On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:49:31 -0500, (J T)
wrote:

Mon, Feb 19, 2007, 4:22pm (EST+5) (KaiS.) doth claimeth:
As for the language barrier, three words went a long way when I was
there 20 years ago. "Domo origato" = Thank you very much. (or "domo" for
"thanks") but formal is better. "Doy tosha mo-sho" is "you're welcome".
I have forgotten what "please" was (Google it maybe). But if you can
master those, the Japanese are a very polite society and simple courtesy
will serve you well.

Uh, those are phrases, not words. And, you're wrong.

The three most important things to learn first in any foreign
language a
Please, thank you, and "where's the batchroom", not necessarily in that
order. It's only after you get those three down pat do you concentrate
on how to order beer.

"Airport", "railroad station", or "docks" are also important depending
on how you plan to get home.