There's a lot of well-meaning advice, though I'm not sure they are useful.

I spent a year in Japan myself - really just learning Japanese and teaching English while I was at it . When I turned 30 and was just looking for some adventure.

I came back and got into a non-related job. Am 43 now and have done decently.

My MNC bosses tell me that it was precisely because of my stint abroad that I caught their eye. It's about a sense of being able to take risk, being immersed in a foreign culture, learning traits like cultural competency as well. So even if it is a non- Japan/Japanese related job, the doors opened.

I hope this helps you, OP. Like you, when I left, many people, including my parents, gave me 'pragmatic', go the 'usual trodden path' type of advice, which ultimately I am so glad I didn't listen to.