What steps should I take for moving to Japan (for Japan DUers espcially)

[Zech Marquis]

I'm now plottng out the exact stpes I'll be taking to move to japan in the spring and marry my girlfriend :-) First, I'll mot likely visit her in early November (when se has some paid holidays to take), for 7-10 days or so. If I happen to get a promotion, I'll try for 2 whole weeks :d

When I lived in japan before, I was a DoD dependent. This time it'll be all civilian, no bases, just me. Any DUers in Japan have advice for me? I know, save a whole lot of money of course, but other things like the marriage procedure (I'll have to change my name for sure). Meanwhile, I'll take with my cokkege about what to do regarding my remaining class in Algebra tomorrow.

[Chovexani]

1. Whatever you do

Don't stand underneath the Tokyo Tower!!!

This applies doubly if an androgynous figure in black is standing on it at night with his cape blowing in the wind.

[Zech Marquis]

2. I won't be in Tokyo!

near Kyoto actually, but I'll keep an eye out for that shadowy figrue you mentioned ;-)

[Chovexani]

4. Ok

I felt it was my duty to warn you.

And stay away from giant robots. Nothin' but trouble, I tell ya. But then you probably already know that. ;)

[dancing kali]

7. Awwwwww

But he's so pretty....

[Chovexani]

8. Resist the pretty!

Pretty boys in black are nothing but trouble.



I rest my case.

[AngryAmish]

3. 1. Learn Japanese

They have a different word for everything. Except shushi, or Godzilla.

Speaking of Goszilla, if he appears RUN.

[Zech Marquis]

5. done

remember, I've lived in Tokyo and I already speak japanese fluently.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. Seriously, though,

if you're married to a Japanese citizen, you automatically get a three-year, unrestricted residents' visa. That means you can work at any job you qualify for or start your own business or whatever. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, which means you're still a U.S. citizen, but you're eligible for Japanese pensions and other goodies and don't have to renew your visa all the time.

This may have changed, but normally, you can't change your visa status inside Japan. You could go over on a tourist visa, marry your girlfriend, go to some other country on your honeymoon, and incidentally apply for a spouse visa.

Alternatively, you could get married over here and apply for a spouse visa at your nearest Japanese consulate.

You do not have to change your name to get married (although Jpn law lets the husband adopt the wife's last name, thanks to the old custom of families with no sons "adopting" their oldest daughter's husband). The only time you have to change your name is if you choose to take Japanese citizenship.

[Zech Marquis]

9. I could apply after returning form my "visit"

most likely the embassy in D--closest one to me anyway. As far as taking up Japanese citizensip, later on I'll start that.

and pensions? Naaw, the Jimintou spent it up already! or alarge amount of it...