Of course it helps to have a Japanese guide to help navigate through all the different types of eating establishments and menues you will come across in Japan, but it is not absolutely necessary for one reason: Plastic food.
The Japanese are big on pictures and faux food, and many places–from the most expensive to the most informal–will usually have a visual rendition of what is available on the menu. This feature, of course, makes ordering a snap as you can point to whatever it is you want. I got a big kick out of the plastic food items displayed outside of restuarants, and I thought you might too!
ebi (shrimp with panko breadcrumbs)
"stewed guts" (I guess that would be intestines or tripe)
Of course, some places, like this restaurant in Osaka, where the specialty is crabs, are into overstatement.
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Paneer
I kind of miss Japanese “curry rice.” I used to eat the packaged stuff when I lived there – and while it wasn’t like fine Thai curry or Singalese Roasted curry powder – I miss the taste.
Did you get any quality restaurant “kari riesu” – curry rice?
If you are looking for an online shop that sells [Made in Japan] fake food related items in English and ships all over the world, you may want to check out Fake Food Japan: http://fakefoodjapan.com/
All the best.