Feeling overwhelmed about creating a character that you'll want to love and stick with? Wanting to feel amazing without being a stereotype or cliche? Look no further! Here are some helpful hints about creating your character.

Name
What's in a name? A lot! Since this RPG is set in Japan, names of Japanese origin are a must to fit in. No ideas? Try rifling through baby name sites. I like http://www.babynamesworld.com/japanese-names.html because you can search by origins. What about a surname? Same principle. http://www.gaminggeeks.org/Resources/KateMonk/Orient/Japan/Surnames.htm
You can even mix and match to reach the meaning you want. Make sure your name balances well and sounds good. You typically don't want a long given and a long surname. Another good source: Japanese game shows. You can even take names from games and anime, as long as you still make it personalized. Don't ever use the exact same name as a pre-existing character.
(ex. Rao is a character in the game 'Okami' and Iketani is the surname of a participant in the game show Sasuke/Ninja Warrior)

Age
All ages are acceptable here. HOWEVER! It is suggested to stay away from the birth to 19 age. Ages 12-19, especially, as these are extremely common. Be different!

Race Types
You can be creative here, too! Stay away from typical types, like dog or cat. Be different! Have you character build around your race rather than just jamming ears onto their head and making them a freak human. Need a source for ideas?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_legendary_creatures_in_Japanese_mythology

Physical Description
This is perhaps one of the most important things you can write. Why? It tells more than you would think about your character. Be thorough and stay away from cookie-cutter descriptions. This is the first real sample of what's happening in your brain. Watch out for thinking something looks good when it really doesn't. Like wearing all black. Try some color - and make sure your attire is era-appropriate. Tell as much as you possibly can - from eye shape down to nail conditions.

Origins
Don't be typical. There are enough my-mother-died-my-father-was-murdered-I-want-revenge stories. Don't be the orphan or the kid implausibly living on their own. You can have tragedy without over-doing it or executing it poorly.