Visitors to Japan require a variety a documentation depending upon the nature and length of their stay in Japan. The most important factor in determining the necessary documentation is the nature of the relationship between Japan and the country of origin (a list of countries with reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan is available at http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html#a ). All applications for work permits or visas must be processed through a local embassy or consulate in the visitor's country of residence. The process for obtaining work permits and visas for entry into Japan is fairly straightforward and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan provides answers to most questions on its website at http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html .