Do I need a re-entry permit?

Hello.

I'm living in Japan on a long term visa and I was wondering if I need to get a re-entry permit for a short vacation out of Japan.

Thank you.

No, you don't. A few years ago the system was changed and it is now not necessary anymore for absences of under one year.

no you don't need to apply but you will need to fill in the embarkation card at the airport to inform immigration you will return within one year.

Once you clear security where they scan your hand luggage etc, after that, the area before immigration inspection will have embarkation cards to fill in. Tick the box that you will return within one year and fill in the right hand side, the immigration officer will staple the reentry disembark card inside your passport which you need to complete when you come back

To add..

After July 2012 immigration law revision,
if you plan to leave and enter Japan within 1 year, you needSpecial Re-entry Permit.
You need to fill in this Embarkation and Disembarkation Card for Re-entrants available at the airport before you pass thru the immigration counter.

The revised immigration regulation
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/point_3-4.html

Sample of Embarkation and Disembarkation Card for Re-entrants
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/re-ed/EDcard_leaf_en.pdf


Any stay out more than 1 year, you'll need the Re-entry Permit, apply at immigration office.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/06.html

Thank you for all the replies.