Well, warranty is really important IMO when buying a new computer, so there I would buy a Japanese one. Glare screens are really annoying, and I agree the Thinkpad is not the best looking laptop I've ever seen (looks like one of our old IBM laptops - great computer, hideous design!)
I guess I'd go for one with a glare screen, and then maybe invest in an anti-glare filter, even though it might be more expensive you'll end up satisfied and buying a new laptop is such a big deal I'd say it's worth the investment ;)

Ise is such a pretty place! I picked up a travel brochure on Ise last year while at a Japanese travel fair in Singapore, and so I'll be going there when I'm in Kansai :)