I used to live in Japan (1994-1997). I lived near Nagasaki, on Kyushu Island. Thank God they build a great car and camera -- their houses leave little to be desired (lack of central air/heat, thin insulation... if any, etc.).
The Japanese keep many of their best cars there - Skyline, etc. What is amazing... the Japanese have so much "on board stuff" in their vehicles, it's almost insane. The on-board televisions, for example, many have them. Driving while watching TV? Yep... it happens. GPS everywhere. The greatest thrill one could ever have in life is going into a Japanese electronics store. Unreal some of the stuff they have.
Conversely, five bucks for a gallon for gas (although FULL service - right down to "bowing" to you as you leave). Tolls on the interstates about every 2 miles! If you're caught speeding, they have a van set up so you can enjoy coffee inside while you're written up for Y200 (very polite).
A great country and a hell of a lot of fun.
That movie about an American baseball player in Japan -- forget the name -- that movie nails life in Japan perfectly.
BTW - in Japan - Toyota is #1. Honda #2. Mitsubishi - up there. Nissan not viewed as high. Never a Mazda. - Jim