KimJapan's big news :)
 

Nope, not getting married (already did that), not pregnant (already did that too).

The 3 of us just became permanent residents of Japan...the same as getting a US green card.

We never need to get another visa to stay here, we can work at any job, and basically have all the benefits of being Japanese without being Japanese. It means our residence status no longer is dependent upon our place of employment. We are free!

Congratulations ! Sounds pretty much like my situation since a few years now in Geneva.

Super. We look forward to your insider reports.

Congratulations Kim! Here's a toast to you and your family ((B))

(I don't know how to do a sake cup)

I also want to say Congrats!

I am new to this board and do not know your history. Are you US citizens who feel in love with Japan and want to live there (long term wise)?

I appreciate all the help you have provided! It has been invaluable!

Congratulations, Kim! I've never mentioned this before but I am in my 4th year of an intensive study of "Tale of Genji" -- we're on page 662 of the 1100 page book so we have a way to go. As a result I have become fascinated by Japanese culture and history. Was in the country just once for a month two years ago and can't wait to return -- we want to go as a class soon (there are 8 of us plus two teachers).

kampai!

kim, omedetoo gozai-masu.

perhaps a celebration in takayama during the spring festival? :-)

That is wonderful, Kim!

Kim:

Congratulations as kuranosuke says. It must be a joy and relief to finally get what you've wanted. All the best for you and your family!

Aloha Nui Loa!

Congratulations - having finally received my green card here in the US I understand the relief. I was so happy to feel free from the INS!

Thanks everybody. We are so relieved to be free of immigration.

Theresa...you are right, we are American, have lived here for 10 1/12 years. Came first on a 2 year contract at a technical college, had a surprise baby, stayed 4 more years at that school, then was fired because 6 years is the limit on foreigners there (most places have a term limit for foreigners). But, our daugther was happy here, child care was reasonably priced and very good, and my husband had a full time job with a visa, so we were fine. 4 more years passed, and we decided we'd like to stay on but be free to choose any job and not have our staying depend on a visa sponsored by a company/school. So we decided to try to become permanent residents.

We heard that it was quite difficult to do, and the most applications were denied, so we decided to forego doing it ourselves and hired an immigration lawyer to help us. The whole process took 5 months.

We didn't exactly fall in love with Japan, but it has become our home. We are comfortable as part of a community, and our daughter is Japanese in every way except looks and passport. It works for us, at least for now. Our dream is to own our own business...right now we are thinking cafe/Asian goods retail combination kind of place. Asian goods are really popular, and Kanazawa really lacks coffee shop/cafe kind of places that have cool atmosphere.

Gloria...come to Kanazawa! It's not the land of Genji, but it is really nice.

KJ - Congrats - I was trying to write it in Japanese as I have installed the fonts on my PC but it goes in as gobbledegook (sp?). I hope to hit Kanazawa in a future trip so hopefully your shop will be open.....

Congratulations Kim.

although, I first thought from the heading that you might be having another child. My next thought was that now we'll have to deal with everyone telling you that you can't travel with a baby!

Glad you are free to live and work as you like now! Keep us updated on the future Kanazawa Hot Spot!

Congratulations, KimJapan!! Great news!

(And thanks for all your help with my recent trip to Japan. It helped so much, and I hope to post more soon!)

Kim, now I can say I know an American resident of Japan. Well, I feel like I know you in a way.

Congratulations to all 3 of you!

What other differences does this make in in the way of job/income/living, etc.? You can apply for and be hired for any job there now. And you can own a business as you want to. Anything else? Will you pay different taxes now, etc.?

Hi Kim,

Thank you for the background information - very interesting!

Glad everything has worked out for you and your family!

Theresa

My congratulations to you also Kim. Another goal reached in your life's journey.

Gwen

Congrats, Kim. You live in a lovely city and I hope you & your family continue to have a happy, fulfilled life in Japan. All the best.