New residence management system starts from July 2012

SocButtons v1.4
The Act on Partial Amendments to the immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Special Act on the immigration Control of Alia, Those Who Have Lost Japanese Nationality Pursuant to the Treaty of Peace with Japan was promulgated on July 15 2009, and a new system of residence management will be implemented from July 2012.

Point 1 : A residence card will be issued
Point 2 : The period of stay will be extended to a maximum of 5 years
Point 3 : A system of special re-entry permission will be introduced
Point 4 : The alien registration system will be abolished

For details, please see the following webpage

Immigration Bureau of Japan
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/