A new resident registration system for foreign residents will begin July 2012.
For more information
ENGLISH:
http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_english.html
JAPANESE:
http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu.html
KOREAN:
http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_korean.html