and for people who are reading that Mitford book, just remember that was 30-40 years ago, stuff changes. laws, for instance, have changed drastically.
just sayin.
and i'd get in there and cuddle with that cat n bishi too.
also think a little paypal fund is a good idea. i don't know how much a hospital stay in Japan is, but here in the US my mom was in for 6 days last fall... bill was around $35K. :(
i'll be thinking about your family of Bash's and sending good thoughts/prayers whatever you want to call them. remember to take care of yourself too, as well as your family.
the thing about Second Life is that most people who try it get confused or frustrated within hours of beginning (if not immediately). Theres a lot of information to process, and it takes more patience than something like a console or computer game where everything is already set up for you and the most you might have to do is make a custom character. most of the hardcore inhabitants seem to have the same quirk that makes them enjoy games like the Sims. its a different experience, not all people connect with it.
but yeah, i've personally met some Japanese, and if you go into the Japan islands, there are lots of people.