Japan or Thailand?

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, and basically joined to find out some more information about Japan as I will visit next year and maybe move permanently.

So about myself, I work offshore in the North Sea, and live in Bangkok, travelling there every month on my time off, i've been doing that for 2 years.

I did have plans to travel all around SE Asia and beyond, but long story short, i met someone and ended up staying in thailand, now unfortunately that relationship has ended rather badly, and I think maybe i have become jaded with the 'Land Of Smiles'.

So I am now free to travel and experience new countries, and one place I've always wanted to visit is Japan so..

Has anyone here lived in both countries?, what are the main differences between the two?
How much could I expect to pay for a modest studio apartment?, I know it's gonna be more than thailand (I pay 10,000Thai Baht per month for a new 1 bed condo with pool and fitness)

I think price for accomodation will be the main stumbling block, but anyway, I will at least visit next year, for some reason the flights to Japan are the same as to Thailand at the moment with Emirates,:? no idea why, but i will take advantage of it!.

Anyway I think this is for too big for a first post, so I gonna end it here!, thanks for reading, and i will look forward to any replies.
Thanks, Tom.

Seems odd to ask about apartment rental prices if you are going to be a tourist. Perhaps you should ask more touristy questions instead.

Well I will be a tourist the first time I go, but I just I thought I would just get an idea of rental prices incase i like the place so much I decide to stay!

Most apartment rentals require a guarantor (usually a Japanese employer). Many real estate offices won't even look at a foreigner. You could cruise malls or real estate offices from the outside and get a general idea of their rentals. It's all going to depend on what city you look in, and where in the city. Figure 50,000-80,000 yen/month as a general overall rental figure.