This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Choreography work in figure skating falls under either 在留資格「芸術」 (Artist) or 在留資格「興行」 (Entertainer). As a rule it does not fall under 在留資格「技能」 (Skilled Labor), the category for instructors in sport. Which of the two applies is decided not by the person's ability but by what the contract says: whether the choreography done in Japan is the creation of a work in a setting not open to the public, or staging tied to a commercial performance such as an ice show.
A figure skating choreographer living abroad asks which status of residence applies when he is invited to Japan.
When the work is purely creating a new programme, in a setting that is not open to the general public.
Under the 入管法, 「芸術」 is defined as "artistic activities that provide income, including the fine arts, literature, music, photography, theatre, dance and film". Creating a figure skating programme is treated as equivalent to creating a work of dance, so it falls within artistic activity.
This is where you are asked personally by a skater or a club in Japan and, at an ice rink or similar, work purely on creating a new programme (a work) in a setting that is not open to the general public, such as practice or a training camp.
When the main purpose of the stay is staging a commercial performance such as an ice show, or choreographing and directing on site.
「興行」 covers performances of theatre, entertainment, singing, dance, music, sport and the like (activities shown to an audience as a spectacle), as well as other entertainment activities.
This is where the main purpose of your stay in Japan goes beyond simply creating choreography in advance, and is staging an ice show (a commercial performance) held in Japan, or choreographing for the performers on site and acting as stage director.
If you are involved in staging an ice show itself, held with an admission fee charged to the audience, this falls under 「興行」 for theatre, dance and the like (or entertainment activity as a member of the staff supporting the performance). In this case, the eligibility of the inviting organisation (the promoter or the event organiser), and the specifications of the venue, are also examined.
Because the essence of the work is creation as expression, not physical and technical coaching.
Within 「技能」, the category for instructors in sport is currently set out as 第8号 of the 「技能」 item in the 上陸許可基準省令 (the Ministerial Ordinance on the criteria for landing permission). It covers "a person who has at least 3 years of practical experience in the skill of instructing in sport and who engages in work requiring that skill". It is not an abolished category, so when you trace the provision it rests on, please look at this 第8号.
If the essence of the work is physical and technical coaching to raise the success rate of jumps and spins, it falls under 「技能」. What the enquirer here does, however, is expressive work: edge work set to music, physical expression, and giving the programme a story (choreography). In practice, a choreographer whose main purpose is creation is said to be properly treated not as a sports instructor but as a choreographer or dancer (「芸術」 or 「興行」).
Build it around 3 kinds of material: proof of your track record, letters of recommendation, and material showing the contract and the fee.
To bring someone to Japan lawfully, the receiving party in Japan acts as the proxy and applies for the 在留資格認定証明書 (Certificate of Eligibility, or COE). The points below assume 「芸術」, which is the most likely status here.
Choosing the wrong status of residence — for example applying under 「技能」 as a coach when the reality is choreography — is the single biggest cause of denial for not meeting the requirements. The key to a successful application is to make the definition of the work and the place of the activity in the contract fit the screening criteria.
Not your ability, but the objective terms of the contract: where the choreography in Japan is done and for what purpose. If it is creating a work in a setting not open to the public, it is 「芸術」. If it is staging or choreography closely tied to an entertainment event such as an ice show, it is 「興行」.
The skill of instructing in sport is currently set out as 第8号 of the 「技能」 item in the 上陸許可基準省令, and if the essence of the work is physical and technical coaching it does fall under 「技能」. However, a choreographer whose main purpose is creation — physical expression set to music, giving the programme a story — is said in practice to be properly treated not as a sports instructor but as a choreographer or dancer.
The contract must be one under which the income from the artistic activity can support your living in Japan. The contract should clearly state the fee for 1 programme, or for the period of stay, and the level must be appropriate — equal to or better than that of a Japanese artist.
Yes. Where you are involved in staging an ice show held with an admission fee, the eligibility of the inviting organisation (the promoter or the event organiser) and the specifications of the venue are also examined.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.