Hey Marty. Naturally I love your music, past and present; but I thought I'd break off with a non-musical question.

What's your advice to someone who wants to learn more about japan, the japanese contemporary culture and the language?

I'm quite fascinated by Japan, and while I can go there for a 16 week language course it feels like most of the time there would be spent in an empty room or chatting with fellow foreigners in english.

Got any suggestions for someone who'd like to break through to japanese culture?

In my opinion, that 16 week course sounds like the best way to learn the most in the shortest time, and a killer experience. It's up to you if you want to waste your time staying in an empty room or only speaking English there. Good luck!