Living in Japan as a student

[Xentron]

I've been thinking this over for months now.
Never really finding the exact answer to my questions to put me at ease.

I am a college graduate from Europe who started working just a month ago.
However I am pondering of studying in Tokyo after a brief vacation next year in Japan.
I was hoping it is possible that after I have stayed a month for some relaxation to continue living there for some time.
I will be arriving with 4 friends of mine who are all interested in Japan but unfortunately have school to return to here in Europe.
That would mean that I would be the only one to remain here in Tokyo.

That being said does any one have any experience with this?
First staying as a tourist and then study in Japan?
Is it possible to extend my visa because I am studying in Japan?
Also how are your experiences with the locals?
I'm guessing it will be hard to become friends with local Japanese men/women?

[mercedesjin]

I don't know about the UK, but in the US I'm pretty sure you'd have to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. I studied there for a few weeks, so the government didn't need me to get a study visa. I came home to apply for the COE - for which I needed to be accepted into a Japanese university. So, I guess you need to apply to a Japanese university and get accepted first, and they may even help you get the COE. Then you could get the appropriate visa and stay in Japan. Then, it also depends on how long you want to stay there...

Why do you think it'll be hard to become friends with local Japanese men and women?