📅 This article was written on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Today, I submitted four permanent residence applications at the Immigration Office. 💼
Since the introduction of online procedures, I don’t go there as often anymore—
but I still visit from time to time. 🚶♂️🏢
After all, permanent residence applications can’t be submitted online. 💻❌
Online systems are essential, of course,
but human beings themselves can only live offline. 🌿
🇯🇵 What Is a “Residence Status” for Foreign Nationals in Japan?
Without a residence status, a foreign national cannot legally engage in activities in Japan. 🚫
So, what kinds of residence statuses are there?
🧑💻 Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
🧑🍳 Specified Skilled Worker
👔 Business Manager
and many others. 📚
In addition, there is another special category—
📜 the “Special Permanent Resident” defined under the Special Immigration Law.
Together, these are referred to as “Residence Status, etc.”
In short,
it is a legal qualification that allows a foreign national to stay and engage in certain activities in Japan. ⚖️
💭 Japanese Nationals and Those with Residence Status
As a Japanese citizen, I live here without needing to think about any special procedures. 🏠
I’ve never had to exercise or even be conscious of any “status.”
However, for instance—
👨👩👦 some people come to Japan because of their parent’s work,
and must live here while continuously proving the legal basis for their stay.
We are all human beings, yet
the world can look entirely different depending on one’s legal position. 🌍
💡 What Truly Matters: Living Honestly as a Human Being
My work involves supporting many foreign nationals. 🤝
What truly matters is to live sincerely as a human being, regardless of nationality.
The term “foreigner” will probably never disappear completely.
But I hope that someday it will be used only in legal or administrative contexts. 🌈
Until then—let’s keep working toward that day. 👋✨
📖 Reference
Yamawaki, Yasutsugu (2020). Practical Guide to Immigration Law and Foreign Labor Management & Audit. Nihon Kajyo Publishing.
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