solemnclockwork, thank you very much for your response.
I've just searched the student visa and found the following at japan-guide.com. Everything seems to be as you said:
Quote:
Students
Foreigners, who wish to study in Japan (except for short term studies at language schools), need to get a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan in order to enter the country on a status of residence that permits long term studies.
There are a few such statuses of residence, differing on the type of study, e.g. pre-college, college or cultural activities. Sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan and proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay are required to qualify for a student visa. Residence permission is granted in periods of six months, one year or two years and is extendable.
Students are not allowed to engage in any paid activities, unless they get permission from their school and the immigration office. Even then, students may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.
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Immigration to Japan
Also a good source of studying in Japan-related article:
Japan Student Visa Information
The charge for the visa is way cheaper than I expected (3,000 yen / US$25???). Couple of things I'm not too sure on. What exactly is the "sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan?" Does that mean some sort of proof from the school you want to apply to? And also "proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay." How do you know what the funds are going to amount to beforehand?
I might have a couple more questions but I'll leave them for now.
Also, about the art, thanks a lot for the advice. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was belittling the subject. I really want to take it seriously and portray my ideas. I'm just a little skeptical about my own abilities at this point in time. I hear it's common for students to attend specialised schools for several years before attending a university. If I can eventually make it with the best then I'll be unbelievably happy but I feel I have a lot of experience to gain before that.