"CL" <flothru@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:d54bla$lj1$1@nnrp.gol.com...
> Dave Fossett wrote:
> > "Elbow" <tokyoelbow@totalise.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> >> Its been a long time sionce I renewed my spouse visa.
> >> Does this list of docs look about right ?
> >>
> >> stuff to take
> >>
> >> 1.) Koseki Tohon [Family Register]
> >> 2.) Juminhyo [Resident Certificate]
> >> 3.) Kakutei Shinkokusho [CompanyTax, if you have own business ?]
> >> 4.) Nozei Shomensho [Cert. of Tax Payment]
> >> 5.) Mimoto Hoshosho [Guarantee Letter from spouse]
> >> 6.) Filled out Application for Extension of Period of Stay form
> >>
> >> 7) brick wall (to bang head on )
> >> 8) immigration rules and regulations word search
> >
> > I think you also need a copy of your alien registration form (not just
> > your gaijin card) from your city/ward office.
>
> I didn't have / need that the last time I renewed (last September) and
> yes, the list seems complete.  Then again, I used the "new" Shinagawa
> Immigration Office and they're so jumpy up-and-down happy that you're
> the day's renewer who doesn't need a Portuguese, Tagalog, or Hausa
> translator that maybe they ignore such forgotten things.  I've renewed
> my spouse visa something like four or five times now, refusing the offer
> of permanent residence each time.  I guess I still want to feel that I
> can pick up and leave any time I want (among the other assorted lies I
> tell myself).

You can still pick up and leave anytime you want with a permanent residence
visa. Don't believe me? Just take the next flight back to the homeland (or
wherever) without bothering with a re-entry permit.

Try it and you'll see what I mean...