Gap-year Study Abroad?

I plan on taking a gap year (i.e., a year between high school graduation and the start of university) to spend studying in Japan. I chose Japan because it's a very different society to live in than where I am, and I think this will prepare me for my first year at university.

I have come across an interesting program, and was wondering if anyone had heard ANYTHING about it?

The Osaka Girls' Senior High School (www.osakagirls-shs-international.org/) particularly caught my eye, as I will be 17 upon graduation, and think that it would be an unmatchable experience for me, but I can't find ANY testimonials about it or any outside information besides on their website!

Though the high school seems like a good option, I am open to other gap-year possibilities (i.e., language school, volunteer work, et al...)

Any information on this or any other gap-year programs would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.osakagirls-shs.ed.jp/international/enrolment.html

I personally know nothing about this school, but upon reading the Japanese site, this seems to be a special enrollment program for non-Japanese high school students who have already been studying the language. As qualifications, they list that you need to be females aged 15 - 18, and must be enrolled in a senior high school (...which you will not be). They select on the basis of an essay (either in Japanese or English) and an interview in Japanese. A recommendation from your school is needed. And I do not know what kind of visa you could have to obtain to attend a high school, and they do not mention what their course is eligible for.

I wonder - maybe enrolling in a Japanese language school is another option? Or if you are from a country where there is Working Holiday Visa agreement exists with Japan, you could come on that visa and travel in Japan, or attend a short duration Japanese language course, while finding some casual work to help with expenses.

Thanks.
I did end up speaking with both of OGSHS's directors, and they said that a gap year WAS actually possible (I just have to have my high school diploma witheld while I'm in Japan so I am TECHNICALLY enrolled in American high school, even though I will have graduated, which really isn't a problem to me.)

As for working-holiday visas, I don't believe that they're offered to Americans (I could be wrong.)

Are there any language schools you (or anyone else) can reccomend?

Thanks again!