In this column, Lifelines addresses questions received about what is unfortunately a common concern among readers: divorce.

I am a permanent resident in Japan. Recently I got a divorce from my spouse, who is a Japanese citizen. Will I lose my status of residence?

If your status of residence (often referred to as your "visa" or "visa status") is based on your marital situation, then getting divorced directly affects that status. In such a case, you must report the divorce to the Immigration Bureau, and if you do not change your status of residence within a certain period, you may lose it.