I want to move to Japan to work and study it's culture. The line of work I want to begin is manga-ka. But I have enough trouble getting a job in the States, my art is so-so, and the only way I can see myself actually getting there is by teaching English. I'm at a loss of what to do in my life, but I'm not even phased. Heh.

First thing: look up job opportunities like teaching english in japan. There are programs for it in China, so its not a stretch to think that the same thing would happen in Japan. But you should leave you current living conditions unless you can ensure that you have a way to pay for expenses in your new living situation.
Next, look into immigration stuff like VISAs passports and other stuff you would actually be using to travel and stay in a foreign country. Those are important, if you don't have them then you may be deported back to your country of origin, and when you are deported from a country you cant ever go back there.
After that, find some friends in your new place of residence. It may help to know people from the area, whether foreign or local.