The Japanese Second-Class amateur radio license is analogous to a General class license (with Code) in the US.
http://www.jarl.org/English/

I've got a few contacts with Japanese operators on SO-50 myself.

the_redstar_swl said:

The Japanese Second-Class amateur radio license is analogous to a General class license (with Code) in the US.
http://www.jarl.org/English/

I've got a few contacts with Japanese operators on SO-50 myself.

I've been meaning to get my licence for some time now, I just haven't gone to do the test.

79248cm/s said:

I've been meaning to get my licence for some time now, I just haven't gone to do the test.

I'd suggest going for both Technician and General at the same time if you're in the US. It's more a wider amount of material rather than increased difficulty.

Haven't upgraded to Extra yet, I've been waiting for them to change over to the new question pool this summer.