I'd say the US. Japan is more of a vacation place. Just that fact that it's an entirely different culture with ideals and philosophies that, in some cases, are the exact opposite of the 'west'. It would be to hard to settle down and make a life when your basically a fish out of water
I think I am leaning toward Japan. Since I had to get the work visa in USA, my career opportunity has been restricted and I simply could not take it any more and abandoned the pending green card petition and the relatively good paying job (for a foreigner in USA with a visa sponsorship by the employer). I could have got a green card in 4 to 5 years. But, I chose the full citizenship (which is in Japan) and the full rights (i.e.. I can go after any job opportunity in Japan without any visa and immigration restriction whatsoever) in Japan. I made a right decision (even as a hindsight) as I found the better career and no concern about the immigration issue. I am doubtful I will ever immigrate to USA in the future.
Your comment hit the nail on its head. I admit my education and work experience in USA made myself marketable to many kinds of career opportunities in Japan. I want to emphasize I am not doing a trash-talking about USA in my previous comment; I am rather saying I had to make a decision for my long-term goal. The outcome was I chose to leave USA for Japan for better opportunities. Ironically, I went to USA for better opportunities when I left Japan. Life is full of twists and turns. Looking back, I think I was lucky to experience what I experienced and use that experience for my career advancement in my home country.Might I say here that because of your experiences that you had in the USA, not the least being able to fluently communicate in English you have made yourself into a more marketable commodity here in Japan.
For whatever the reasons, I give you credit for making the life change that you did. Best of luck to you! In a manner of speaking I am envious that you had the freedom to make the choice!
Never took it that way. One never knows what cards life is going to deal, sounds like you pretty much hit at least a straight flush.I want to emphasize I am not doing a trash-talking about USA in my previous comment;
I say Japan all the way! I love Japan, it's my favorite place in the world!
The following reasons: I went there and came back. After I went there I figured out why I was lonely and why I had some other bad habits that I didn't practice there. I can't stand living in the US. I get sick when I smell fast food, American guys aren't attractive, I speak Japanese a lot (mostly to myslef though), I am extremely lonely in the US, I lost my American pride and respect for this country long ago. I am more Japanese minded then American minded. Finally, I have a Japanese family. ^-^
I have been in america all my life, and have had nothing but hardships. And at the rate and direction this conutry is heading i would love to get out of here and go to Japan. I know that each country has it's own set of issues. But for me america has become nothing better than a hell hole.
It may depend on how stable my work is (and what kind of career), and which specific part of the US or Japan. If it could be anywhere, I'd love to (not have to work and) live in Kyoto.
I've already lived in the US but haven't tried living in Japan (but I look Japanese, except for being slightly overweight). The US doesn't appeal to me much due to it seeming to become quite fascist of late (is Dubya reading a Cliff Notes version of 1984 as a training guide?) but I also realize that I'd have different sources of stress if in Japan.
Though I'd live in Japan just for the food.
Japan to live, but for work in America i like Japan more then America but i can't deny that the both countries are 'VERY GOOD' but i like japan because of the houses (big houses) and for the old way of live.
Its education system is superior to the USA's