1. If you a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for a sight-seeing under the entry status of
"TEMPORARY VISITOR", you can purchase any kind of Japan Rail Pass.
"Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of up to 90 days for sightseeing purposes. This status will be shown on your passport.
2. If you a Japanese national living in a foreign country,
a. who is
qualified to live permanently in that country, or
b. who is
married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.
Japanese Nationals
can purchase the "Japan Rail Pass" only.
Regional passes, such as the JR East Pass, JR West Pass or JR Kyushu Pass are not available for Japanese Nationals.