About the prices, it used to be much cheaper in Japan but not any more unfortunately, the price are almost
same in Japan, USA and Canada. I paid ~US$1,500 including 5% VAT at 2012, and for the brand new one
from USA about $1,430, but usually I must pay ~$1,600 including the shipping and tax of 13% together.
So overall it is still cheaper for me to get one over there as long as one dollar is around 80 Yen as of now,
however VAT will be 10% (currently 5%) in a near future in Japan and currency exchange may not be same.