Tanaka,

Thanks for the info. Obtaining cels provides a 
nice framework for the trip. However, visiting 
Japan and learning something about the culture 
stands on its own as a nice vacation.

Still, I don't intend to come home empty handed 
so I've started a crash course on written and 
verbal Japanese. Hopefully my wife who can read 
some Chinese can pick up the Kanji. 

For key events, I'm thinking about hiring a tour 
guide or interpreter. When things move fast, it's 
going to be hard to keep up without help. Any 
tips on finding someone to do that for a day or 
two?  

Thanks! 
Chi