Hotbox, are you into Zen at all? That would be one major reason for me to go to Japan someday. My spiritual interests kinda determine my language interests more than anything, I don't give a shit about business opportunities or how many people speak it or whatver. I'm into Taoism which would lead me to Chinese, as well as early Buddhism. But it seems like Zen has seen the most flourishing in Japan, I'd love to do a meditation retreat there sometime. I'm not sure but it also seems that the music and art scenes are more happening in Japan, which is up my alley too.

I'm not too into cities, so I'm sure the more rural places like where you're living would be the "best there is to offer", at least for me. I love the outdoors. Where'd you go to university? Do you meet a lot of english speakers when you move to another country like that? I am intrigued. Let me know if you know anything about the monastaries too.