Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Japan

The biggest misconception for me is that people who have never visited Japan think it is way to expensive to live.  If your living in Tokyo, yes it is expensive, but I live in Yokohama and for the past three years our total living cost were comparable to Dallas, Texas.  I recently visited the U.S. for nine days and was very surprised at how much food prices had increased.  We eat fresh food daily and it is no more expensive then the processed food in the U.S.  Another misconception is because of the high crime rate throughout the U.S. they think it is the same here.  When I tell them that I walk 15 to 20 kilometers everyday by myself they ask me why I do that when it is so dangerous.  Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and I have never felt for my safety.  I sure did during my recent visit to the states.  Just a few of the many misconceptions about Japan.