Regarding the original question, your chances are almost zero. You need a degree (or equivalent experience) to get a *visa*. The problem is not finding a job, it's getting the visa. However, if you are one of the lucky few who lives in a country that offers Working Holday visas for Japan (
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html), then it's no problem to just go there and find a job, even without a degree.
Quote:When I think about all those proficiency tests out there. I believe one should take them for interest but if a job requires it, then of course by all means take it. I want to take that test that tests for 3000 kanji in a few years from now. I think for a lot of jobs they need a way of testing your proficiency since they may not know the language to evaluate you.
Well, that's what interviews are for. Even if you are abroad, Japanese companies will usually conduct interview over Skype or some other means. If you can speak perfect Japanese during an interview that's speaks more for you than some kind of JLPT. On a side node, if you are looking for a job without much customer contact and where speaking skills are absolutely essential (e.g. Japanese sales, translation, etc), then JLPT N2 is usually all that's required. Companies will trust that you will get used to the language soon once you start working, but JLPT N2 enables you to at least effectively communicate your thoughts. All that being said, Japanese love certifications (be it IT cets, JLPT, whatever), so everything that adds to your resume is good to have.
