Malaysians applying for JP visa
 

Has anyone who is a Malaysian applied for Japan VISA lately in Singapore or other parts of the world? I am trying to help a friend who is a Singapore Permanent Resident (Malaysian citizenship) to apply.

Based on the info on the website, we have some questions if anyone can help us out:
http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/visa_shortterm.htm

We are thinking of visiting Japan on Free and Easy basis, on the form there is a column to indicate a reference in Japan. If we do not have a reference in Japan, will that pose a problem? Can we leave it blank?

Also, it is indicated on the website that bank statement is no longer required from 1 April 2008 onwards, so omitting that will not reduce the chances of getting the application approved, right?

Thanks for any insights!