[mesmark]

Japan is great but I haven't been anywhere else, so i can't compare.

Cost of living is high here, but pay is good. There are some horror stories with some schools and agencies but for the most part people seem to be happy with their experience.

As far as the visa goes, they definately are hung out in front of you. I think the worst an employer can do is report to the immigration office that you no longer work for them, once you left, but I don't think anyone would be bothered to do that.

Is that what you meant be 'own your own visa'?