As of 2017, in the case of marriage between Japanese people, you must name your surname of either your husband or your wife when submitting your marriage notification.
However, recently the president of Cybozu had sued for the introduction of a selective couple’s surname,
Perhaps it may become possible to select couple’s surname in future.
On the other hand, in the case of international marriage, even if submitting a marriage notification, the name of the husband and wife will never change.
Those who do not have a problem with a different name do not need any particular procedures.
By the way our couple (DF and KYMT) is a different name.
There is no hindrance especially for now.
However, I think that some people want to unify their names.
Are there two kinds of possible cases?
1. A case where a Japanese person receives a surname of a foreigner
2. Case where foreigners receive Japanese surname
I would like to talk about how to do each one from the point of view whether it is possible in the first place.
▼ 1. Cases where the Japanese will receive the last name of a foreigner
It is possible for Japanese people to change to last name of foreigners.
As long as it is within 6 months after marriage, it seems possible by submitting the name change notice of the city hall / ward office or embassy.
(It might be a good idea to call the Family Register Division once at City Hall / Ward Office and confirm it)
However, in the case of a compound name like “Kennedy Taichi”, it seems necessary to obtain permission from the family court.
Even when it exceeds six months after marriage, it seems necessary to obtain permission from the family court.
If you want permission at family court please refer to the following page.
▼ 2. Cases where foreigners receive Japanese surname
Foreigners can not change to Japanese surnames exactly.
However, by notifying the city office / ward office in the form of the alias name (Commuter name), it is possible for a foreign national to assert the name of Japan.
Because the common name is treated as a valid legal name that also appears in resident cards and driver’s license,
If you want Japanese surname, let’s use the common name system.
To acquire a common name, go to the city hall / ward office near you, and take two points below.
・ Ordered statement
・ Proof data (postal items etc. whose name is addressed by common name)
Once you register a common name, you will not be able to change in principle, so please register after firmly considering what you name.
