My visa expires next year. I will be out of a job next month. Can I leave Japan and come back?

Hi everyone,

I will be coming to the end of my contract next month. I would like to go home for a couple of months and then come back.

I still have one year on my work visa. I am wondering if I can leave and come back for a different job, or will my visa be nullified if I stay away without a job? Has anyone experienced something similar before?
Also, would it be possible to clain unemployment aid when I am back? (in case I don't get a job right away?)