Eric Takabayashi <etakajp@yahoo.co.jp> wrote:

> No. While on the JET Program about nine years ago I thought I'd make it
> easier for myself, and try to get one of those new Japanese ethnicity
> visas. The Japanese Consulate in Honolulu told me I'd have to present
> documentation proving my ancestors came from Japan, as well as find a
> relative in Japan to sponsor me. Since the last contact with Japan was my
> late grandfather's female cousin, whom no one else has ever met, and no one
> else knows about, I gave up on that idea.

Also, you have to prove your bloodline with the koseki, most Nisei
didn't get registered in the koseki back in Japan due to the war.  I
don't think that either of my parents were registered.
 
> In the eyes of the Japanese government, there is no evidence I am of
> Japanese descent or have ancestors from Japan, nor am I allowed to use
> kanji (which exist) for my name on government documents. Actually all my
> legal documents seem to have my name written in all caps English, not even
> katakana.

Actually, I have kanji on my gaigin card.  However, it is not a "legal"
document in the same standing as the koseki.  For legal documents, I
write my name in all capital English letters.  

I heard that if you go to family court, you can have your children's
last name changed to kanji rather than katakana.

-- 
Matt
matt@gol.com