Approved

Postcard came last night. I belong here.

The emotional rush is huge. It feels like I won the lottery when the current approval rate is 41% for permanent residence. I have a second home, a green card of sorts, a place that I can be in and say I belong.

I know this isn't unique and that there are many people in the world that have multiple citizenships even, but for me it is a huge accomplishment. 26 months after my submission, I am granted the right to stay indefinitely in Japan.

It is something that is not to be taken lightly, as it means that the social services here will invest in taking care of me, I am one of them - a person that is known, tracked, and measured as part of their people.

Should something happen to me, they will come for me, they will wonder where I am, I will be on their census. I am no longer just a tourist, a traveler, or a part-time worker. I am a member of their society.

I do not have a passport yet, I could go further and get one if needed, but for now this is sufficient, as they will treat me as one of their own.