What are my options after a DTV visa rejection from Japan, and is it advisable to reapply?

Hi Ben, from our experience, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia are a lot more strict compared to other neighbouring countries of Thailand.

Secondly, the two main categories accepted under Thai Soft Power are Muay Thai training or cooking classes. Unfortunately, most other cultural activities generally don't get approved.

I do not recommend applying a 2nd time at the same Thai Embassy in Tokyo after a rejection, it is not about having an agent or not. We have come across several applicant's who had a rejection applying the DTV visa from Japan and had the approval on the 2nd application in another country.

That said, if you choose to apply under freelancer, do take note that the documents required are more strict compared to Thai Soft Power. If you still decide to apply under the freelancer route, I would suggest making sure that you have all the required documents before making the 2nd application so you don't lose another application fee.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions, we've assisted over 300 students successful get their DTV through our cooking programs so we're quite familiar with the process.

Japan , especially Tokyo is strict in approving DTVs as the threads show.. Many rejected in Japan are successful second time around elsewhere Laos, Vietnam etc.

remote working, free lance status and now want to wait until he turn 50?

Why? You like to apply next year for the LTR visa?

If you don't need to work, wait for the Non-O. It's a predictable visa: you can open a bank account, get longer driving-license extensions, and more. It is indeed slightly more expensive than a DTV and needs to be renewed each year, but I would definitely go for it; immigration seems to be perfectly fine with it.

What do you mean “health and wellness”? What documents did you show?

100% it is Embassy/Consulate dependent. What gets approved in one can be rejected in another and vice versa. As for applying again it was recently reported Embassies can see past failed applications. However, many are approved on a subsequent application at a different embassy. As for waiting for Retirement "O" if you are not going to do any work it is a good option. Bank accounts, longer driving licences etc.