Job Discussion Forums

[fromtoronto]

I would like to be able to spend a full six months in Japan without leaving, to be there and work on a writing project for the winter. I don't want to teach English, I just want to rent some cheap place in Tokyo, and spend my days writing and enjoying the city. Does anyone have suggestions for how I might acquire a visa to stay that long given my circumstances?

[seklarwia]

That's not exactly a cultural reason (certainly not in a sense that will get you a cultural visa)

Assuming you are from Canada, if you are young enough you should get a Working Holiday Visa. That will get you your 6 months (extendable for a 2nd 6month period by visiting immigration in Japan) and give you the freedom to work of not work as you please. Great thing about the WHV is that should you find yourself a bit strapped for cash, you can take up any job (that doesn't fall under the controlled entertainment category) because it doesn't have the limitations that regular work visas have.