Lost in Translation in Japan
I don't know how many people have ever seen this Bill Murray movie, but a lot of it exemplifies the typical Japanese language experience for foreigners.
Here's the vexing thing about the Japanese people. They all studied English in junior high and high school (it's mandatory), but very few of them ever dare speak it. Even some of the English teachers that the schools cannot speak conversational English so you're left with Japanglish. Yet, ironically, everyone can read English and more or less understand English letters and words, but if you're thinking that just because a restaurant has items in English, you can also order in English, then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.
My best advice is point to pictures/items on the menu that you want and always carry a little conversation/translation book with you at all times. It will be the best investment you can make for your trip to Japan.
