I would not assume that I think. The better universities vis a vis Japan are certainly overseas, but there are many Japanese parents, (some schools are nearly 70-80% so, that send their kids to Jr. HS and Sr. HS to learn English and then re-enter the Japanese system to be fully qualified Japanese grads with rocking English skills. The kids often end up doing all the regular int’l school work plus a healthy dose of Juku on the side. Nightmare-ish, but it gives them an edge entering he job market locally. There are likely very few Japanese parents who would consider the US schools a better choice as undergrads but would very much consider them for a year abroad or a Master’s degree. So much of a person’s marketability here is tied to the name of the institution they attend as an undergrad. Fp0r that alone I thin k it is a career killer for Japanese students whose parents hope they live in Japan to send them overseas as undergrads.

Not to say she is wrong, but in 27 years I have only missed some specific people, pizza, Mexican food and good barbecue. Besides that Japan is an awesome place to live.

Am holding the printout I got from the Nenkinjimusho that shows how much I will be due when I retire and it is triple what you state. I think this is due to the fact my form requires us to pay into a higher level insurance plan, but still as it is an option for all, and a requirement in my industry, 180-200K is much more realistic if you want it to be.

My contributions are a lot more than £120 a month too though.