Cost of living seems cheaper because of the exchange rate. In some professions, especially public service (with some exceptions), Japanese pay is higher than in the U.S. Health care costs are much lower in Japan than in the US. Much less income disparity too, far fewer poor and homeless people in Japan than the US. The dangerous bars are almost all in adult entertainment districts like Kabuki-cho-the vast majority of bars/nightclubs in Tokyo are "safe". In general, Japan is a much safer place to visit or live than the US, and that includes dining/drinking out.