Consider a visa to be a kind of invitation letter that is issued by Japanese embassies and consulates around the world. There are two types of countries with regards to visas. The first is the country that automatically permits a person who obtains visa to stay in the country, and the other is the one that regards a visa and permission to stay as different. Japan is adopting the system of law that regards visa and permission to stay as being different.

Therefore, after obtaining a visa at a Japanese Embassy or consulate in your country, you will receive permission to stay and be given the necessary residency status at Japanese Immigration. The possession of residency status allows foreigners to conduct some activities to a certain extent and provides a certain level of status or social position. It is a legal status based on immigration law.

As you can see, visa and residency status are different in Japan. Therefore, even if you obtain a visa for Japan, it doesn't mean you are always permitted to enter Japan, in spite of the fact that many foreigners refer to residency status as a "visa." Japanese Immigration law provides 27 types of residency status. Besides these, a large number of Koreans living in Japan possess special permanent resident certificates. In addition, American military personnel can stay in Japan without these certificates due to the U.S.-Japan Status Treaty.