[steven]

I'd like to point out the fact that not everyone in an apparently materialistic country is materialistic. I'm sure you could find a lot of people in any of the countries listed who couldn't give a damn about expensive handbags and luxury cars.

If you're looking to work hard AND have a laid back existance in Japan, I think you'd be dissapointed. If you do intend to move to another country, I think you should definitely learn basic communication skills before you go. That can take years to accomplish though.