All good advice. Go through and clean all your connections as well as checking the battery first. I have always been amazed how easy it is to bring old parts back to life with just a good cleaning.

The Bosch starters are very reliable and easy to repair if needed. I have achieved decades of service from them. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, and have a good repair manual like a Haynes or factory Volvo (I have found Chilton's manuals are excellent for absorbing oil drips and such) you shouldn't have a difficult time taking it apart, inspecting it, cleaning it and putting it back together. They are quite simple. And besides, if it isn't working now, what have you got to loose trying to fix it. There are plenty others out there if your repair doesn't work out.

Can't think of any "Japanese" replacement and frankly would be hard pressed to consider one.
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'86 745T 140K, '72 144E 236K, '70 145S 128K, '68 220S 96K, '60 544 ?K