Hmmmm... I got mail this morning from a Japanese friend in Europe. She
married someone there a few years ago and they're looking to relocate
to Japan. I wondered if anyone had any advice about the process of
applying for a spouse visa from abroad. She's checking with the
embassy, etc, of course, but you know... sometimes it's good to hear
from people who've actually been through the process, especially if
they have specific advice.

One thing she's apparently been told is that she'd have to come back
to Japan herself first to re-establish her residency, and only then
would she be able to go through the paperwork to bring him over. That
seems kind of weird, but perhaps true?

Thanks!

M