Normally, such a decision is issued six or more months after issuance of the Notice of the Names of the Appeal Examiners.

Yes. When filing an appeal, it is necessary to file a power of attorney from the applicant. Therefore, it will be necessary to file an assignment document and a power of attorney for the assignee at the time of filing an appeal. Otherwise, a power of attorney from the assignor must be filed with the JPO.

No. Unlike in the US, there is no RCE procedure in Japan. Instead, the applicant may file a divisional application in Japan. In addition, if an Amendment is filed when filing a Demand for Appeal, the pretrial examination will be performed by the original examiner for reconsideration prior to the appeal.

Flowchart for Obtaining a Patent in Japan:
 https://www.ondatechno.com/en/procedures-in-japan/patents
Flowchart for Entering PCT National Phase in Japan:
 https://www.ondatechno.com/en/procedures-in-japan/flowchart-for-entering-pct-national-phase-in-japan/