Greetings from the Japan Alps !! The 'roof of Japan' !!
Welcome to the forum, redroger san!! I would say you've come to the right place to learn. There are many things here and there on this forum that can surely help out, and some good folks that will surely help in answering any questions.
I've been here for some almost 21 years, and mostly in the country side up here at the foot of these here hills, so don't know anything about the big cities and that kind of stuff. If you find your way out to the Nagano country side, though, please do look me up !! Talk to you later !! and Welcome !!