I like the sound of living in Japan and Thailand. What type of visa did you use to stay in those countries? Travel visa?
Depending on where you're from you can stay in Japan either 3 or 6 months at a time. Some people leave for a few days and then come back but that could be risky as your next visa may be denied.
Thailand has various visa options and is less strict with their policies. Many people keep renewing their tourist visas for years.