SHAGS: Sorry, my earlier reply was misleading, NCA does not base foreigners in Japan. I just meant NCA is the best of all the Japanese contracts.
Haughtney1: About 50% of all applicants fail the JCAB Medical, doesn't matter what sort of medical you currently hold. The Japanese ATPL does not mean doing subjects, it is your final sim check which is called the ATPL check. It will involve Air Law and a Radio exam plus at least 20 sims, even if you are type rated. Usual time to get through is 5 to 8 months. It's not difficult just mind numbingly boring and repetitive!