Wow at original poster. I didn't think anybody here would say something like that, now I feel a bit more comfortable because no offense to those, but I felt like this place was immersed in Otaku kids who watch a lot of Anime or play a lot of video games, then want to suddenly move here, like if it will be a paradise.
Honestly, Japan is really all work, and no play... Well if you want to really LIVE here. The work ethic is quite rough here, there are no over times, no bonuses really ETC, it is just straight, cold work. And usually, most people work at the same company either for life, or more than 5-10 years. Quitting could result in you not getting a next job lol. I do not know this personally, but most of my Japanese friends told me this. I felt they might be overeacting, but one of my friends works for Bravis (a major media company responsible for 60% of Japan's design on products, beverages, foods ETC) we chat on MSN sometimes... She would say hi at 6:30am, and say bye to me at 11:30pm, no joke. She gets no bonuses or overtime, and she is the HEAD EDITOR hahaha!
I am living here temporarily, but I am legal to stay as long as I want, but honestly, New York is better. Why? Free health care, free food money regardless you working (yes, I use my states system!,) easier to find jobs (even though for the past 2 years, it has been quite depression ridden,) and everything is open 24/7 in NYC for the most part.
Just visit Japan before you decide to live here, because while it is indeed a great looking place, architectually, visually, futuristic somewhat ETC, it is a place of hard work ethic, in my opinion "ass kissing," and stress. You will get stressed when you come to a place where everything is Kanji and you might be opted to have to walk miles to something else, like food for instance. When I first came here to decide if I want to live here, I got home sick and panic attacked.
But when I got on the plane, I was like "damn... I miss it lol." Next time I went back, I was more prepared, and I enjoyed it very much, and was more aware of the seriousness of it, and how to actually have fun, work and do what I need to do. It is reality, it isn't something on Adult Swim or on a fan translated screen/book.
Come first though, you are bound to love it
