TXZZ wrote:
>>3. visit orbitz.com and look for cheap fares to japan (easy to find in the $400-$600 range)
> 
> 
> 
> actually i found nothing cheaper than 1300, at least to osaka.  is
> tokyo going to be much cheaper?  plus i have to register and shit
> 
> 
> thing is, i think i can only scrap together maybe a thousand dollars
> 

Visit here:

http://www.jtbusa.com/enhome/s-chi1.asp

I assume you're in the midwest somewhere... chicago to osaka $419 on United.