Wow! Just wow! Hope that helps! Yes, it does indeed. And just by reading your reply I can hardly wait to head off to Japan. One of the good things is that

Wow! Just wow! Hope that helps! Yes, it does indeed. And just by reading your reply I can hardly wait to head off to Japan. One of the good things is that I eat essentially everything, absolutely love Japanese cuisine (it's part of the reason for the trip) and don't mind ordering the Menu Surprise, because I anyway don't have a damn clue what I order :) While I'm aware of some of the cultural dos and don'ts (like never, ever lose it, no matter what, not ever!) your reply is a trove of really useful advise. Like "Oishii!" to indicate happyness (which I will experience in all likeliness, so there's nothing phony about it) or to never, ever ask for a substitute in a restaurant. While I probably wouldn't have done that anyway it's really good advise. The primer in quick, useful Japanese is also fantastic. To cut to the tempura: I just PDF'd your reply and will keep it handy as a travel resource, while in Japan. I can't thank you enough for taking the time and putting that up. It would be great if other Japan visitors stumble over it and find it useful. I know that I do. Thank you so much!