The average foreigner with a similar education background and working in a similar field will probably only be allowed a 1 year visa for their first year at work, while the normal researcher’s visa is valid for a maximum of only 3 years. Why then did could I get a 5 year visa? Because Eyes, JAPAN is a one of six companies in Fukushima prefecture under the 特区申請 system where foreigners will receive priority and privileges when applying for a researcher’s visa.

Getting the same visa are another three German interns who will be joining us in summer, and I find myself already amused by the prospect of having more foreigners than full-time employees in this September.

Ying Tong (who is planning to stay five years for the chance to eat at a Michelin 3-star restaurant with Denis and Anbo)