[Tsuwabuki]

Actually, your re-entry permit is good for the life of your visa. If you have a one year visa, it is good for one year, if you have a three year visa, it will be good for three years. If they ever get around to passing the five year version in the diet, then I presume a multiple re-entry permit would be good for five years. If you get permanent residency, I think you have altogether different paperwork.