To get it out of the way, I've been to Japan 3 times already for a total of 6 months. I speak Japanese at a conversational level, probably around N3 and I am still studying. Obviously I am aiming to become fluent. I have no problems getting around or communicating effectively with people and I understand Japanese social etiquette. I also have several friends in Japan already.
That being said, although I went to college for 3 and a half years as a graphic design major, due to some circumstances I would rather not get into I was not in any condition to complete my BFA and therefore do not have a degree. I work fulltime as a graphic designer with a salary that could easily support my stay (it's remote).
It looks like my only good option for living at the moment is to apply on a student visa to further my language studies while supporting myself with my graphic design work (which should be ok because the company is based in the united states). I am in no danger of being let go from the company I am employed under. I am 29 years old, but the US doesn't have a working holiday agreement with Japan so that is off the table for me.
The reason I want to live in Japan is that the flow of everyday life, convenience, culture, walkability of cities, pretty much everything keeps me coming back. I love being there and although there is no visa for blue collar work, if there were I would genuinely be happy living the rest of my life doing something like retail if it meant being there.
The new Digital Nomad visa would work for me but it being only 6 months with a long cooldown period makes it unappealing, where to my understanding a language student visa can be extended up to 2 years.
Is there any sort of direction I can go in here?
by PleasantConclusion28