I lived in Akita prefecture for just a year while doing the JET program many years ago. It may be true that it's hard to have face-to-face meetings with coders

I lived in Akita prefecture for just a year while doing the JET program many years ago. It may be true that it's hard to have face-to-face meetings with coders where you're at, but I would suggest getting involved with the community in whatever way is possible. One great way is to teach an English Conversation (eikaiwa) class for adults. Everyone wants to learn English in Japan and some of my best relationships were from my eikaiwa class. You may not get the coding aspect, but at least you'll form stronger bonds with the local community.