My dream to visit the land of the rising sun started so early in my childhood when I became a fan of Japan anime's (Magic Knight Ray Earth,Sailor Moon) Hikari Sentai series like MaskMan , Bioman , Turbo Ranger, Mask Rider Black and Ultraman to name a few. I even got myself addicted to Japan documentaries shown on RPN 9 and IBC 13 every afternoon on Japan life and culture that appeared either stuck in the past or way ahead of the times. Those days when the internet was not yet available and all I have were encyclopedias in my room gazing at the images of Japan; in reverie that someday be able to ride the (shinkansen) bullet train, walk along the chaotic Shibuya crossing , be in awe by the captivating vast neon lights of Shinjuku , see geishas, quaint japanese houses and serene shrines in Kyoto , explore rugged beauty of northern Hokkaido, indulge in a sumptuous meal at Yatai food stalls in Fukuoka , see the infamous Osaka Castle and many more.
Japan visa was known to be strict with few number of applicants being granted and huge number of denied visas for what and whichever reasons that the embassy will not disclose any explanation on what went wrong. However ,the relaxation of Japan Visa for the nationals of the Philippines , and other ASEAN neighboring countries definitely gives clear hope for those aspiring to visit and experience the land of the rising sun.
Applying for a Japan tourist visa and provided that your documents are in order ; then there's nothing to worry about. As long as you gathered all the documents and with the purest intention of coming back to the Philippines when your visa is due.
