Countries that have been actively meddling and benefitting in the internal politics and economics of sovereign nations have much obligatory incentive to receive refugees from repressive regimes when things go sour. Japan meddles in a more passive sense and it’s response to dealing with refugee issues is admittedly extremely passive as well.

Trainee visas are much better than the forced servitude of many koreans during Japans colonization but quite a modern sad reflection of the past as well. Such “trainees” should have the same rights as other temporary Japanese contract laborers.

As a permanent resident I wouldn’t want Japanese citizenship if it were given to me on a silver platter because it would mean giving up my U.S. citizenship (although recently this is hard to do even if you wanted to). But for those that have qualified to become permanent Japanese residents or have inherited the right as in the case of generational koreans their should be equal treatment in the application process of citizenship. It’s unfortunate that we live in such an unfair world where so many have to suffer in unfair hardship but such is the continuing and present nature of humanity. How nice it would be to live in a safe and secure new world order without borders. Until then I think living on a quasi insulated big island is the next best thing.

Joe Jones: Yes it’s true that once you have a U.S. green card you can leave the U.S. for up to one year without any further documentation. However, upon reentry if for any reason the inspector at the port of entry feels that you have been residing abroad in that year rather than just traveling he/she can confiscate your green card and deport you. It’s an absolutely arbitrary decision at the point of reentry without any recourse or appeal. If such an action is taken it can then prevent foreign nationals from reentry to the U.S. even if if their home country is a member of the 3 mos. max visa waiver program.

Yes you should take care of it soon before the fine system comes into effect! Be sure to be extra apologetic and contrite when speaking to the bureaucrats.

I recently filled out a private insurance form that asked my sex, and gave the options:
Male
Female
Other….

Matsutani’s journalism could have hard-hit this comment a bit further. The changes may be rare, but I’m sure this guy from the Immigration Bureau has some titillating anecdotes of how the bureau dealt with their first transgender visa issue.

...I quit that job about 2 years ago, though. Guess I should get on that.