I have done lots and lots of digging into each country to try and get a better understanding of each through reading and writing. I plan to go visit one of them this summer and I think that one might be Japan because I am leaning slightly towards Japanese. I do wish to travel to China at some point in my life as well.

I would like to get into some sort of international business/economics where I would visit my chosen country/language several times a year, I don't plan on actually moving and living in this country, not yet at least haha.

I like how the Japanese language sounds when spoken a little better than Chinese, which to me sounds slightly obnoxious at times. However this isn't a huge factor for me.

I like the history of both nations, the dynasties in China, and the Samurai in Japan. Those things are very cool to me, however, I know I can't base my decision off of events/people that existed hundreds of years ago.

When looking at modern Japan, I like how I hear a lot about how nice the people are, how clean Japan looks, how they are one of the largest economies in the world beside the U.S., and there are lots of things in "The Japan Channel" youtube videos that I find interesting about their culture.

When looking at modern China, I like how powerful and prosperous they look, although I wonder is they just like to show off with things like their big sky scrapers, the Olympics, and the new World Expo. I find it hard not to get a little caught up in the awe-inspiring things that China seems to be able to do with their booming economy. I haven't been able to find as much info/videos on their culture as I have Japan, probably because we share better relations with Japan.

I have more to say, but I think I'll leave it at that for now haha, let me know what you think.

Thanks to all who have responded.