{"id":36914,"date":"2014-09-11T00:49:04","date_gmt":"2014-09-11T04:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=36914"},"modified":"2020-12-09T16:21:57","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T21:21:57","slug":"japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Japan, the \u201cLand of the Rising Sun,\u201d is an archipelago in East Asia comprising of 6,852 islands. The large islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku make up over 95% of the country\u2019s area.<\/p>\n

Tokyo<\/a> is Japan\u2019s capital city, one of the most populous in the world. With an approximate population of 9.1 million people, Tokyo ranks in the top ten of the most populous cities in the world. A member of the UN, OECD, the G7, G8, and G20, Japan is one of the most influential and forward-thinking nations on earth.<\/p>\n

Handpicked Related Content: 10 Things You’ll Love About Living In Japan<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Culture<\/b><\/h2>\n

Japan is home to one of the oldest cultures in the world, with the earliest known inhabitants of the country dating back to 30,000 BC.<\/p>\n

This spectrum of prehistory, through the feudal times<\/a>, and into modernity has gifted Japan with a culture that is deeply rooted in the past, yet, with a keen eye on the future. Daily life is a mix of the highest level of technological advancement and sticking to the cultural traditions that have been prevalent for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n

As a result, Japan is one of the most intellectually stimulating and spiritually invigorating countries on earth. And any land with this much history usually carries with it a great food culture<\/a>! For fans of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori<\/a>, and seasonally fresh produce and seafood, Japan can\u2019t be beaten.<\/p>\n

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Climate<\/b><\/h2>\n

For being such a small island, Japan has an incredibly diverse natural landscape.<\/p>\n

The north of the country features harsh, cold winters and warm summers.<\/p>\n

The Central Highland has a humid and continental climate, with light precipitation during summer\/spring\/autumn months but heavy snowfall in the winter.<\/p>\n

The Pacific coast of Japan is categorized by a humid subtropical climate with warm winters and hot, humid summers.<\/p>\n

Even though Japan\u2019s landmass is relatively small, this great spectrum in landscape and climate is due to the vast elevation changes in the country (ranging from snow-capped mountains to sunny beaches) and the Pacific wind routes.<\/p>\n

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Visa Options In Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n

As with many countries around the world, Japan operates under a visa-waiver program, granting visa-free access to many nations. Generally, this allows for people to come to Japan as a non-working tourist for up to 90 days in a 183-day period.<\/p>\n

Nations with visa-free access to Japan include: United States, Canada, all EU nations, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Malaysia, Israel, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Chile, M\u00e9xico, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.<\/p>\n

Those who wish to reside longer in Japan can apply for a long-stay visa, granted for those with approved reasons and who do not intend to work full-time in the country. Anyone who is looking for a full-time job, and\/or would like to work towards attaining a Japanese permanent residency<\/b><\/a>, should apply for a standard work visa.<\/p>\n

Handpicked Related Content: Japanese Passport Tops List Of Most Powerful Passports<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Re-Entry Permit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For those with a legal residency visa in Japan that would like to leave the country and return under the same permit, a re-entry permit\u00a0<\/i>must be obtained. This ensures that the individual will not need to apply for a new permit before being allowed back into the country.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> Re-entry permits must be applied for at the Ministry of Justice\u00a0in Japan<\/i>, they cannot be obtained from abroad.<\/p>\n

Here’s a great podcast from The Expat Money Show<\/a> – Gunnar Garfors<\/a> who has visited every country in the world twice!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Working As An Expat In Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n

Obtaining a\u00a0work visa in Japan<\/b><\/a> is the easiest and most streamlined way to become a full-time resident in the country. With over 20 categories under which to apply, you shouldn\u2019t have much trouble finding a path that works for your situation. Generally, these permits are granted for one year and can be renewed for various lengths depending on your working status.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> The Japanese work visa is primarily reserved for degree-holding professionals or those with significant success in their fields. General entry-level labor jobs (waitress, retail clerk, tour guide, bartender, etc.) do not qualify for these visas. In order to perform this type of work legally in Japan, you\u2019ll need to do so under a different form of visa, usually as part-time work for students, spouses of Japanese citizens, or those with non-working visas.<\/p>\n

To apply for a\u00a0work permit in Japan<\/b>, you\u2019ll need to make an appointment with your closest Japanese consulate. Documents you\u2019ll need to provide include:<\/p>\n