Thanks for the informations

You are welcome

I noticed that when I was in the employment section of the forum looking at the "teaching English" thread that some ads appeared at the very top of the page.
They were for ESL teachers in Japan.
Maybe try some of them

What if you don't have a degree, and plan on making your money from your businesses back home (for example, running a profitable website, or living off of retirement or set income)?

Do you still need a Visa to buy a house and live in Japan?

Hello and welcome

Yes, anyone who is not Japanese needs a visa of some description to be in Japan.

If you have lots of money I would recommend coming on a tourist visa for 3 months and use that time to research your options here.
A business investor visa is possible if you have loads and loads of $$$$ and a watertight business plan.
Would need to be well researched and documented though.
Have you spent much time in Japan previously?
Can I ask how old you are?

Hello, and thank you for the prompt reply and welcome.

I wouldn't say I have access to loads of money, but I'm not exactly starving to death, either. I'm not looking to open up a business in Japan or do anything of that sort, simply buy a foreclosed or otherwise affordable home, move out there, and live off of the income I have from my businesses here in Florida.

Sadly, I've not been to Japan before. Age-wise, I am young, yes, 21 years old in fact - but I'm strong minded in the sense that I know what I want and work hard for it. I own and operate eight different licensed businesses, and five of them I can do from anywhere in the world where I have internet access.

I'd really rather not fool with staying here another 4 years so as to get degrees and such, but if that's whats required of me, I'll do it.

Is there some way to transfer citizenship and forgo the visa process completely?

You are welcome
Did you read the other visa threads?

Transfer citizenship and forgo the visa process?
No.
Any non-Japanese who wants to come to Japan MUST have a visa of some description.
Easiest would be to have a degree (minimum 3 year degree) and get a job teaching English.

For a business investor visa you would need a LOAD of money and a proven track record of owning and operating a successful business and a watertight plan to operate one here.
An internet business would not be likely to be accepted.
Do you know how hard it is for people to move to America?
It is harder for folks to come here.
Basically they want to see that you can contribute something that can not be contributed by a Japanese person.
I suggest getting the degree