I'm still not sure if I want to live in Japan or stay in America?

Question:

I'm going to make a pros and cons list later. Is that a good method of deciding or no? Japan is probably my favorite country in the world, I think. I can't verify that because I've never been there (I'm only 14 -.-) During the day, I always think about living in Japan, but at night I think it over and want to stay in America. So is a pros and cons list a good method to decide which country to live in?

Additional question: I've heard that there are many smokers in Japan and they aren't permitted to smoke outside. Is this true?

Answer:

There is going to be a lot of homesickness. I went for just 2 weeks on a holiday, and I was already very lonely and ready to go home. Living there, there is a period after around 2 - 3 months where all you see is the bad aspects of Japan, and this is where a lot of people give up and move back home. I know this is hard to believe if you love Japan, but it really does happen.

Anyway, I don't know if that actually answers your question, so in regards to that:
Yes, a pros and cons list is a good idea. Just be sure you do thorough research however, and make sure you 'cons' list is fair and accurate.

If you have lots of friends in America, and are close with your family, you may find it difficult to leave them, and it may be a good idea to stay in the USA, at least until you're a lot older.

It's definitely a good idea to visit before making the big decision. And of course, you need that 4 year university degree.

And although living there can be rewarding, spending all your time there 24/7 may make the experience tiring after a while. Of course, this may be hard to believe also, but it does happen too. Spending only a few weeks there at a time may keep Japan fresh and exciting to you.
Don't forget, you can stay up to 3 months on a tourist visa if you can afford it.

I don't mean to be trying to put you off Japan here, but I just know many people who hype Japan up to be the best place on Earth, and when they actually get there and realize it's an ordinary country, with many hardships of its own, actually leave there disappointed.

I wish you all the best for the future, wherever it may be. :)