"Like all players who go to Japan, one's financial security is a factor. But this stint is also about a new chapter in the lives of my family," Lowe, a father of three, explained.
"I know I'm going to a good club with good aims and good resources ... it will help my footy," Lowe said.
The Clive club player who made his Magpies debut in 2004 pointed out there is a chance the contract could turn into a five-year one but he hasn't ruled out the chance of playing for the Magpies again when he returns from the Land of the Rising Sun.
"It will depend on what condition the body is in. The game is getting faster and faster and who knows what shape I will be in in five years' time," Lowe said.
Once the Magpies' ITM Cup season ends, a major focus for Lowe, wife Celeste and children Kyan, Kalani and Kage will be learning the Japanese language.
"I think we will start by going to a Japanese restaurant and learning what's on the menu," he quipped.
He is looking forward to the five-month break from rugby to freshen up and make sure his body is in top shape before travelling to Japan.
A Hurricane since 2009, Lowe, hasn't had an off-season since the summer of 2007.
Lowe has recovered from his hamstring injury and will start at No8 tonight. He agreed the battle of the Magpies' loose forward trio which also includes captain Mike Coman and fellow flanker Brendon O'Connor against the Lions trio of captain and No8 Victor Vito, Ardie Savea and Brad Shields, will play a major part in the game's outcome.
"They are the form trio in the Premiership. It will be a challenge but we can match them," Lowe added.
At the other end of the Magpies experience scale Havelock North winger Mikey Vuicakau, 26, will make his ITM Cup debut against the Lions. As part of Magpies head coach Craig Philpott's shuffle of the outside backs, Vuicakau replaces Zac Guildford on the left wing and Guildford replaces Trinity Spooner-Neera at fullback.
"We need to look at our wing options in the build-up to the semifinals and a possible final. We've seen what Trinity can do and now Mikey has the opportunity to show us what he can do at this level," Philpott said.
Philpott was thrilled with the intensity his troops displayed at Monday's and Tuesday's training sessions. He said they were eager and refreshed after having Saturday and Sunday off and during their break several of the squad went hunting and others played golf at Cape Kidnappers.
Yesterday the Magpies had their Captain's Run in the morning and attended the funeral of former Magpies halfback, Graham Weber, the father of Magpies manager Neil Weber, in the afternoon.
Wellington winger Alapati Leiua will make his 50th first-class appearance for the Lions. Former Magpies fullback Cory Jane will make his first starting XV appearance of the season for the visitors.
