This article is written by a Japanese local.
While proceeding with international marriage procedures, there are cases where a foreign partner confesses, “Actually, I have entered Japan in the past using a passport under someone else’s name (a fake name).” Alternatively, there are ongoing cases where individuals continue to stay in Japan under a fabricated identity.
The wishful thinking that “It happened a long time ago, so if I apply for a spouse visa now with my real passport, they won’t find out” completely fails under the current systems of Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. The fact of past illegal entry is a severe violation of Japanese law, and obtaining a legitimate status of residence (visa) while concealing this is physically and legally impossible.
This article comprehensively explains the impossibility of concealment brought about by biometric authentication systems, the secondary criminal risks of proceeding with marriage procedures under a fake name, and the sole process for clearing past offenses to live legally in Japan as a married couple.
1. Escape is Impossible: The Absolute Barrier of the Fingerprint Matching System (J-BIS)
The biggest reason why a past entry under a fake name will inevitably be discovered is the biometric authentication system implemented by Japan.
Names and Birthdates Can Be Changed, but Not “Fingerprints”
Since November 2007, Japan has introduced the J-BIS (Japan Biometrics Immigration clearance System), which collects the “index fingerprints of both hands” and a “facial photograph” from all foreign nationals entering Japan, storing them in a massive database.
If there is a record of entering and staying under a fake name “A” in the past, followed by a deportation (forced return) or overstay, that data is strongly linked to the individual’s “fingerprints.” Even if they later attempt to enter Japan by applying for a spouse visa using a genuine passport with their true name “B” obtained in their home country, the moment they place their fingers on the airport’s fingerprint scanner, an alert will sound indicating, “This is the same person as illegal entrant A.” As a result, they will face denial of landing and extremely heavy penalties for concealment (false declaration).
2. The “Irreversible” Legal Risk of Proceeding with Marriage Under a Fake Name
Thinking about submitting a marriage registration to a Japanese municipal office under the currently used fake name simply because of “fear of being found out by Immigration” is an act of self-destruction that will only worsen the situation.
Criminal Charges for “Making False Entries in the Original of an Authenticated Deed”
The act of registering a marriage with a false identity (fake name or false date of birth) in Japan’s official family register (Koseki) falls under the crime of “Making False Entries in the Original of an Authenticated Deed, etc.” under Article 157 of the Penal Code. This is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.
If the fake name is discovered later during the process of changing to a spouse visa or applying for permanent residency, the individual will face prosecution for this Penal Code offense in addition to Immigration Control Act violations (illegal entry). Furthermore, a marriage that is not conducted under true identities carries the risk of being legally invalidated, which destroys the fundamental prerequisite for the “Spouse of a Japanese National” visa.
3. The Only Route to Legalization: The Process of “Confessing the Truth Yourself”
For a foreign national with a history of entering under a fake name to legally reside in Japan as the spouse of a Japanese national, they have no choice but to abandon any cover-up, confess the truth to Immigration themselves, and walk the thorny path of seeking “Special Permission to Stay” (Zairyu Tokubetsu Kyoka).
① Collecting “True Identity Proof” (Objective Evidence) from the Home Country
First, it is necessary to objectively prove “who you currently are.” You must request true birth certificates, family registers, graduation certificates, etc., from your home country. In some cases, extremely high-level supporting documents, such as DNA test results or identity verification certificates issued by public institutions in the home country, will be required.
② Surrender/Reporting to Immigration and Submitting a Statement of Facts
Once preparations are complete, the foreign national and their Japanese spouse must appear together at the Immigration Bureau to voluntarily declare the past facts of illegal entry under a fake name and illegal stay. At this time, it is essential to submit a detailed “Statement of Facts” (Tenmatsu-sho / Letter of Remorse) that chronologically explains “why a fake name had to be used (e.g., broker involvement)” and “how they have lived in Japan.”
4. The Most Critical Point of Screening: How to Clear Suspicions of a “Fake Marriage”
After the voluntary appearance and declaration, Immigration will proceed with deportation procedures while strictly examining whether to grant “Special Permission to Stay” at the discretion of the Minister of Justice. The strongest suspicion Immigration will hold here is: “Did they just enter into a fake marriage with a Japanese national solely to legalize their illegal stay?”
To clear this suspicion, you must objectively prove the reality and authenticity of the marriage by submitting an overwhelming amount of relationship evidence that far exceeds a normal spouse visa application (years of chat histories, call records, photos, lease agreements showing cohabitation, utility bills, testimonies from relatives of both parties, etc.). The Japanese spouse is also required to have the strong resolve and financial foundation to accept their partner’s past offenses and supervise their future life.
5. Conclusion: No Peaceful Future in Japan Without Clearing the Past
Past entry under a fake name is a severe violation that shakes the very foundation of Japan’s immigration control system. As long as the fingerprint matching system exists, escaping or concealing it is absolutely impossible.
If you are currently troubled by your partner’s past illegal entry, never proceed with procedures under a fake name or leave it unaddressed. Appearing voluntarily and clearing past offenses is the only way to live proudly in Japan as a married couple. Due to the nature of these cases, the legal issues and proof-gathering tasks become extremely complex and vast. Never rush into Immigration based on amateur judgment; immediately consult with qualified persons such as lawyers or administrative scriveners well-versed in immigration law to construct a precise legal approach. A swift and sincere initial response is your greatest defense to avoid the worst-case scenario (deportation and a long-term entry ban).