That was fluorescent orange, really nice.
You should go and travel around. Japan is great: nice bikes, good food, friendly people, totally safe, very calming place although tokyo is a bit mad, I love all the contrast between tradition and totally crazy hipster stuff.I go almost every year as my wife is Japanese but still really enjoy it there, especially traveling around to smaller places. It can be done on the cheap as well with a bit of research and if you stay away from those tempting NJS frames.
It sounds like a fascinating place.