Hi Boats & Hos
With regard to Japan being very expensive it really is not compared to other developed nations... Take it from your post you are from the USA, think you would find the cost of living in "Sendai" where we are based comparable to living in Orlando Florida... Considering Housing rent, food and utilities... Granted the tiered electric is a bit more expensive than the SE... Food and drink on par and if you go native maybe even a bit cheaper... Pre owned cars, much better quality and dirt cheap... Medical with the NHI cheaper than USA... Dental on par with USA maybe a bit cheaper... Commute to and from work by public transport, train, bus pov covered by Company... So no issues... All in all one can save a fair amount if they make just a modest effort...
Okay that's my 10 yen reply for Boats & Hos... Hope it helps someone else too...
Kampai, Jpncrjdriver