[Al Gator]

Ask her about the gaijin at Ueno Koen. These things may have changed, but there for awhile, it was B A D.

Lots of people came before the "bubble burst" and just stayed passed their visas.

Sometimes in Japan, problems are solved by not recognizing them.

[YellowRoseofTx]

and just stayed passed their visas

This is what surprises me, because I've been led to believe they keep close track on who is there, how long they'll be there, where they are staying and track them down when they don't leave on time.
I wasn't sure we would get through customs and the visa check. We had to give very specific info about where we were staying, etc. And when my son moved there to marry her, he couldn't get a bank acct., rent an apartment, etc. without a job and without being married or some connection to a citizen. But I will ask her about what you've said.

[Actually_in_Tokyo]

You're right. There has not been much change. As you know, usually things change slowly, if at all, here. Of course, there are various circles of society, and Japanese may not know of information surrounding the foreign population. Even other non-Japanese residents are unaware of issues in particular ethnic communities. Outside of the Tokyo area, there is even less familiarity with the foreign population.