Also just so you know, some new immigration laws came into effect from November last year. When you get your visa, the customs officer will also take your photograph and your fingerprints. It's very quick and it is now standard - everybody who it not a Japanese citizen has to do it. That includes me even though I've lived here since 2001. So everytime I leave I go through the same procedure. It's part of their anti-terrorism measures.
Just in case you were to get worried when they start taking your fingerprints
