Here are some questions from a foreign resident here who is married to a Japanese citizen:

"How does a foreigner get a divorce (no children involved) if the spouse refuses to sign a mutual consent decree? What are the fees, if any? What are the ramifications if the foreigner cannot afford the fees (if any)?"

First of all, we should establish which country's law applies in this case. According to Article 27 of the Law on General Rules for Application of Laws, "If either husband or wife is a Japanese national who has habitual residence in Japan, their divorce shall be governed by Japanese law."