/japan/ - 日本

I know of the JET program, but I an not too sure if I can meet that criteria for a number of reasons. I have always had an interest in Japanese culture, even taking it as a second language in high school, and recently I have decided that I should study there. Problem is, I am a 22 year old at community college(used to go to private, but suicide attempt then a long break kind of brought me there) and I am aware that scholarships like Monbukagakusho might not work for me when it comes to undergraduate. I'll be getting my associates by spring 2015, and maybe after that, I will get a job in QA(relative will hook me up) so I can raise money and pay for my expenses.

But I need a scholarship, and so far, it looks like my only possible route is grad school, most likely as research assistant. My current major is Math/CS but in all honesty, I don't think the degree will matter for the type of work, I just want to be far away from the family and live as a student in Japan. Hopefully find a job, but if not, I have family who can hook me up anyway, so there is no risk.

What are my options looking like? Which areas of study am I more likely to have a chance in landing a scholarship and does there exist more routes aside from grad school research assistant? I am not interested in doctorates or Japanese Culture studies, since that would make my current degree either useless or prolong my studies in America. So far, the grad school route means another 2 years(or 1.5 if I really hate myself) here in the states so I can get my undergrad and then apply to grad schools in Japan.

My grades are above average(currently 3.9 GPA, might drop a bit because this term is hard, and I'm still a sophomore), and I have some understanding of Japanese language, currently getting private lessons. No crime record, and have experience traveling to Asia(family is Asian) but never studied abroad.

So currently, it's Dec 2014, and I get my associates in June 2015. I'm going to see my college adviser soon to discuss all of this, too, but I want your opinion on what it looks like. I want to know if it is possible at all for a soon-to-be 23 year-old with an associates degree to either enter an undergrad school or grad school(after getting the bachelors in the states) with a grant/scholarship in Japan, what my options are to make it easier, and how long this journey would take. I am estimating a minimum of three years, but I am serious about this and willing to give my all for this.

Thanks!