One of the things JREF tries to do is provide good factual information. When you make a statement that says everyone does this or everyone thinks this way or everyone will have "this" happen to them in Japan , chances are it will not be a "perfectly" true statement. I find that things I was 100% positive about a few years ago , I now feel very different about. People change and the way life affects us make us believe a certain way. When someone disagrees with me , it's better to figure in their mind they are right than to try and tell them they are wrong. BUT....when you post on a forum that provides information to people from around the world , we should try to make sure it is factual. If a person's statement can't be backed up as 100% correct , it would probably be better to say "IN MY OPINION" or "IN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE" such and such is so. Arguing on the internet to try and change someone's mind usually is a fruitless effort. Just try to keep posts civil and no personal attacks please. Being a moderator or admin should not keep us from posting and giving an opinion as long as we don't abuse our power.
Passing on knowledge is a little difficult, if we can only use words such as "IN MY OPINION" or "IN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE".
This is why I have always hesitated to post anything that relates to the culture.
Its very easy for you to post this -- A possibility to consider , you might not like life in Japan. I was there for 2 years on a base with all branches of the military. I would say about 8 out of 10 guys hated Japan after about 3 months for many reasons. Learning the language enough to get around makes it more bearable but takes time and effort. I absolutely loved it for about a year and a half but then all the little irritations began to annoy me and I was ready to get back to the states. Many people do make a life there and are happy , but it's not for everyone.
But its not so easy for me to explain why, because my posts would be criticized.
This is why I have always hesitated to post anything that relates to the culture.