That’s it, the title. I’m an American who goes yearly to Japan on a tourist visa, and I absolutely adore the country. I feel very at home with Japanese customs and lifestyle, and always wish I was still there when I return home. But it seems so insurmountable to immigrate to.
Not OP, but I live in Asia and am sporadically changing countries. Japan either requires you to have a job offer prior to moving, or show sufficient funds to live there indefinitely (around 2k USD/month; though that won’t get you far in Tokyo for example). Remote work does not qualify, it’s either a domestic job or income from pension or investments.
After 10 years of living there legally you qualify for a residence permit.
The alternative would be through marriage.
You technically qualify for citizenship after six years, but you’ll never pass the test.
As far as I’m aware there is no test, they only check your employment history, tax status and criminal record?
They also go to your house to judge whether or not you have sufficiently adapted to the Japanese lifestyle.