This article discusses the laws and regulations surrounding Japanese citizenship and naturalization, as well as the benefits and challenges associated with it. Anyone born in Japan to a Japanese parent is automatically considered a citizen of Japan according to jus sanguinis or right of blood rule. Other ways to become a citizen of Japan include naturalization, marriage to a Japanese citizen, or special circumstances. Benefits include access to free public healthcare and education, voting rights, eligibility for government jobs, protection from deportation/extradition, and more favorable tax rates. Challenges can include passing an exam on language and culture before being approved for naturalization or waiting up to three years for marriage-based citizenship applications to be approved. In 2008 dual citizenship was allowed after previously being banned since 1899.