Should I Become a Permanent Resident of Japan?

In this article I'll talk about why I'm considering applying for permanent residence in Japan.

What Sparked My Curiosity

One of my co-workers currently has permanent residence in Japan. The way she made it sound, it was quite easy for her to get. She does have children so I think that may be a reason why it was easier for her to obtain. I also think that her husband is quite well off. My friend can also speak Japanese well, which is a plus for the Japanese government.
My other co-worker is also thinking of applying for permanent residence. She has a really great job. She's married to a Japanese man, and they have two children. Her Japanese is fantastic, and she came to Japan even before getting married. She is only thinking of applying for permanent residence though. She is also thinking of trying to become a Japanese citizen, which I think is her main goal. She is from the Philippines, but since her family is in Japan, it makes more sense.

My American Friend

What really really really made me contemplate becoming a permanent resident in Japan was my American friend. We have been talking about the impending doom that is the US. He has been here the same amount of time that I have, since 2016, and he has been married for about 3 years. We are both scared that since we are technically property of the US, that they will force us to go back to the US at some point. That's really the reason why I want to apply for permanent residence.

The Process

Getting permanent residence in Japan is really no joke. My Filipina friend said that it takes A LOT of paperwork, and she can't read it all because of the Kanji. I thought it would be easier since we are married to Japanese people, but I'm really not sure.
Just like what I saw when I looked at Canada's permanent residence procedure, there's a point system. In Japan, I saw you need at least 70 points. You get a certain amount of points for your behavior, now long you've been at your job, how much money you make, and if you can speak Japanese well. That's only to name a few, but I can't remember them all.
Also, if you are married to a Japanese citizen or permanent residence, some categories don't apply to you. So, for me, it's a little confusing on what paperwork they truly want. It also depends on if you're reading it in English or Japanese. They may say one thing in English, but in Japanese, that's where they truly give the CORRECT instructions. If you're applying, it's better that you or your spouse speak Japanese well, and can read Japanese exceptionally.
I am running into a few issues though. For one, you need to have been married for at least THREE years before you can apply for permanent residence. I have been married almost three, but not quite yet. You need to have been in Japan for one consecutive year, which I have been. And you and your spouse also need to have been living together for the three years I believe.
My co-worker knows of people who have gotten permanent residence and they said that if you've gotten a three or five year spouse visa, then the government is serious about you. After you've gotten the three- or five-year visa, you should apply for permanent residence. I have only gotten a one-year visa for two years in a row. So, I'm worried that if I apply for permanent residence, that they will say no. The reason is because I haven't gotten a three-year spouse visa yet.
This is the reason why I'm a little worried about applying for permanent residence here in Japan. I'll think about it more and ask my husband. I still can't speak Japanese well, and with all the stress I'm under, I'm finding it difficult to study. I hope it'll be okay. I wish the US was a better country.

Well, wish me luck on possibly becoming a permanent resident of Japan. Good luck to you too if you do choose to apply as well. Until next time!