved to Japan, trained in Japan, married a Japanese citizen, learned the language...maybe he would have a shot by 2018, maybe, but from what I hear, I doubt it.

Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Markuntsov broke up because it was impossible for him to get citizenship.