VISA issues, LEaving and Returning to Japan

[AmyFox]

HI

I have been living in Japan for just over two years, and have a specialist in humanities/international relations visa, that will expire in Feb 2012. I currently work as a kindergarten teacher in an international School

I live with my boyfriend who is Japanese.

I plan to return to the UK in the summer of 2011, and complete one years teacher training to be a qualified primary teacher.

Then I want to come back to Japan and live with my boyfriend and hopefully find work in an international school, and as I will be qualified, to progress up that ladder.

My problem is that my visa will expire when I am in England, will my only option to come back here be to apply for jobs such as GABA/Berlitz, that take on overseas applicants, whilst I'm in England, so I can gain visa sponsorship?

I can't come over here on a passport and then look for a job without a visa can I?

It would be easier if we were married, but I don't want to marry yet just for visa issues.

Will my gaijin card be taken off me when I leave?

Bascially, will I essentially have to start Japan all over again if I leave for a year when I come back?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Amy