Two words

[Undercoverlover]

Sounds like it's easier to live in Amsterdam! ;-)

[jhonny_d]

congrats !
I've been looking at this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_nationality_law
(I understand that's not your case)

no multiple passports? that's lame...

[ASSEMbler]

Yay! Visa sponsorship factory, ENGAGE!!!!

[GaijinPunch]

I've been looking at this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_nationality_law
(I understand that's not your case)

Many countries do not support multiple passports. However, Japan does not have the authority to take away the passport of another country (any that I'm aware of), nor do you (in the case of America at least) have the authority to give your passport to the Japanese government. It's one of these rules that's hardly enforced. I know tons of people w/ both passports, and none has ever given up their Japanese one. Don't ask, don't tell.

Yay! Visa sponsorship factory, ENGAGE!!!!

There are rules so this doesn't spiral out of control as well.

[Japan-Games.com]

Yeah, from what I've read your passport isn't actually yours. It's owned by the government and you are simply the holder. Technically speaking, you don't have the authority to hand it over to another government. I remember a few years ago getting my visa for a trip to China and I actually had to leave my passport with the Chinese Consulate for 3 days while they filed the visa paperwork. I was glad to get that back in my hands...heh. Handing over my passport to the Chinese government just wasn't where I wanted it to be.

Gaijin....another question... Are there any rules about applying for new re-entry permit? I'm heading home next month. My permit expires in late August so I'm safe. I'll probably let it expire, then get a new one right before I leave the country again. I can't imagine there will ever be a situation where I'll have to be on a plane so fast I can't take an hour to get a new stamp from immigration. That way if I do have to leave for a year or 2 I know I'm covered and not stuck with some reentry permit that only has 6 months left on it. I'm guessing that trying to get a new one when you still have a year left on the old one looks a bit fishy...

[GaijinPunch]

Are there any rules about applying for new re-entry permit?

Not that I'm aware of. They check for, I assume, if you're wanted by the law and that's about it. As you said, it's very quick. However...

I can't imagine there will ever be a situation where I'll have to be on a plane so fast I can't take an hour to get a new stamp from immigration.

Oh, grasshopper... don't fall for it. You should always have your re-entry permit. After this shit storm from the Earthquake, I'll never, ever not have my re-entry permit. Honestly, Shinagawa is more than a hassle for me to get to...even by bicycle. So, I got one when they issued my PR visa. And fuck me sideways, I was winning more than Charlie Sheen. A friend took a photo of the 1 kilometer long line to get a re-entry permit after the EQ. No shit, it was a 10 hour wait.

Play it safe -- have it on you at all times. You can never say never.

[Yakumo]

There are no crazy rules when it comes to the re-entry. Like you, I'm a permanent resident. I haven't had a re-entry visa for years so a few months back I went to buy one (10 minutes total!) for my trip back to the UK this August. No questions, no bother. Just make sure you have one when you enter the country after leaving it.

Yakumo

[GaijinPunch]

Just make sure you have one when you enter the country after leaving it.

Make sure you have it before. :flamethrower: