[IWantOut] 30M Artist South Africa -> Japan

I work remotely as a 3D artist for a company in South Africa. I'd always wanted to move to Canada eventually, however housing there is very expensive and I don't currently see a way for me to get a visa.

I'd started learning Japanese last year just as a hobby, but that got me to think about the possibility of moving there. Is it doable and could it be done while keeping my current job? Or would I have to find a local employer to sponsor me?