Recording summary · May 2018
I'm stuck in Japan and I feel depressed
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Overview
Daniel went to the immigration office in Japan, bought a 4,000 yen stamp, and received a one-year spouse visa permitting him to stay until May 2, 2019, with work authorization, subject to annual renewal and city hall address registration.
Despite achieving his goal of moving to Japan and feeling relief at breaking cycles of returning to his parents' home in England, Daniel experienced boredom, lack of purpose, and difficulty finding motivation or direction as a resident who had already visited frequently since 2010.
Daniel weighed potential future paths including employment, taking an archery class, or attempting a demanding professional career, but felt held back by fear of failure and self-described laziness.
Themes
Spouse visa acquisition, costs, work authorization, annual renewal, and registration conditions.
Emotional reactions to achieving relocation goals, including relief from breaking past patterns alongside feelings of boredom and purposelessness.
Transitioning from a repeat tourist since 2010 to a resident living in Japan.
Evaluation of potential pursuits, career interests, fear of failure, and self-described laziness.
Developments
Daniel visited the immigration office in Japan, purchased a 4,000 yen stamp, and waited for his number to be called.
Daniel received his official spouse card permitting him to stay until May 2, 2019.
Uncertainties & gaps
Consequences of failing to register his address at the city hall remain unclear to Daniel, though he was told registration is required.
Daniel experiences uncertainty regarding long-term plans and how permanently living in Japan will turn out.