I'm no longer military, I'm a civilian contractor now
. All I can say is Misawa is not a representation Japan as a whole. those who come here thinking that get all pissy. there is tons of things to do up here just can't be lazy. For me it's perfect. cheap houses, land for my cars, track 30 min away and the Toll road about 10 min from my house that gives me access to all of mainland Japan and womanz.
In Misawa though you have to be prepared for the winters. I have NEVER had nor will I ever have a AWD vehicle.. I'm also single, family people seem to opt for one AWD vehicle normally because the wife can't handle a FR car. Whats good for me might not be good for you so it's kind of hard man to say what good and bad. Basically for me.. I got Drifting, Martial Arts, Music, porn and Snowboarding that keeps me busy at all times. All of those things that I do are super rich here in Japan and up here in this area so I'm happy and most who don't live in their house or dorm are as well.
E Double and Russ left my heart has not stopped crying yet... :/