Japan Revises Family Registry Rules to Acknowledge Taiwan as Place of Origin

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Japan's Ministry of Justice has announced that Taiwanese residents will now be allowed to list Taiwan as their place of origin in the family registry, effective from May 2025. This revision marks a change from the previous policy, which classified individuals from Taiwan as originating from China, a practice upheld since Japan normalised relations with Beijing in 1972.

The change comes in response to requests from Taiwanese spouses residing in Japan who sought to express their regional identity. Taiwan's foreign ministry welcomed the decision, emphasizing that it demonstrates respect for the identity of Taiwanese residents in Japan. Spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei stated that the move would enhance clarity in official identification processes.

However, the decision has provoked backlash from China, which views Taiwan as a part of its territory. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun called on Japan to adhere to the "one-China principle" and warned against actions that could be perceived as granting international legitimacy to Taiwan.

Despite diplomatic tensions, Japan has maintained strong economic ties with Taiwan, highlighting the complexities of the region's geopolitical landscape.

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