[Nao]

I read a good portion of your "guide" before, but it's always good to get a second opinion on things. Plus, your personality type differs from mine by a great degree, so not everything holds true (for instance, I'm not too big on shopping). Some of the spending you were mentioning seemed erratic and/or the prices seemed off from what my research yielded (for instance, you were mentioning $2000 plane tickets from the US, when I can easily find them for $1000 (and sometimes less) before tax). Thanks for the heads up on the videos, I hadn't noticed those, and will give them a look. If I have to inquire as to the more intricate workings of certain situations/policies/etc., then I may send a PM your way.

In any case, I'll go read over and watch the videos you posted once more, and post back here when I'm done w/any questions, concerns, or things left unanswered.

Thanks.

-Nao

Edit1: Regarding your tutorial on phones: I've read that recently new legislation has passed that prevents non-Japanese citizens from getting cell phones of some sort or another. It was either referring to rentals or prepaid. Are you familiar with this, and what will be effected? Also, I am quite familiar with VOIP systems such as Skype (I'm a programmer going for my CS degree). However, does this really offset the cost? You have the fee for Skype-in, the fee for the top-up card(s), and the fee for the phone itself. How much, on average, do the cell phones (such as the one you showed in the video) cost? If they're even moderately priced, it may be cheaper to go with the link I previously posted, as I could have one for a month for less than $120, perhaps even less than $100 if I really push it.