Turning Japanese? Ways You Can Live and Work in Japan as a Foreigner

So you want to be Japanese or at least live there huh? The first step is go you your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate for more info. Japan is notorious for its paperwork redundancy so be sure to apply in advance.

The basic types of visas are:

Tourist Visa - Terms depend on your originating country. US citizens must apply beforehand. Good for short-term language schools or an extended layover in Japan from 72 hours to 15 days.

Working Holiday Visa - Not given to US citizens.

Working Visa - Apply beforehand. There are 14 types:
artist
investor/business manager
professor
religious activities
medical services
journalist
researcher
instructor
legal/accounting services
engineer
entertainer
skilled labor
intra-company transferee
specialist in humanities and international services

Student Visa: Apply beforehand. Some short-term language schools are exempt.

Spouse or Child of a Japanese National: Must be extended after 1 and 3 years.

Permanent Residence Visa: Can apply for after 5 years of living in Japan. No need to extend.

Naturalization - Full-on Japanese citizenship: Must renounce your United States (or any other country) citizenship as Japan does not allow dual-citizenship.

Alien Registration: Not a visa but anyone who is not with the US military must register for this. This is how you open bank accounts with less stress. This card must be with you at all times after 90 days in country regardless of type of visa held.

Diplomatic and Official Visa: If you have to ask then you probably don't rate one ;)