[Gahzirra]

Bobby is right in his statement about you don't have to have a degree but you need a company who is willing to sponsor your visa. There is no law that states you cannot work in Japan without a degree.

The kid could become a bartender at a gaijin bar if the business was willing to sponsor his visa. He could work for a US company with ties to Japan and be transferred. There are tons of ways to be able to live and work in Japan..Jet and the English speaking route is just the most commonly known/successful way.