[MMM]

I think that is a great dream. You are going to run into some hurdles, but it seems like you see that.

One is language. You seem to be on the path to remedying that, but your best bet is going to be going to Japan. You have a couple options, but if you are serious about learning Japanese, the best thing to do is go there as a student, or go as an English teacher.

While you are there you may be able to get hooked up with people in the industry, but here's where the second problem comes in.

Visa. 98+% of Westerners working in Japan are English teachers. The rest are there on very specialized visas or are entertainers (athletes, etc). You would need to prove to a company that you have special skills that a Japanese person doesn't share. If that company has the classification to apply to sponsor you, then the process could start, but I would be surprised to hear of a graphic design companies with that status (maybe a film studio...). I have heard more than one friend say "The company wants me, but can't hire me."

Larger American firms might have Tokyo or Osaka offices... that might be a possibility.

In this case, your best bet is going to be marrying a Japanese citizen. Then any company could hire you once you have legal status.

Good luck!