A work visa holder had his period of stay renewed lately together with his coworkers. Their previous period of stay was 3 years.
His coworkers are allowed to stay 3 years after the renewal, but this man was allowed only 1 year. He naturally assumed he would be allowed to stay longer than 3 years after the renewal. He was disappointed.
The Minister of Justice has the exclusive power to decide how long a foreigner can stay in Japan. No one knows how the minister decides how long to let the applicant stay, but documents such as a statement of reason and evidence of the job performance achievement might persuade the minister.
If you have a specific period of stay in your mind when you apply for a renewal and need help with it, please feel free to contact me.