Notes: When I was getting ready to go to Japan, everyone kept telling me what a big financial risk it was. But I never saw it that way. After all, the job paid better than the one I'd given up, and the only REAL cost for me was the air fare (which I wouldn't have to pay unless I failed to stay an entire year). The rest of it was all about living within a budget. As it turns out, going to Japan was a big financial pay off for me!

Those of you thinking about going to Japan now, be warned that the financial situation there today is nothing like it was in 1990. I STILL highly recommend the experience ... but it is not the "get relatively rich quick" scam it used to be.