how to adjust in japan

[omegasky]

What do you do when you are stationed in japan under duties. I'm looking for member's who are serving under the u.s. military, how long do you usually stay in japan for.How hard is it for you(e.g. home maintanence, car, insurance, food, and other recreational activities-please list them), also do you get to drive a lot, or is it just for a moment of time in the nearest parking lot.How much is the upkeep in total, is it a bit stressful adjusting to the japanese language?
Will appreciate any replies.
thank's.

[Locaste]

I'm here on the JET program, not with the U.S. military, so my situation is obviously not entirely the same as yours, however I can say that knowing the language is the obvious thing that makes adjustment easier. Because I am here as an instructor I have had to obtain an alien registation card, national health care coverage, auto insurance, an apartment, and various other odds and ends. I carry an IDP for now, however next spring I'll be getting a Japanese driver's license. Because I am here for a rather extended period of time I am treated just like any normal Japanese employee, and as such how I use my free time is entirely at my discretion. Adjustment is different for everyone, so again my situation is probably not that relevant to yours. There are little things you can do, however, that make the process smoother, such as subscribing to SkyPerfecTV! and getting unlimited DSL access. I have a Japanese bank account from which nearly all of my bills are drawn, so the bill paying process is essentially transparent.

I'm sorry that my reply isn't much help; if you have any other specific questions please feel free to ask.

[omegasky]

i'm just so very curious about living condition's for u.s. military resident's in japan.i don't plan to move from my home, living in germany is very pleasant, although i wouldn't mind staying in japn for a few month's.
i really appreciate your help, also can the japanese driver's exam only be taken in japanese only or is there a english exam for those who don't know japanese?