Classic & Vintage - Help with an old Nishiki 3-speed

I picked up this bike the other day for pretty cheap, and haven't been able to find any information on it. It's a Nishiki "Villager". It has a Shimano 3 speed hub, but it's the 3s not the 333, so I know it's not too terribly old. I can't find much info on the 3s either, but it doesn't seem to be quite as hated as the 333. This one works fine now, how much longer can I expect that though?
Anyway, the bike was filthy, greasy, cobwebbed, and the tires were completely rotted out. It cleaned up pretty nice though. I haven't been able to tackle any of the corrosion yet, but it should polish up a little better with some more work. I think the Dia Comp brake pads are probably the originals, but the rubber is pretty dried up and doesn't grip the rims all that well anymore.
I was mainly wondering if anyone could help me put an age to this thing. Anyone remember them making these at all? Seems like kind of an obscure model.

I think a lot of the equipment of the handlebars, grips, brake levers, and front reflectors are exactly what were stock on my 1982 Nishiki Olympic 12 mixte. Yours look like a Giant manufactured 1984 model, but you should check Tmar's thread to be sure.

Nice looking ride. How is it?

Huh, I didn't realize Giant manufactured Nishiki bikes. This is the first bike like this that I've ridden. I feel a little goofy on it, but it's a nice comfortable ride. Taking hard corners felt a little weird with the stance that those bars give me. Overall it doesn't have much wear. The grips even feel like new. The tires and cables were really the only things that needed immediate attention, aside from a thorough cleaning.
So does that "G" at the beginning of the number on the dropout indicate that it's Giant produced? Or is that just a coincidence?

So does that "G" at the beginning of the number on the dropout indicate that it's Giant produced?

That is my understanding. See this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=390318) and post you bicycle for more info.

Huh,
Seeing your Nishiki reminds me of this. Alot of similarity and had a Manufac. by Giant.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/worldsport2002.jpg

Huh, there does appear to be some similarities in the frameset. I just can't find any others that were badged as a "Nishiki Villager".