The working holiday system between Japan and certain foreign countries has been set up to help people experience living styles in other countries and to allow visa holders to stay in Japan while earning travel expenses for a certain period of time. At present Japan operates this system with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Korea, France, Germany and Britain. The activities able to be undertaken by visa holders differ by countries. I will explain this in relation to Canadians. Please do not assume this explanation will apply, for instance, to Germans. Qualifications are as shown below.

1. You are a citizen of Canada living in Canada.
2. You have an intention mainly to spend holidays for a certain period.
3. You are between 18 and 25 years of age.
4. You have enough money for traveling and initial living expenses.
5. You must be healthy and have a sound personal history.

If you qualify, you can apply for the visa at your local Japanese embassy in Canada. Then you can visit Japan. Your duration of stay is six months and one extension is possible. It is possible to change your visa status to a working visa at the end of your working holiday, providing you meet the necessary criteria.