To buy or not to buy

I have rented since I've been in Japan. I do plan to be here for the foreseeable future so I am debating if I should buy my own place. The biggest reason is I don't want to see my money that I use for rent go into oblivion. Owning a home is a bit scary though, especially in a foreign country. The flexibility of not being tied down to one place for a prolonged period of time goes away. Also there is more added pressure of making sure I do all I can to not lose my job. Another aspect that I have to think about is the financial side of owning a home in Japan. Like back home in the states, I am not guaranteed the value of my property will go up as time goes by. Actually, real estate in Japan is more like buying a new car. Chances are that your asset will depreciate as soon as you move in. There have been many exceptions to that rule and location has been the biggest factor. Unfortunately, it is crazy expensive to get a place in an ideal or "hot" location in Tokyo. I am also debating whether to buy a house or condo. If I buy the former, the location will not be in an attractive area but I would own land rather than a piece of the sky. Is it worth it at the end? Hmm... *brain is churning*