Is work visa invalid w/o re-entry permit?

Hello,

I have a 3 year, single entry work visa (engineer/specialist in humanities/int�fl services). I previously worked in Japan for 1 year, but didn�ft renew my contract because I was returning to the US. I wasn�ft planning on returning within 3 months so I did not ask for a re-entry permit. I currently have been out of the country for 5 months, but decided I want to return. Therefore, if I don�ft have a reentry permit is my visa invalidated? Will I need to start back at square one by getting a new job to sponsor me and submitting an application back in the US? Any advice on how I can return to Japan is appreciated. Thank you!

I don�ft have a reentry permit is my visa invalidated
YES!

Back to square one. Start again from zero.
Any advice on how I can return to Japan is appreciated.
See above.

If you left without a re-entry permit, that means you gave up your resident status. Did you return the Resident Card upon departure?

Thanks so much for your answers!
I�fm guessing I�fll have to suck it up and start from square one again. I left w/o a reentry permit so my resident card has a hole punched in it.

As a follow up question, do I need to formally cancel my previous work visa at a consulate before I can apply for a new one? Is there a strong chance that a new work visa with a new company will not be approved since the date of my old visa hasn�ft expired?
Thanks again

FYI : visa and resident status
Your visa is void/used (single entry) once you enter Japan. You are given a resident status/card based on your visa, with stay period as mentioned on your visa.

So to your additional 2 questions:
No need. It won't affect your application.
However depending on your previous resident status history (taxes,insurance, crime etc.) may effect your COE application.
You need to start application for COE-Visa again from scratch with your new company.

Just curious, what was your period of stay given on your previous resident status .

I wasn�ft planning on returning within 3 months so I did not ask for a re-entry permit

When you leave Japan, even for a short time you need to fill in a re-entry.
This can be obtained at the airport.
If you stay longer outside Japan you need to apply for a special re-entry permit