On June 23, 2026, a Chinese national (36) and a Japanese woman (25) were arrested in Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture, for submitting a fraudulent marriage registration to illegally obtain a status of residence. This case highlights critical issues surrounding immigration compliance in Japan.
As an administrative scrivener specializing in visa applications, I will explain the lessons from this case, the legal knowledge foreign residents and their employers should possess, and the proper methods for obtaining a status of residence.
- Case Overview: What Happened?
- What is a Sham Marriage? Legal Consequences
- Why Do Foreign Nationals Resort to Sham Marriages?
- The Cost of Sham Marriage: Irreplaceable Losses
- Proper Methods for Obtaining Status of Residence
- Corporate Responsibilities: Foreign Employment Compliance
- What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Benefits of Professional Consultation
- Conclusion: The Right Choice Protects Your Future
Case Overview: What Happened?
According to reports, the arrested individuals were a Chinese national residing in Tokyo and a Japanese woman living in Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture. In 2025, they submitted a false marriage registration at Mizuho City Hall.
The man stated, “I wanted a status of residence to work in Japan for a long time,” and both suspects have admitted to the charges. They met through a broker, with the man paying at least 2 million yen to the broker, while the woman received over 1 million yen as compensation.
What is a Sham Marriage? Legal Consequences
Definition of Sham Marriage
A sham marriage refers to submitting a formal marriage registration without the actual intention of living together as a married couple, solely for the purpose of obtaining or extending a status of residence.
Applicable Laws and Penalties
Sham marriages are prosecuted under the following laws:
- Article 157 of the Penal Code (False Entry in Original Copy of Authentic Deed)
- Submitting a marriage registration with false content
- Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Violations
- Obtaining a status of residence through fraudulent documents
- Results in revocation of status and deportation
- Illegal Employment Promotion (for employers)
- Employing foreign nationals with fraudulent status
- Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 3 million yen
Why Sham Marriages Are Detected
Immigration authorities identify sham marriages through:
- Investigations into actual cohabitation (home visits, neighborhood inquiries)
- Verification of spouse’s occupation and income
- Detailed questioning about the circumstances leading to marriage
- Questions about each other’s family, hobbies, and daily life
- Examination of call logs, photos, and message exchanges
Any inconsistencies trigger thorough investigations. The belief that “it won’t be discovered” is extremely dangerous.
Why Do Foreign Nationals Resort to Sham Marriages?
In this case, the man stated he wanted “a status of residence to work in Japan for a long time.” This statement reflects the difficulties foreign nationals face in maintaining legal work status in Japan.
Complexity of the Status of Residence System
Japan has over 30 types of residence statuses, each with strict requirements. For example:
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Requires university graduation or 10 years of work experience
- Skilled Labor: Requires 10 years of experience in a specific field
- Specified Skilled Worker: Limited to 14 specific industries and requires passing an examination
When individuals cannot meet these requirements, they may mistakenly believe that “a spouse visa doesn’t require educational or professional qualifications,” leading them to sham marriages.
Lack of Information and Misconceptions
Many foreign nationals lack accurate information about which status of residence they may be eligible for. They assume “it’s impossible for me” and resort to illegal means.
Brokers’ Deceptive Promises
Brokers entice victims with promises like “guaranteed approval,” “immediate work authorization,” and “no risk of detection.” However, these brokers bear no responsibility when arrests occur.
The Cost of Sham Marriage: Irreplaceable Losses
1. Criminal Penalties and Criminal Record
Sham marriage is a crime. Arrest, prosecution, and conviction result in a permanent criminal record.
2. Revocation of Status and Deportation
Under immigration law, obtaining status through fraudulent documents leads to revocation and deportation.
3. Re-entry Ban
Deportation results in a re-entry ban ranging from 5-10 years or indefinitely.
4. Financial Loss
Money paid to brokers is never recovered. In this case, 2 million yen was lost.
5. Impact on Family
Family members in Japan (spouse, children) may also lose their status of residence.
6. Loss of Social Trust
Loss of employment, housing, and social credibility follow.
Proper Methods for Obtaining Status of Residence
The desire to “work in Japan long-term” is not impossible to achieve legally. Legitimate options include:
1. Work-Related Statuses
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: IT professionals, interpreters, trade workers
- Skilled Labor: Chefs, construction specialists
- Specified Skilled Worker: 14 fields including nursing care, construction, agriculture, food manufacturing
- Highly Skilled Professional: Experts with advanced knowledge and skills
2. Status Based on Personal Relationships
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National: For those married to Japanese citizens (genuine marriage only)
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Long-term Resident: Nikkei persons, recognized refugees
- Permanent Resident: After 10+ years of residence meeting specific requirements
3. Change of Status Possibilities
Current status may be changed to another, such as:
- International students changing to “Engineer/Specialist” upon employment
- Technical intern trainees transitioning to “Specified Skilled Worker”
- Short-term stay changing to “Skilled Labor” (under certain conditions)
4. Renewal and Permanent Residence Application
Maintaining proper status for 10+ years enables permanent residence applications. Highly Skilled Professionals may apply in as little as 1 year.
Corporate Responsibilities: Foreign Employment Compliance
For companies employing foreign nationals, managing employees’ residence status is a legal obligation.
1. Residence Card Verification Duty
Employers must verify residence cards at hiring and renewal:
- Type of status
- Period of stay
- Work restrictions
2. Illegal Employment Promotion Risk
Employing foreign nationals with fraudulent status exposes companies to criminal liability:
- Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment or 3 million yen fine
- Public disclosure of company name
- Loss of social credibility
3. Proper Status Management
- Implement period-of-stay management systems
- Establish support systems for renewal procedures
- Conduct regular residence card checks
4. Collaboration with Specialists
Consulting administrative scriveners and specialists provides:
- Proxy application services for foreign employees
- Preparation of employment contracts and explanatory letters
- Internal training on immigration law
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Benefits of Professional Consultation
1. Detailed Analysis of Individual Circumstances
We conduct thorough interviews regarding education, work experience, family structure, and employment situation to propose the optimal status.
2. Document Preparation and Application Representation
We prepare complex application documents and represent clients before immigration authorities.
3. Risk Mitigation
Drawing on past cases and immigration審査 trends, we minimize the risk of application denial.
4. Corporate Compliance Support
We provide legal advice on foreign employment, help establish internal systems, and conduct training.
5. Ongoing Support
We provide long-term support from renewal through status changes to permanent residence applications.
Conclusion: The Right Choice Protects Your Future
While a sham marriage may temporarily provide status of residence, the consequences are devastating: criminal penalties, deportation, re-entry bans, financial loss, and above all, the destruction of your and your family’s future.
The desire to “work in Japan long-term” is legitimate. And there are always legal means to achieve it:
- Work visas
- Specified Skilled Worker visas
- Status based on relationships
- Permanent residence
The optimal status exists for your circumstances. Start by consulting a specialist.
For corporate executives and HR managers, managing foreign employees’ residence status is a legal duty. Illegal employment promotion charges can threaten corporate survival. Work with specialists to ensure proper employment management.
In immigration law, “I didn’t know” is no defense. With proper knowledge and procedures, let’s create an environment where foreign nationals can work in Japan with confidence.
Reference Link
- Original article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/b39f2c355298872da81de599c0d867a219ebad4b
