Hi all. Interesting to read stories of how life carries people to Japan. I'm currently doing doctoral research in Japan (just another path). I live in a small mountain village in Nagano called Otaki. Quite a different experience from the big cities. You can read about my research and the village at my
blog.
For all interested in coming to Japan I would suggest getting as much education as possible. Having a college education is a valuable asset in Japan--plus there are great funding opportunities in Japan (see, for example, the Japan Foundation
website).