[Barone1551]

When I was there a couple of us had no problems using our debit cards at ATM's. There wasnt a huge charge, only the normal amount that we got in the US. A few things about that though, make sure you have a card tied to your name. I had a debit card, that was a gift card. It was pre-loaded and just said gift card on it. I couldn't get money from the card, I could use it at stores and restaurants that accepted credit cards. Also, our cards only worked at international ATM's. There were many that the cards wouldnt work at. All of the post offices and banks we went to had international ATM's so they weren't hard to find.

About the food. I dont think it would be too hard to eat vegan. I know a girl who has been there, and is going there for a year on JET and she is a vegan. Your food may get repetitive though, but it shouldn't be impossible. From what I saw your probably going to be eating a steady diet of rice, noodles (soba, ramen, udon), and some tofu. Almost every noodle place has dishes with just noodles. Curry with veggies and rice would work too. I honestly dont think you will have any problem not eating meat.