The xenophobic point hits home, as I've lived there for almost 5 years, and wasn't able to attain a single long/strong friendship with any japanese national. I

The xenophobic point hits home, as I've lived there for almost 5 years, and wasn't able to attain a single long/strong friendship with any japanese national. I am glad I had other foreigners there to mingle with, or I'd just be very, very alone. Japan for tourism? Can't recommend further. Amazing country to visit, clean, safe, good food. They will be educated towards you in big cities like Tokyo etc. Japan for living (specially if you're from an economy which they perceive as lower/poorer)? Avoid at all costs, you'll be treated as subculture forever.