Good points.

I have been to Japan several times. The city centers tend to be full of "beautiful people." One has to wonder where those less blessed spend their time. As stated, it appears to be somewhere out of sight.

I am not an expert. However, modern Japan comes across to me as a dichotomy. It is a beautiful, clean and efficient place - however, it also comes across as cold, even cruel at times. As I said in another post, if you offer value to those around you, they can be the greatest hosts in the world. The food and service are fabulous and one can start to feel like a movie star in short order.

However, the country also has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The only reason I am considering relocating there is because my company will be sponsoring me. In my home in the U.S., I make what most would consider a high salary - however, it wouldn't go far at all in Japan.