Like most maples, a Japanese Maple is somewhat adaptable but grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile soils.
It grows well as an understory tree, tolerating fairly dense shade. I have many Japanese Maples and i have more or less left them to do wat they like. When i have a new one i make sure it is well watered and give it some fertiliser for the first few months of its transplant. The only care i give the older ones is a little prunning at the end of every growing season. I hope it stays alive, they are my favourite tree.