[Sangetsu]

Some of the foreign "oddities" described as being on Japanese tv shows are Ivy League educated, and speak Japanese even better than the natives here do. Many of the others aren't much better off financially than English teachers.

There is much less market in Japan for entry level entertainment jobs than there are in Europe and America. A foreigner can get a job here, but unless you are something of an "oddity" yourself, you aren't going to have an easy time.

You may imagine Japan as a place where you can be more creative, but in reality that will probably not be the case. After the initial giddiness of being in Japan wears off, you may begin to find it stifling, as so many other westerners have.

As for myself, I'm a teacher. I "pigeonholed" myself into this job after growing weary of my career in America. I make about 1/4 as much money as I used to, but I'm enjoying myself much more.