Japan to Allow "Taiwan" to be Listed in the Family Registry Starting in May; China Strongly Objects

Japan’s New Policy on Family Registry and its Impact on Taiwan-China Relations

In a significant policy change, Japan will allow individuals from Taiwan to officially list their nationality as "Taiwan" in family registry documents starting this May. This new regulation allows Taiwanese nationals, who were previously only able to list "China," to now include "China Taiwan" in their records. This decision has sparked strong opposition from the Chinese government, which claims that such a move contradicts the "One China" principle.

Starting in May 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Justice will amend the family registry regulations, allowing foreign nationals to list both their country of origin and region on official documents. This change introduces a new field, the "Nationality/Region" column, replacing the old "Nationality" column that only allowed for country names to be listed. Under this new rule, Taiwanese citizens will now have the option to include both "China" and "Taiwan" in their official records.

Background and Context of Japan's Decision

The reform marks a departure from Japan's longstanding policy, which, since 1964, required Taiwanese nationals to be listed under "China" due to Japan's severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan following its recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC). This policy remained in place even after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Japan in 1972. The latest change, however, is being interpreted by some as a measure to accommodate the growing number of Taiwanese people residing in Japan, particularly those married to Japanese nationals.

The number of Taiwanese citizens marrying Japanese nationals annually is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior. The reform aims to preserve the identity of Taiwanese individuals, as it aligns their family registry entries with other foreign nationals in Japan, who have long been allowed to use both their country and region of origin. This move, according to some experts, reflects Japan's intention to show greater respect for Taiwanese identity and culture.

Japanese and International Reactions to the Change

While the Taiwanese community in Japan has welcomed the change, claiming it helps preserve their identity, it has also raised concerns about possible geopolitical ramifications. The new rule has coincided with other diplomatic signals that could be seen as a challenge to China's stance on Taiwan. For instance, on February 15, 2025, during the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Japan, the United States, and South Korea released a joint statement supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations. Additionally, the U.S. State Department recently updated its official documents to remove the phrase "We do not support Taiwan's independence," signaling a shift in international discourse surrounding Taiwan.

These developments have triggered an immediate response from China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, expressed strong disapproval of Japan’s new family registry policy. He reiterated China’s firm stance on Taiwan, stating that the island is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. He also criticized Japan for sending "wrong signals" regarding Taiwan's status and urged Tokyo to respect China’s sovereignty.

Japan's Motives and Future Implications

The timing of this policy change raises questions about Japan's broader strategic goals. Many analysts view the reform as part of Japan's broader effort to counter China's growing influence in the region. By facilitating a process that allows Taiwanese nationals to assert their identity more clearly in official documents, Japan is signaling its support for Taiwan without directly challenging Beijing. The policy also coincides with increased international attention on Taiwan, particularly in the wake of the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

While this policy is being viewed by some as a move toward greater autonomy for Taiwanese citizens within Japan, it also highlights the delicate balance Japan must maintain in its relations with China. The issue of Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive topics in international diplomacy, and Japan’s actions will undoubtedly continue to attract attention from both Taiwanese and Chinese officials.

In addition to allowing Taiwanese nationals to list "Taiwan" on their family registry, Japan is also set to formally recognize the "Palestinian" designation in official records, a policy previously considered an exception. However, it will maintain the current system of referring to North Korea as "Chosun," which has been the accepted term in Japanese documents for years.

A Broader Shift in Geopolitical Tensions

The ongoing shifts in how Taiwan is represented in international diplomatic and legal frameworks are likely to have lasting consequences. Japan's decision to amend its family registry system is part of a larger pattern of increasing support for Taiwan from international allies, including the United States and European nations. This is also occurring in tandem with a more assertive diplomatic stance from Japan on regional security issues, particularly concerning China.

The Chinese government's reaction to Japan's new policy is indicative of the broader struggle over Taiwan's international status. As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, actions like Japan’s family registry reform and the support for Taiwan’s international participation are likely to play a significant role in shaping future diplomatic and economic relations in the Asia-Pacific region.