Hi, I live in Japan (I used to say “Asia,” but, like you, I have become lazy!) so understand what you’re thinking about. Among Japanese schools, as I’m sure you know, there are a few that are more “Western” in approach, like ICU, so be sure to look at those. As to the US, I think you will likely find success if you cast a wide enough net. As you mention Oberlin, it seems you are open to LACs. If I were you, I would look at all the Midwest LACs - many are mentioned above - as they often offer generous merit and they may be looking for the kind of diversity you would bring. I recall hearing a Purdue AO who was visiting Tokyo a few years ago say that Japanese students may have a demographic edge in both the Midwest and the Northeast. Many of the top schools in the NE do not offer merit, but look at Connecticut College and Trinity College, which do (there are others as well, I’m just not that knowledgeable). California schools are on the opposite end of the scale - it seems every international student in Japan wants to go to one school or the other in California. Look at the Pacific Northwest schools - Whitman, in particular, has a strong focus on Japan, but also look at the University of Puget Sound and Lewis & Clark. Trinity University in San Antonio,Texas is another interesting school that offers good merit to high-performing students. Along with the Canadian schools, you could also consider schools in the UK, which are quite a bit cheaper than US schools.
I’m editing this to add that you should look at some schools that offer Early Action. We received responses in November that included generous merit offers, which was enormously reasuring - just off the top of my head, among schools already mentioned, Trinity University, College of Wooster, University of Puget Sound, Lewis & Clark offer Early Action. So does Eckerd in Florida, a school that people rave about on CC that might be very interested in you. Also, Lawrence in Wisconsin, another school with an international focus. You can find the complete list if you google “Early Action Schools.”