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Illustration by Yukiko Leitch

I've wondered, as I'm sure most of you have, why we have to get a re-entry permit to return to Japan when we already have a valid visa. Many of us aliens have been in Japan for years and years, we have a proper visa, and we pay almost all of our taxes, but we can't leave Japan and expect to come back unless we get a re-entry permit. And, what's more, we have to pay for it.

What is really strange is that permanent residents, some of whom were born here in Japan, as their parents were, still need re-entry permits. I know there must be a simple and logical answer as to why; after all, this is Japan. So the last time I went to get my permit I decided to ask. At the information desk I asked the kindly looking man about this intriguing question. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hello, why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: ????
Me: Excuse me, but why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: Because it is the law.
Me: Yes, but why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: ????
Me: Why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: Because it is the law.
Me: Okay, but why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: You can't come back to Japan without a re-entry permit.
Me: Why can't I come back to Japan without a re-entry permit?
Him: Because it is the law.
Me: Why is it a law that I can't come back to Japan without a re-entry permit?
Him: ????
Me: I'm sorry, but why is it a law that I can't come back to Japan without a re-entry permit?
Him: Because you need a re-entry permit to come back to Japan.
Me: Yes, but why do I need a re-entry permit?
Him: !!!!!
Me: I'm sorry, can I speak to a manager about this?

I did speak to a manager about this and the conversation was more of the same. Since I didn't get what I think is a clear answer, I've tried to come up with reasons why I need to get a re-entry permit. The plausible reasons are: 1) It's a way for the government to get more revenue; 2) It reminds us that our stay is only temporary; or 3) It's a way for the government to get more revenue. I still don't know. I hope I didn't disturb the kindly looking man at the information desk or his manager. I just had a few questions that any normal alien would. Does this mean I can't come back to Japan?

Many thanks to contributor Milton Combs for this Rant.