Introduction: Overview of the Sham Marriage Case

In June 2026, authorities in Hiroshima uncovered a fraudulent residence status acquisition scheme involving sham marriage. Three individuals were arrested on charges including falsification of electromagnetic public records: a Japanese intermediary, a taxi driver, and a Filipino national working at a restaurant.

The case involved submitting false marriage registration documents to the Kure City Office. During questioning, the Japanese parties stated they participated “to obtain compensation,” while the foreign national admitted their motive was “to obtain residence status.” All suspects have confessed to the charges.

Police are investigating the possibility of multiple sham marriage groups operating with the suspected intermediary at the center of the network.

Why Do Sham Marriages Occur? Underlying Serious Issues

Difficulties in Obtaining Residence Status and Misconceptions

The desire of foreign nationals to work and live in Japan is genuine and pressing. However, many lack accurate knowledge about the residence status system and mistakenly believe that “I cannot obtain it” or “the procedures are too complex,” leading them to resort to illegal means.

In reality, many people can legally obtain residence status through proper documentation and procedures. However, language barriers and the complexity of the system cause some to fall prey to misinformation before consulting with professionals.

Existence of Intermediaries Motivated by Financial Gain

As this case demonstrates, intermediaries seeking financial compensation exacerbate the problem. These “visa brokers” prey on desperate foreign nationals, proposing illegal procedures in exchange for substantial fees.

However, engaging in such fraud subjects both Japanese and foreign parties to severe criminal penalties.

Risks of Sham Marriage: Irreversible Consequences

Risks for Foreign Nationals

Deportation
When sham marriage is discovered, the individual becomes subject to deportation. All foundations of life in Japan are lost.

Ban on Re-entry
Once deported, re-entry to Japan may be prohibited for up to 10 years or longer. Individuals are separated from family, friends, and careers they have built.

Criminal Penalties
Charges such as falsification of electromagnetic public records result in imprisonment or fines. A criminal record causes significant disadvantages for the future.

Loss of Credibility
Records of fraud remain permanently, adversely affecting entry to other countries and visa applications.

Risks for Japanese Nationals

Japanese individuals who cooperate in sham marriages are equally subject to criminal penalties. Those who received compensation may face more severe charges as part of organized crime.

Risks for Employing Companies

If an employee obtained residence status fraudulently through sham marriage, the employing company may be charged with “promotion of illegal employment.”

What is Promotion of Illegal Employment?
This applies when a company employs a foreign national knowing they are working illegally, or fails to exercise due diligence such as verifying residence cards.

  • Penalties: Up to 3 years imprisonment or fines up to 3 million yen
  • Public disclosure of company name
  • Administrative sanctions
  • Damage to brand image

“We didn’t know” is not a valid defense.

Corporate Compliance Measures for Foreign Employee Management

1. Thorough Verification of Residence Cards at Hiring

Points to Verify

  • Verify the original residence card (copies are insufficient)
  • Confirm the residence status type permits employment
  • Check the card has not expired
  • Verify restrictions on employment (need for permission to engage in activities outside status)
  • Ensure the card is not counterfeit (read IC chip, use Immigration Services Agency verification service)

2. Periodic Residence Status Management

Beyond verification at hiring, managing residence periods is crucial. Employing someone whose status has expired subjects the company to liability.

Establishing Management Systems

  • Create a list of residence periods
  • Send reminders 3 months before expiration
  • Establish support systems for renewal procedures

3. Creating a Consultative Environment

Establishing accessible channels for foreign employees to consult about residence status concerns is key to preventing fraud.

  • Conduct training for HR personnel
  • Establish multilingual consultation services
  • Partner with specialists such as administrative scriveners

4. Collaboration with Specialists

The residence status system is complex and subject to frequent legal revisions. Managing it internally is challenging. We recommend establishing advisory contracts with specialists such as administrative scriveners to receive ongoing guidance.

Proper Methods for Obtaining Residence Status

Appropriate Acquisition of Spouse Visa

When married to a Japanese national or permanent resident, one can obtain residence status as “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.”

Required Documents (Examples)

  • Marriage registration acceptance certificate
  • Family register (koseki tohon)
  • Residence certificate
  • Questionnaire
  • Letter of guarantee
  • Evidence of relationship history (photos, emails, call records)
  • Evidence of financial stability (tax certificates, employment certificates)

Detailed explanation of the relationship from courtship to marriage is required to prove genuine marriage.

Obtaining Work Visa

Working in Japan requires an appropriate work visa based on job duties.

Main Types of Work Visas

  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: IT, office work, interpretation
  • Skilled Labor: Foreign cuisine chefs
  • Specified Skilled Worker: 16 fields including nursing care, construction, agriculture
  • Highly Skilled Professional: Points-based system for highly skilled workers

Each status has educational requirements and job duty requirements, with the employing company’s scale and financial condition also subject to examination.

Permanent Residence and Naturalization

For long-term residence in Japan, permanent residence or naturalization are options.

Main Requirements for Permanent Residence

  • Continuous residence of 10+ years (5+ years with work or residence status)
  • Stable income
  • Tax and pension payments
  • Good conduct

Main Requirements for Naturalization

  • Continuous residence of 10+ years
  • Age 18 or older
  • Good conduct
  • Ability to maintain livelihood
  • Japanese language proficiency

Benefits of Consulting with Specialists

1. Accurate Information and Optimal Recommendations

Internet information is not always accurate. Moreover, optimal application methods vary by individual circumstances.

Administrative scriveners conduct detailed interviews and recommend the most appropriate residence status and application method for each person.

2. Support for Document Preparation and Application

Residence status applications require numerous documents with complex content. Deficiencies result in rejection, wasting time and money.

Professional document preparation enables accurate and persuasive applications.

3. Reduced Risk of Rejection

Once rejected, reapplication becomes more difficult. Additionally, rejection history remains on record, affecting future applications.

Pre-screening by specialists and proper document preparation significantly increase approval rates.

4. Time and Effort Savings

Application procedures require considerable time and effort. Proceeding while working, especially with language barriers, is burdensome.

Engaging specialists allows focus on work and daily life.

5. Ongoing Support

Even after obtaining residence status, ongoing support for renewals and changes is necessary. Establishing relationships with specialists enables long-term peace of mind living in Japan.

Identifying Fraudulent Intermediaries

Unfortunately, fraudulent intermediaries called “visa brokers” exist. Be cautious of the following characteristics:

Warning Signs

  • Making absolute guarantees like “definitely obtainable” or “100% guaranteed”
  • Recommending creation of false documents
  • Proposing sham marriage or sham employment
  • Demanding abnormally high fees
  • Not executing contracts
  • Not disclosing administrative scrivener registration number

Identifying Legitimate Administrative Scriveners

  • Registration with Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Associations can be verified
  • Registration number is clearly displayed
  • Office location is clear
  • Contracts are executed
  • Fee structure is transparent
  • Absolutely refuses fraudulent applications

Conclusion: Peace of Mind Through Proper Knowledge and Procedures

The Hiroshima sham marriage case is a tragedy born from inadequate understanding of the residence status system and the presence of fraudulent intermediaries.

However, with proper knowledge and appropriate procedures, many foreign nationals can legally live and work in Japan.

To Foreign Nationals
When in difficulty, always consult legitimate specialists. Illegal means will close off your future.

To Companies
Manage foreign employee hiring under appropriate systems. Compliance violations threaten corporate survival.

Our Role as Administrative Scriveners
As specialists in residence status, we contribute to creating a society where foreign nationals can work in Japan with confidence, through providing accurate information and proper application support.

If you have concerns about visas or residence status, please feel free to consult with us. Let’s find the best solution together.

Reference Article
“Arrests in Hiroshima Sham Marriage Case for Residence Status and Compensation”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/13f5bcca312a7a51d8692d0722cc88fabf4ca99d

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