I know that for all you permanent residents this doesn't matter, but for single f-gaijin like Matsuki or a handicapped gaijin like me are forced to go to Immigration every 3-or-5 years for renewal this a huge convenience.
Japan to simplify residency process for foreigners with online service
japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/23...
...The government has decided to launch an online service to allow foreign nationals to apply and update their residency status in Japan from fiscal 2018...
...Under the new plan, residency status applicants will no longer have to wait at crowded immigration offices to complete documentation, although details such as how to check the applicants’ identity online have yet to be decided.
The government will release data on the length of application processing times from fiscal 2017 and consider introducing a system in which applicants can track the status of their case online.
The minimum required residence period before foreigners can apply for permanent resident status will be slashed from five years to one for those with highly specialized skills by the end of March...
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