I don't get why people are saying that Japan is racist!!! If there is any form of racism, it's that they treat you too well.(talking about towards western gaijin) If you guys feel you are the victims of racism, try being an asian who visits one of our countries Although the attention gets a bit much, at least it's better than negative attention that many foreigners experience in western countries.

and why do you say Japan is expensive? I've found it a lot more cheaper than I thought. perhaps it seems that way if you go 100Y = $1.30NZ (aprox), but that's not fair. Salaries are higher and some things are cheaper. and you should check out the 100Y shop LOL they actually have some good stuff

PROS: culture, food, people, weather, shopping, language.
CONS: city life (but I live in the country),

Why do I live in Japan? -BecauseI have always loved Japanese culture, and also it's my husbands' home country.

How long will I live here? -Depends on lots of things. Plan is, stay a few years, go back to NZ......... but we really like it here so may stay indefinately.