I'm interested either way, my wife is Japanese.

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Japan.The Japanese Culture & EconomyWormann's book also talks about the Japan's culture and economy as it relates to real estate.

Good Japanese go to San Mateo.

I appreciate your input it’s helping me a lot to think about the Japanese mindset when it comes to rental properties. 

I am bilingual fluent in both English and Japanese. 

Maybe compare stocks to commodities or European stocks or Japanese stocks- something that is more similar in risk and in payout method.

I use them for 1040 prep, but that's it.Separately,  I have a Japanese CPA who helps with my J-taxes. 

ETC ETC  In Hawaii you could work on STR condo sales or try to market to the huge Japanese buyer pool.  

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...The real threshold questions are: do you have Japanese permanent residency? 

- while an excellent goal in itself -  is often sensed by those around us as a negative.I love your energy and sense of confidence - and challenge you to consider REI as a team sport - whoever collaborates best....wins.An old Japanese proverb says "The quickest way to the finish line....is to take the detour."