As you may know, it is not possible to activate a certain game that requires Steam over Japanese IP addresses. However, it is possible to activate that game on servers outside of Japan. To do this a VPN is required. Hence my following question.
Can someone explain in fairly simply terms how to use Amazon's EC2 service to run Steam from a US based instance? I know it's possible, I just don't know how to set it up.
So GOG community network wizards/sys ops dudes, can you offer any help in return for shiny rep?

I predict Ralackk is busy reading up on networking right now.

I can't help with the Amazon one, but you could try Hotspot Shield and Ultrasurf if you haven't already.

Lats time I tired HS, it only worked with browsers, not the Steam client. That was several months ago though, has this now changed? If not, I'd prefer help with EC2 as it's relatively cheap to purchase usage in terms of actual use as opposed to monthly fees imposed by other solutions.

Tor works for activation purposes.
http://thetrappings.co.uk/2009/10/circumventing-localised-online-stores-using-the-tor-network/

Had to view that information via Google's cache as the website is not responding. The information in the cache only seems pertinent to a web browser, however I need something that works with the Steam client -- it's in the client that Valve are IP blocking so even if said game is purchased from the UK using that workaround, it still won't activate.
Can you or anyone else confirm that Tor can actually work with the Steam client proper before I spend time on the process of setting it up?

These are instructions for getting the steam client working in tor.
I haven't actually tried this, so I can't confirm that it works.

Well I'll give it a try when said game arrives, but in the meantime, I'd still be grateful for other suggestions too. Remember, I only need to worry about activating the darn thing, purchasing it has already been taken care of. And while the company I purchased it from offer to activate the game (they use EC2 to do so) I really don't feel comfortable giving them my Steam account details for them to do so and I don't want to register this game to a new account.

You would be wrong then I was sleeping. I'm also not very good at networking I have enough trouble trying to figure out hamachi, I do have a couple of other ideas though.
I haven't really looked into it but couldn't you run steam through a proxy? or do you have any friends in different countrys you trust enough to access your steam account and activate the game for you?

I haven't really looked into it but couldn't you run steam through a proxy?
Well the only proxies I know of are strictly for browsers, that's why I figure a full blown VPN is needed but knowledge of those is zilch.
or do you have any friends in different countrys you trust enough to access your steam account and activate the game for you?
I don't trust anyone that much with my Steam account, a few too many games on it >_>.

I stake my reputation as a GOGer.

You might also want to consider a VPN service like Ivacy. You can connect to network nodes in Russia, UK or the US, and it's very easy to set up. You have a choice between using the Ivacy VPN management software or just using the Windows' built-in network functionality. It's a paid service but the first 100 megabytes of traffic are free, which should be plenty for your purposes.
(No, I don't work for them...)

there's a bunch of other programs/sites like that. your-freedom.net has a low speed free option as well as higher speed pay options, I've also heard witopia.net is good, but they do not have a free service and you have to pay a yearly fee (like $50 for the year), but there is a 30 day money back guarantee

Well I installed Tor, set it up following the directions from the first link given, and well, after connecting to the Tor network.. nothing. Neither the Steam client nor any browser is even being affected by Tor.
Okay, I got the browser working but only with the Tor Button Firefox plugin. Still can't get the Steam client to work. Sockscap just crashes Steam so I'm trying ProxyCap. Obviously must have the settings wrong =/

Actually that service seemed pretty interesting, I often need to connect through US proxies for a short amount of time and their 0.74$ per 1 GB seems a pretty good deal for a casual user like me. I would like to try the speed though and I can't seem to find the free 100MB promo anywhere.
Also, the fact that they charge you a minimum of 15$ worth of traffic sucks... hard..