I guess it depends what you go there to do
I know a few people who've gone there teaching English and some who've gone there on fellowships to do research and none of them really had difficulties with language. Although as Aberaccion said, in business they are extremely sensitive to hierarchy and the highest position Japanese women usually attain is either an air hostess or an office lady (administrator).
(Zoz prayed for twink on, Wed 20 Oct 2010, 10:49, Reply)