Hey everyone. I have a bit of a complex situation here and I'd appreciate some advice. I have been studying in Japan since April, and due to medical reasons, I have to go back to my home country soon. I originally planned to stay here for a long time, so I have a lot of furniture to sell, and the two weeks school gives students to leave after withdrawing is not enough for me to resolve everything I need to. I tried to ask for an extension at immigration but they told me they couldn't do it. I also asked if they could change my visa to a tourist visa so I have a bit more time, but they said they don't do that.
My homeroom teacher and an employee at the immigration office told me my best option was to leave Japan for a while and come back as a tourist, and I know a lot of people have done that before, but I'd love to clear some doubts that are really troubling me before booking any tickets.
My main questions are: What happens to my apartment when I leave? My landlord does not know about the whole withdrawal situation, but they know I need to leave Japan within the next 1-2 months. Can I keep the apartment while being here as a tourist as long as I keep paying rent and utilities? After submitting the Tenshutsu Todoke, will that affect my lease in any way or make my re-entry to Japan a few weeks later as a tourist any harder? Is any step of this illegal in any way?
If you read this far, thank you very much. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
by LavishnessFresh65