Part of 特定活動 (Designated Activities). The Nikkei 4th-Generation visa is 特定活動告示第 42 号 — one of 20+ sub-types under Japan's catch-all Designated Activities residence status. See the Designated Activities hub for the full list.
The Nikkei 4th-Generation visa (日系四世) is Japan's dedicated residence pathway for 4th-generation Japanese descendants — the great-grandchildren of people who emigrated from Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries to countries like Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and the United States. Administered under 特定活動告示第 42 号, it provides a structured way for young Nikkei (aged 18–30) to return to their ancestral country, learn Japanese, and strengthen cultural ties. Launched in 2018 and significantly revised in 2023 to loosen conditions, it addresses a long-standing gap: while 日系三世 (3rd-generation) descendants have qualified for 定住者 (Long-Term Resident) status for decades, the 4th generation had historically been excluded.
Eligibility rests on three pillars. First, documented 4th-generation Japanese descent — proven through Japanese koseki records plus intervening-generation birth and marriage certificates — establishes that one great-grandparent emigrated from Japan. Second, age must be between 18 and 30 at application. Third, basic Japanese ability is required: roughly JLPT N4 for initial entry, progressing to N3 for the 2-year extension and N2 for the final stage. Critically, the applicant must have a designated supporter (受入れサポーター) — a Japanese national, Nikkei family member, or Nikkei organization willing to provide integration support. Finding a supporter is often the practical bottleneck; several Nikkei associations in Japan actively recruit and match supporters with overseas 4th-generation applicants.
The structure gives up to 5 years total — an initial 1-year card, a 2-year extension upon reaching JLPT N3, and a further 2-year extension upon reaching N2, for a maximum of 5 years. Part-time work (28 hours per week under 資格外活動許可) is permitted from the start; work rights expand with language progression. The endgame for many Nikkei is eventual transition to 定住者 (Long-Term Resident) status, often through starting a family and raising Japanese-citizen children. From 定住者, standard permanent-residency criteria apply (10-year residence including 5 years on a qualifying status). The 2023 revisions — easing the language requirements and clarifying the supporter role — reflect Japan's effort to reconnect with the estimated 3.8 million-strong global Nikkei diaspora, particularly the 1.5 million in Brazil.
Who Is This For
- ✓Great-grandchildren of Japanese emigrants from Brazil, Peru, Argentina, the US, Canada, Paraguay, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, and other Nikkei diaspora
- ✓Young Nikkei adults (18–30) wanting to learn Japanese and reconnect with ancestral heritage
- ✓Those whose parents or grandparents hold 日系三世 (3rd-generation Nikkei) status or would qualify for 定住者 on Nikkei grounds
- ✓Nikkei from Latin America interested in gaining Japanese work experience before returning home
- ✓Young Nikkei considering eventually obtaining 定住者 (Long-Term Resident) status by raising a family in Japan
Requirements
- •Proven 4th-generation Japanese descent — one great-grandparent was Japanese and emigrated from Japan
- •Age between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- •Basic Japanese ability for initial application — roughly JLPT N4 equivalent (higher required for renewals; JLPT N3 for the 2-year extension, N2 typically sufficient for the 4th-and-5th-year extension)
- •A designated Japanese supporter (受入れサポーター) — typically a Japanese national, a Nikkei organization, or a family member — who commits to providing support during the stay
- •Sufficient funds to support the initial stay (the supporter may guarantee this)
- •No criminal record and no prior immigration violations
- •Purpose of stay is to learn Japanese language and culture (educational intent required)
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (W form) for 特定活動
- Valid passport
- Family registry / genealogical documentation proving descent from a Japanese emigrant (koseki tohon traces, 戸籍謄本 or an equivalent apostilled document)
- Japanese language ability proof (JLPT certificate, or a language school test result meeting N4 level)
- Written commitment from the designated supporter (受入れサポーター誓約書)
- Activity plan (how Japanese learning and cultural activities will be pursued)
- Proof of financial means (applicant or supporter\'s)
- Photograph (4cm x 3cm, taken within 3 months)
Application Process
- 1Verify you meet the 4th-generation Japanese descent requirement with documentary evidence (Japanese ancestor\'s koseki, birth/marriage certificates tracing down to you)
- 2Achieve basic Japanese ability (JLPT N4 or equivalent)
- 3Identify and secure a Japanese supporter (受入れサポーター) — a Japanese national or Nikkei organization willing to assume responsibility
- 4Prepare the activity plan and financial documentation
- 5Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan (the supporter typically files)
- 6Apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country
- 7Enter Japan and receive your residence card at the airport (initial 1 year)
- 8Before the 1-year mark, if you have progressed to JLPT N3, apply for a 2-year extension (total 3 years)
- 9Before the 3-year mark, if you have progressed further (JLPT N2), apply for an additional 2-year extension (total 5 years maximum)
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.