[filiadragongurl]

Hi, I'm 23 as well and a computer programmer with an interest in video games. I'm not in the NYC area (6 hour bus ride away), but there is a good amount Japanese culture stuff over there! I suggest checking out the store called Book Off. This is a Japanese chain of stores with second hand books, DVDs, games, and possibly other media. And, just like the ones in Japan, the one in NYC is full of Japanese book and things, although there are some English books too.

The Japan Society also has some events and displays every month or so.

Anyway, I've spent some time in NYC finding the Japanese stuff, so if you have any questions or want to be friends even though I'm not close by, you can PM me.

Good luck fitting in! ^_^