Nationality Law

Law passed in 1950 that introduced important changes concerning the acquisition and loss of nationality, recognizing the individial's right of choice and equality of the sexes in such matters. The proviso of the old law based upon the Japanese traditional family system (ie) was abolished, and people were given the freedom to renounce their Japanese nationality. The new law, like the the old, adopted the rule of jus sanguinis ("right of blood") whereby one acquires nationality by virtue of one's descent or parentage through the father only. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)