Ive lived in Japan for 6 years
Its a fascinating place, but the "Level of quality" is kinda variable depending on where in japan you are
I lived in Okinawa for about 4 of those years, and its pretty humid and tropical.
I also lived in Misawa which is on the northern tip of the mainland and the climate is from tropical in the summer to ALOT of snow and ice in the winter
The food is unusual to a typical american, but I think its one of the reasons Japan has one of the worlds highest life expectancy
Also, scattered throughout Japan are American military bases
Okinawa has quite a few, like Kadena, Kinser, Foster, and a few others. The closest brown townogy I can come up with for the bases is like a larger than normal gated community run by the US Government. Its actually not too bad because while they are primarily there for defense purposes, theyre also designed to accomodate civilians too, like grocery stores, bowling alleys, food courts, recreational activites, even apartment complexes and schools. I lived in Kinser for 4 years attending elementary school, and its pretty unique. Plus Kinser lies exactly on the coast of the East China Sea, so theres even a beach too that I used to go to with friends to hang out. Plus, the bases are guarded, with the only access points being gates between the base and the surrounding community. You can leave the base without getting stopped but to get in you need to present your ID, which only takes a few seconds. The bases are heavily integrated with the community
But like I was saying, Japan is a pretty great place
Also, since you mentioned you were going to Okinawa, if you ever go to Naha City, theres a Restaurant called Sams by the Sea that I used to go to, its got amazing food and a very unique interior, and is right next to a marina too so you can have a view of the harbor it sits on
Heres their page
http://www.sams-okinawa.jp/by_the_sea/en_index.html 
