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A quick definition of the difference between VISA and residency:

The status of residence is a qualification that allows one to stay and work in Japan. Residency ****provides access to banking, healthcare, and legal validity to work in Japan, and much longer stays from 6 months up to 5 years, and a permanent residency status.

It is often treated similarly to a visa, but a visa is like a letter of recommendation to enter Japan, while a status of residence is a qualification to stay and work in Japan and is technically different.

As found in: Types of Status of Residence in Japan: https://portal.jp-mirai.org/en/work/s/work-in-japan/visa

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Short-Term Stay Visas

These visas are for stays up to 90 days and do not allow employment. They are typically for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or visiting friends/family.

• Tourism Visa (single or multiple entry)
• Business Visa (for business meetings, negotiations, or short-term business affairs; does not permit actual employment or paid work)
• Conference Visa
• Cultural Exchange Visa
• Transit Visa
• Diplomatic and Official Visas (for diplomats, government officials, and their families)
• Digital Nomad Visa (6 months, renewable)

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Tourist VISA Japan has reciprocal VISA exemption arrangements with 71 countries. You can find a list here: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

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Long-Term Stay Visas

These visas are for stays longer than 90 days and often allow for work, study, or family residence.