With the world economy being tight and unemployment being a bit of a problem in Japan now, there is talk of making the work visas tougher to get.
Tourist visa should always be easy though.

Leon is a regular nomad. I want to do that but, my other goals prevent that. Military and all.

Just want to spend a few years out & about and see if I can find somewhere I want to live for a few years (Haven't found a place in England I'm happy with). Problem is I'm back in England now and can't find a job to get the starting money to get moving again.

Going to have to work even more before heading over to Jap due to the lack of work I'll be able to do over there on the 1st trip

Last summer I saw a TV report about a new way of staying in a foreign country that has developed over the last 20 years or so, that is working in a farm in exchange for a bed and food.
It can be done all around the world, but as I have no information about the thing in japan and see it as a pretty closed country, I'm having doubts.
Have the members living in Japan ever heard about that?

i know the feeling of not finding a place to live in England that i like...ive lived in the east, the south, the middle and the north (not the west) but not found anywhere where i'd like to stay...
And there isnt a great choice of jobs etc...i dont get me started in the weather here and the dull grey look

This is why Ive planned to go teach in Japan...ive past my TEFL, now doing extra certificates, got teaching experience in a museum and have applied to a japanese teaching company...fingers crossed all goes well

best of luck for you too...as they say "if you can dream it, then it can happen"

JBMaru..
I have never heard of it and doubt it could be done for a number of reasons.
First being that you could not get a visa to do that.
Next would be that I cant imagine old farmers employing a foreigner..

sorry