Can I leave Japan during my PR application?

I've read that it takes 4 to 8 months for a permanent residency application. I'm unclear on whether or not I can leave the country (for a 10-day vacation) while the application is in-flight.

Details:

I currently have a zairyuu card through a work visa. I'm unclear on whether I submit it with the application, or whether I exchange it for the permanent resident zairyuu card upon approval. I'm guessing it's the latter.

But, I also read this ambiguous requirement on an immigration lawyer website: "Having stayed in Japan physically for more than 6 months in total in a 12 months period prior to and during the application process"

I also heard I should avoid switching jobs while the application is in-flight, just unclear on whether there are guidelines around international travel as well during the application.

You can travel outside Japan while your PR application in progress. They wont take your zaryu card/passport while application in progress.
Make sure you have everything in order while abroad.

Edit:
Make sure you have everything in order before you go abroad.
Zairyu card don't expire, special re-entry permit at airport etc ..

Thanks for the answer.

I'm a US citizen and hold a US passport; I've left Japan multiple times while residing in Japan with a work visa and have never used a "special re-entry permit", at least not a booklet, so I may have to look into that. I've always just used the little yellow-ish piece of paper in the airport just after the security screening and just before immigration, which perhaps is what you meant by "special re-entry permit" as opposed to the brown booklet that turns up in a Google search.