Nagano is pretty popular at this time of the year I believe, because it doesn't get as fumid (the Japanese pronounce their "f" as a "soft f" - more like an "h"....hence the fumid!) as other parts of Honshu.
Most people probably know it from when the Winter Olympics were held there a couple of years back.
Mmmmm grasshoppers - probably those deep fried, sweet ones.
Actually I've just finished a lunch of amaiebi (sweet prawns) - sashimi (raw) of course.
Now to think that most Aussies would think of those as ONLY bait for fishing.
Living here has certainly expanded my horizons!
JALD10, you sound a heck of a lot more like one of the recruiting agencies staff than any of the other pilots/engineers I've met here, and especially your comment, "Respect the Japanese and they will respect you." is either naieve, or misleading.
Japanese respect ONLY other Japanese - they may tolerate others if they are inclined.
Just considering some ika (squid), sashimi of course, for a snack.
Have you been game to try fugu yet, snoopy? Not I - it seems like a game of Russian Roulette!