Aspiring FG, Long-Term Stay Questions..

[Frylock]

Hoyoyo!

I feel I'll finally be adept enough in the language to be comfortable in Japan within a year or two, so I'm starting to look into the trip. I'm straight with almost everything else (flying, accomodations, banking, and the rest of the shit), but the one thing I'm stuck on is the visa.

What's the best way to stay in Japan for an indefinite amount of time (like, three years at least)? I haven't got any degrees, certificates of education (at all), external sponsorship, training, or anything like that, and don't want to have to commute.. That is, I'd like to set foot on Japanese soil for the first time, and not be obligated to leave for at least three years. The only things I have any intent toward retaining are my bachelorhood and my U.S. citizenship (but I'd probably fold and go for dual-citizenship, if that'd work).

I'd be supported by external money from the States, or a clandestine home business ('net porn, or something) during the stay. I suppose I'd submit to enrolling in a college or university, as long as I could just use it only for the visa, and walk away from the place without being kicked out of the country. I suppose I could deal with work in journalism (writing anything, actually) or graphic design or something, but only if the hours were short and the money long. The one thing I will not submit to doing is becoming an ESL teacher, or something like that.

So, what's the best way to go?

On a related note, Is anyone in Japan under 'Artist' or 'Religious Activities' Status of Residence (Working Visa)? Are they renewable? How many times?

Any help's much obliged!

-F.

[wreddock]

So very young, so very naive, so much to learn.

Others may have different answers for you.

Best answer from me - Marry a Japanese citizen.

Come on over to Japan and tell us all how the online porn biz made you a rich man in Japan. Heaven forbid you should ever stoop to be an ESL teacher.

[Frylock]

But I don't wanna!!

I may've come across wrong, I'm not trying to become a rich man in Japan. I've got enough money to sustain, even at Tokyo's prices, really comfortably for something like three years, or suitably for something like five years. I'm not trying to make money in Japan, I'm trying to bring money to Japan. Just.. not do anything societally productive with it. Y'know?

Is it that no (fucked) gaijin are in Japan long-term under anything but the typical working visas and marriage?

And, bloody right, heaven forbid!

-F.

[Taro Toporific]

What's the best way to stay in Japan for an indefinite amount of time (like, three years at least)? I haven't got any degrees, certificates of education (at all), external sponsorship, training, or anything like that, and don't want to have to commute.. F.

BUSINESS VISA!

Do NOT dick around. Use an administrative scrivener with the bastards ...



To quote the always-helpful Father Joseph of the Japan Times advice column:

Make sure you go through a gyosei shoshi, which is the equivalent of an Immigration Lawyer. They can work wonders.
Mr. Nakai at www. tokyovisa.co.jp or Mr. Inomoto at (E-mail)
inomoto-i@gyosei.or.jp may be able to help you.

[Frylock]

Hmm.. Maybe should just get a scrivener. I figured if I did, and asked 'em the same questions up there straight out, they'd think I was too seedy to work with. Is that quote's complete article on the 'net somewhere?

-F.

[ramchop]

Why not come on a tourist visa and overstay?

What's the worst they can do? Throw you in a prison and beat you to death?

[GomiGirl]

Investor visa.. if you have the dollars, start a KK with you as the prez...

Check Jetro web-site for details.

[Taro Toporific]

Hmm.. Maybe should just get a scrivener. I figured if I did, and asked 'em the same questions up there straight out, they'd think I was too seedy to work with. Is that quote's complete article on the 'net somewhere?

I think I typed straight from the Monday Japan Times of Dec. 10 because I figured I'll be needing it myself. It's not online. If you have access to a college or major city library with the Japan Times check Father Ken Joseph's advice column somewhere between Dec 3 -10.

I Since then I've never had any other problems at Immigration, either. Different personel. Even the OYAJIs are friendly and helpful. Sometimes I wonder if I'm living in a parallel universe!!

It was the proper PHASE of the MOON.

Actually, to answer my own question...to quote Terrie Lloyd in his JapanToday Op-Ed piece:
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=comment&id=257

" I stumbled across an excellent book called, what else, "A Japanese Visa Handbook" by Motoko Kuroda and published by ICG Muse, Inc. ..."

"For example, knowing why Japanese immigration rules seem so arbitrary because the country doesn't want immigrants (not yet, at least) immediately clarifies what is needed to get someone a visa. What is that? Well, in place of black and white rules, you instead have to show strength of desire to get the visa. This translates into voluminous paperwork, persistence, and support from the hiring company and related sponsors. Put in the right effort, and your chances of successfully getting a visa increase. Simple once you know, right?"