Pirrex,
Second Bromstick.
What have been answered time and time again is that everything is black and white in Japan. (unless it benefits the company, then grey do appear!)
As for flight time, I flew with an FO a few weeks ago that interviewed with the bare minimums, so yes it is possible.
As for the ATPL, may I suggest that You stop being like most every other pilot and stop trying to find an angle, just get the frekking ATPL and get Your papers in, its a good gig
Regards
HD