Yes, I started playing FFXIV back in 2011 with 1.0, a lot has changed since ARR, so consider my coming back as I'm a newb to ARR.

While I get around quite well, it isn't very clear to me if I am allowed to create a character and play on worlds from data-centers not for my region.

For example: I like Japan very much, as I do like FFXIV very much. Of course I would like to make friends with Japanese people through this MMO like I could in 1.0, but since the data-center implementation I am not sure if I am allowed to.

Can someone clear this up for me?