Zach asked:
I’m a US citizen in my early 30’s hoping to live and work in Japan for at least a year and hopefully longer but I do not have a BA degree for the visa requirement. What would be my best course of action for realizing this goal? I have worked in construction management for several years, owned my own business for a time and held positions which normally require a degree but I lack that elusive paper.

Are there any other courses I can take or skills that can help get around this requirement? Which visa should I apply for if I intend to visit and search for a job? Can I be sponsored by a company if I am already there? I know a 4 year degree is best but I would be nearly 40 by the time I could have that and I would like to be in Japan within a year or so.

I welcome any answers or ideas, have you done this or know how? Please help. I have researched many answers here and also most of the Japan jobs websites so I have an idea of whats out there.

I appreciate any advise.
Also, I am completely open to a new career, really anything. The main reason I desire to try Japan is a life long fascination with the culture and I would be willing to sacrifice some comforts to be there.

Thanks for the replies.