B727JP,
Similar class is not a Dash-8 type rating. What they are refering to is time on a two crew aircraft. There are plenty of pilots over here that have never flown a dash-8. One direct entry capt only has Jetstream time as his turbine time. The Japanese are approaching a real shortage in their pilot ranks. There is no general aviation to draw from and only 40 cadets graduate from the ANA program every year. The lastest numbers show there are currently 100 retirements a year and as many as 350 year from 2007 onwards. The JCAB(MOT) is currently looking at raising the retirement age to 65 to help stem the flow. They have already dropped the minimums on the Dash-8 contract once and may so it again.
As for an FAA licence, there is a company in the US cal ALL ATPL. They do licence conversion over a one week period. Including written and IFR ride in a light twin. A friend of mine used them after he was hired at Air Serve.
He was based in the Congo and really enjoyed his experience there. Although it is not a real career advancing move as you do not fly very much and the money was only $2000.00/month. There is also a very strong christian contingent there. he met his future wife there and had a very hard time spending any "quality time" with her due to the moral out rage of his co-workers. Something to keep in mind. However it was a great experience and was a good opportunity to use aviation to give back to the community.
Hope this helps.
Good luck