A couple more questions. Sorry.
Did you associate with a lot of other foreigners?
Do/did you feel comfortable calling yourself a gaijin to Japanese people?
How "Japanese" do you think you acted? dressed?
I went through a phase here where I wanted nothing to do with any other gaijin at all. Where I lived I was the only caucasian "gaijin" male around. There were a few nesei and sansei from Peru and Brazil but we never hung out together. I felt "uncomfortable" having to share my space with them. After I got over the "special" gaijin phase it no longer bothers me in the least and we often have fellow "gaijin" over to the house.

I have no problems calling myself gaijin to other Japanese people, it doesnt phase me at all. I have gotten accustomed to the staring, pinching, poking..... . It is truly no big deal whatsoever.

How I dressed......well sometimes I get accused of looking like a member of the mafia because I wear black suits, pastel colored shirts with appropriate ties and with mirror sunglasses. It is the only time I get comments about my clothes that are notable.