just gunna touch on a few things...
1) permanent resident is what you're referring to, which is the equivalent of a United States Green Card (resident alien)
2) becoming a citizen is extremely difficult and nearly impossible in your situation
3) in order to become a permanent resident; unless extreme circumstances inwhich you can demonstrate you're a benefit to the country, you need to have lived there for 10 or more years with 5+ consecutive years holding a working visa.
here's a good site that lists applications for permanent residency to kind of get your head around of what you're going up against (both acceptances and if you scroll down it shows denials as well):
Permission for Permanent Residence
4) in order to live in japan in the first place, you must need a reason (visa) to do so.
5) this all doesn't apply to you if you are married to japanese citizen
other exceptions:
Special requirements for 10-year residence in principle
(1) The person is a spouse of a Japanese national, special permanent resident or permanent resident, and has been in a real marital relationship for more than 3 years consecutively and has stayed in Japan more than 1 year consecutively. Or, the person is a true child of a Japanese national, special permanent resident or permanent resident, and has stayed in Japan more than 1 year consecutively.
(2) The person has stayed in Japan for more than 5 years consecutively with the status of long term resident.
(3) The person has been recognized as a refugee, and has stayed in Japan for more than 5 years consecutively after recognition.
(4) The person has been recognized to have made a contribution to Japan in diplomatic, social, economic, cultural or other fields, and has stayed in Japan for more than 5 years.
found here:
Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted