Staying long term in Japan

Is it possible for an American without a degree to work in Japan? I would also be curious about living arrangements should you be able to. And, of course, doing this all relatively cheaply.

No degree and no Japanese language abilities? Do you at least have a Japanese wife?

Unless you have several years experience in the field you plan to work in, or as above a Japanese spouse, you will not be eligible for a working visa without a full degree.

What field were you thinking of working in?

Do a search for this topic, you will find a lot of people have already asked this question.
To be short, without a degree and fluent Japanese speaking skill, you will have a tough, if not impossible time trying to get a working visa and moving there unless you are a spouse of a Japanese national.

you could come as a student and get a part time job to sustain yourself. once you have completed your degree you'll be able to get a working visa.

the easiest way to do that would be to take a year or two of full time japanese language studies, then enroll in a public university here.

japanese language schools are usually around 6grand per year for full time tuition, plus living expenses. if you get a student visa while attending the language school you can get a part time work permit.

bare minimum you'll need $6,000 to enroll in a language school, plus airfare over here, plus around $5,000 at least just to make sure you're good for a while once you get here. the more the better. so to be real about it at least $10,000 total in order to get started and that's considering you'll be working while doing school.

6 grand per year- do you mean $6,000 per year for full time classes and living expenses as in accommodation? If so I think it costs quite a bit more than that. That would be a bargain if you could find it.

I hear you are expected to bring quite a large sum of money with you if you come on a student visa- not sure how much, but it is more than 600,000.

$6,000 would just cover your tuition for the University. You will also need airfare, lodging & living expenses.