Yeah, I use a mk1 mr2 (aw11) as a daily and it's no problem, even for grocery runs. Depends on how many friends you want to ride around though. 
Back on topic - recommendations on a "japanese car" is as broad as the day is long. You're going to get answers all over the place. If you're still learning about modifying and a maintaining cars, not to mention competition and/or performance oriented driving I'd suggest sticking with something that is:
FWD or AWD - will possibly save you and your vehicle when (not if) you make a big driving mistake. RWD is a lot of fun, but isn't required to have fun. For your first performance car, getting something that isn't likely to bite back very hard makes learning a lot less stressful. To clarify, I'm not just talking about at-the-limit track days. A simple thunderstorm can make driving to store in your turbo rwd more interesting than you want it to be. The exception to the rule are relatively low-powered rwd cars like the miata. They're so well balanced and benign that I don't think they're that much worse than a civic. You still have to be more mindful in dangerous conditions though.
Naturally Aspirated - until you learn more about engines and how to work on your own car, a used turbo can get really expensive and aggravating. I'd also suggest a marque with better than average reliability. Fortunately, most Japanese brands are pretty good. Unfortunately, Mistu isn't one of them. (Although I always liked the FTO, we never got them in the states)
A couple of cars that no-one has mentioned yet that match those criteria are the Integra and Prelude. The later Preludes are a little heavy for a fwd car imho, but have relatively torquey engines, low center of gravity, and excellent reflexes. They make better daily drivers than track cars I suppose, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The integra is lighter and is constantly used as a race car, but you gotta wring out the engine to get any real forward thrust (which I also find to be fun). You get honda reliability, high-revving engines, double-wishbone suspensions all around, and a HUGE aftermarket in both.
Also, the last Celica GTS comes to mind as well. It is very similar to the integra, but probably better stock. Less aftermarket support.
