Hello mates.
I've been going through some jobs, sending CVs and just trying to find a job from outside Japan.
Becouse I've had several declines stating "we don't sponsor work visas", I want to ask you what exacly does "visa sponsorship" mean?

As I found out in the Japanese MOFA site, I only need a "Certificate of Eligibility" issued from Japanese Immigration Bureau, which is in Japan.
Is this the visa sponsorship or is it something else?

Thank you in advance for your answers and sorry if my question seems stupid!

Visa Sponsorship is essentially a company/work place sponsoring your visa (haha sounds obvious I guess), but it's basically the employer taking responsibility of hiring you.

Regarding the Certificate of Elgibility, it's essentially a process where it speeds up your visa application process (AFAIK). For you to get one you actually need sponsorship from a company... EVERYONE does. Even if you are in Japan for study longer than your intended tourist visa you need visa sponsorship from your school/language institute for your student visa application. COE's are essentially documents from the school/employer etc certifying that you are indeed in Japan for the intended purpose of working/studying, which helps immigration then process your applicaton quicker than normal.

As far as I know you need both (Sponsorship for your Visa and a COE) for you to get your Visa Application approved if you plan on working.