Seeking a good tandem

[Sapporobicycle]

I have bought one of the Caddie Up tandem bicycles from the seller on e-bay that has been mentioned on this forum. Some members have said that it can be a good bike if one spends the time, money (and has the knowledge) to replace parts and fix it up. I guess it is a 'people and attitudes' thing, but I have found it to be a really lacking, and would like to buy more of a quality item. Now having said that, I have seem even mountain bikes selling for $8,000 dollars, so while I want a good, safe and reliable tandem, I don't need the top of the line. When I bought my mountian bike I spent what I felt was a lot at $1,300 to by Schwinn bike, and am really happy with it. I might mention that I am in Sapporo, Japan.
So, to get to my question: I seek advice on what make, model, etc. tandem I should be looking to buy. Thank you :)

[zonatandem]

Road tandem: Burley Rumba 700C wheels, drop bars, STI @ $1900
Mt. Bike tandem/fat tires/ 26" wheels : Burley Samba @ $1600
Lifetime warranty on frame/fork to original buyer.

[TandemGeek]

So, to get to my question: I seek advice on what make, model, etc. tandem I should be looking to buy.

What's the most you're willing / able to spend on this purchase?

What brands do you have access to in Japan and/or what brands do you have a preference for, if any?

What type of riding do you plan to do on your tandem? Road riding (Note: I think there's actually a law in Japan that essentially makes riding a tandem bicycle illegal), hard-packed trails, light off-road, or...???

How much do you and whomever you will be riding with weigh as a total, e.g., you = 150lbs + they = 120lbs means you have a team weight of 270lbs.

Are their any barriers (freight charges, duty, logistics, etc...) with regard to making a purchase outside of Japan and having it shipped to you in Sapporo?

[zonatandem]

Ohio gazaimas! Had not noticed you were located in Sapporo.
Fuji makes a couple of tandem models; there'd be no import duties on those.