[sarasi]

I suggest you look at the threads "I live in Japan" and "Graduate from university if you want to live in Japan".

As an American who hasn't graduated from university, your only choices really are to come on a student visa (to do this you need to be able to pay the course fees upfront), or stay 90 days on a tourist permit. You will not be given a working visa without a university degree or 3-10 years experience working in the field you plan to work in in Japan, no exceptions.

The idea that someone will let you stay with them for free is probably unrealistic I am afraid. While it may happen occasionally it would be pretty rare. For now, why not save up some money just to visit as a tourist for a month or two- rather than paying for more tattoos, put that money towards a flight to Japan :-)