Originally Posted by Sangetsu (Post 616431)

People do self-sponsor themselves for work visas in Japan, but these are people who are well established here. They have an address, a bank account, and records of their income and tax payments. Most have worked for a regular employer for at least one year before attempting to sponsor their own visas.

Most are not company owners, they are generally self-employed types, singers, entertainers, or teachers. They earn their income directly from clubs, restaurants, or students. There is a minimum income requirement, and I'm not sure how much it is. In other words, if you don't make enough money while being self-employed, you may not be able to sponsor yourself for a visa.