Sunday, November 20, 2011

I'm visiting Japan next month.......... will they appreciate me?

Question:


i know many words, phrases, and the greeting in japanese, i love japan and it's culture, thought i'm just visiting, well i'm planing to................. just to visit the country.. will they like me?

Answer:


They will be quite polite and respectful to you. Even going out of their way to help you if you need it.
But appreciate you? If you mean treat you like a rock star or something, some might to a point. Otherwise, what did you do for them to appreciate you so much?

Has anyone heard of an actual onsen similar to the manga koibana onsen?

Question:


my boyfriend and i have been reading koibana onsen together for a while and i got to wondering if there were places that actually existed similar to koibana. i've seen that there are onsens, but not strictly for couples. most are public and family baths. please tell me there are and where?

Answer:


There are many onsen for couples in Japan. But information is usually written in Japanese.

This is one.
http://futari-biyori.com/

What are some polite women's manners in japan?

Question:


are there any small, cute things that women can do in japan to show feminism and manners?

im going to see my cousin stationed over seas along with sight seeing and i really want to show proper lady like manners

Answer:


There are no polite women in Japan any more.
Deplorable!
I do believe "politeness" is a universal manner for both men and women.

How to patch Phantasmagoria of Flower View (Touhou)?

Question:


I have the English Patch. I have the Japanese game. I don't know how to get the patch to work. I need VERY DETAILD instructions on how to get the game in English. I don't understand the included "read me" even though I did my best to follow what it said.

Answer:


I think it's better to ask this on Video Game section.

This question has nothing to do with Japan except that this game was created in Japan.

What is the punishment for petty theft (ditching taxi fare of $50) in Japan?

Question:




Answer:


If you're not Japanese, you would be deported.

Being stationed in yokosuka japan, i need a cell phone.?

Question:


Well im in the navy and im being stationed in yokosuka japan in january and i want a cell phone where i still can stay in touch with family and friends does japan cell services offer any good plans? Im from the us and i am in the us navy

Answer:


Japanese cell phones and service is spectacular, but, you will find your best option will actially be to use Skype on WiFi service, say by using a Ipod Touch! You can call homewith one of these baby's for free!

Astrobuf

Suggest Japanese Christmas songs?

Question:


I'm going to make a Japanese Christmas CD for my work (Daiso Japan). I need some suggestions!

Answer:


I only could think of one suggestion: "White X'mas" by KAT-TUN. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nks4nB2Fb…

Can i buy Cigarettes in japan as a foreigner without a TASPO card? or if not how do i obtain one?

Question:


I am going to live in japan ( fukuoka city) for 2 years as a student and will atend a university. I am 20 years old, aand would like to know if i would be able to or not, thanks

Answer:


TASPO is only for vending machines. You can buy cigarettes in stores, if you have photo ID. with you.
You could get your TASPO if you had Japanese adress and got formal 外国人登録証明, "Alien Registration Card."

How do I find a masonry job in japan?

Question:




Answer:


Brian, I don't think that will be possible. Japan isn't like the US, they have very strict laws when it comes to working there.
In most cases, you need a BA / BS degree to qualify for a work visa. Plus a job offer before you get there.
Other problems are you would need native level Japanese to do this kind of work. That not only means speaking, but reading & writing as well. In Japan, if a Japanese can do the job, they will always be hired first.
Sorry..

Japanese Fashion Help for beginners?

Question:


I want to start the japanese fashion called Decora. Could someone please give me a few tips on begginning the style? Thanks!

Answer:


Try the web site below. Not sure if it will help.

Are some of the weird Dorito flavors you hear about sold in alot of places in Japan?

Question:




Answer:


They're not popular, but some of the more specialized super markets have them. I live near an apple sanshou that has dorritos. But there are a lot of other chips that have strange flavors (bbq sweet potato, mayonnaise and tuna, etc) It's not just limited to dorritos

I don't like fish. How easy will it be to find non seafood if I go to Japan?

Question:




Answer:


Contrary to popular believe, there is a lot more to Japanese food then just fish and sea food. There's a lot of non fish/non seafood dishes to Japanese cuisine. Beef, pork and chicken are also popular in Japanese dishes (especially beef dishes). Notwithstanding in an international place like Tokyo, you will find many many selections of items from all around the world.

How much does it cost to ship a car from japan to NZ?

Question:




Answer:


Honey! I am a Yahoo Answers helper on Travel and NZ is abbreviated to a lot of places, but I guess you are talking about New Zealand, but it depends what car

Small Car = 700 - 850 Dollars
Medium Car = 850 - 915 Dollars
Large Car = 100 - 230 (it is less because- it is complicated- air pressure reasons, and science reasons)

but it depends what company...

What American food products are also sold in Japan?

Question:


My friend is a Marine now living in Japan, and I'd like to send a package for Christmas and include some snacks from back home. The thing is, I don't want to send things he could just buy from a grocery store in Japan. What would be some good things only sold in here?

Answer:


MICCY D's!!! lol

Could you translate this to Japanese for me?

Question:


So, lately, I've been wondering...
Who will be there to take my place?
When I am gone, you'll need love, to light the shadows that will come on your face.
If a greater wave shall fall,
it will fall upon us all.
And as your stuck between the sand and stone,
can you make it on your own?

Answer:


最近、思うんだよ、俺。
誰が俺の代わりに なりうるかって。。
俺が去っても、君には愛情が必要だ。君の沈んだ顔を明るくすようにね。Edited
大きな波が押し寄せたとしよう。
俺たちも 皆、波に飲まれる。
そしたら、君は 砂や石の間で身動きが取れなくなるだろう。
ね、君は一人で大丈夫なの? Edited

Could you translate this to Japanese for me?

Question:


So, lately, I've been wondering...
Who will be there to take my place?
When I am gone, you'll need love, to light the shadows that will come on your face.
If a greater wave shall fall,
it will fall upon us all.
And as your stuck between the sand and stone,
can you make it on your own?

Answer:


最近、思うんだよ、俺。
誰が俺の代わりに なりうるかって。。
俺が去っても、君には愛情が必要だ。君の沈んだ顔を明るくすようにね。Edited
大きな波が押し寄せたとしよう。
俺たちも 皆、波に飲まれる。
そしたら、君は 砂や石の間で身動きが取れなくなるだろう。
ね、君は一人で大丈夫なの? Edited

Can you become fluent in a language you're not immersed in?

Question:


Is it possible to become fluent in Japanese while I live in America and am constantly surrounded by English? My mother said it'd be extremely hard to do so and I'm wondering how long it usually takes. I'm very dedicated to learning the language, but that can only go so far and since I'm learning independently (next to impossible to find a native speaker/teacher where I live) I'm wondering if it's possible and if so how long it might take. It's not like I'm in too much of a hurry to become fluent, but it's one of my goals.

Answer:


It'll take some time, and a lot of study and dedication, but it can ultimately be achieved in the long run. I'd say it depends on your methods of learning, how often you study, and your resources. Teaching yourself makes it much harder, but it is possible with the right materials. I personally speak my native Korean, English as my second language, and I'm learning Japanese predominately on my own with the exception of a class I take on Saturday afternoons. There are many people on YouTube who speak great Japanese and either don't live in Japan or didn't originally. Have you watched videos by Ryuzaki1311? She speaks Japanese almost fluently and she doesn't even live in Japan, and she's only been learning for about 3-4 years at most. Kemushican and Ciaela are also pretty fluent in their Japanese, but I think they live in Japan now. Trust me, Japanese is a bit easy after you learn basic concepts like the phonetics, kana, and sentence structure. Although things like Kanji and grammar can be difficult at times, it can be very fun and easy to learn depending on what you do and how. I use a mix of internet resources, books, apps, online learning games, YouTube videos, my class, and library resources for help. I hope this helps. Gambatte!

Why did Japan surrender in 1945?

Question:


I really want to know. Thanks!

Answer:


The surrender of Japan in 1945 brought hostilities of World War II to a close. By the end of July 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy was incapable of conducting operations and an Allied invasion of Japan was imminent. While publicly stating their intent to fight on to the bitter end, Japan's leaders at the Supreme Council for the Direction of the War (the "Big Six") were privately making entreaties to the neutral Soviet Union, to mediate peace on terms favorable to the Japanese. The Soviets, meanwhile, were preparing to attack the Japanese, in fulfillment of their promises to the Americans and the British made at the Tehran and Yalta Conferences.
On August 6, the Americans dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Late in the evening of August 8, in accordance with Yalta agreements but in violation of the Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, and soon after midnight on August 9, it invaded the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo. Later that day the Americans dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The combined shock of these events caused Emperor Hirohito to intervene and order the Big Six to accept the terms for ending the war that the Allies had set down in the Potsdam Declaration. After several more days of behind-the-scenes negotiations and a failed coup d'état, Hirohito gave a recorded radio address to the nation on August 15. In the radio address, called the Gyokuon-hōsō ("Jewel Voice Broadcast"), he announced the surrender of Japan.
On August 28, the occupation of Japan by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers began. The surrender ceremony was held on September 2 aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri, at which officials from the Japanese government signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II. Allied civilians and servicemen alike celebrated V-J Day, the end of the war; however, some isolated soldiers and personnel from Japan's far-flung forces throughout Asia and the Pacific islands refused to surrender for months and years after, some into the 1970s. Since Japan's surrender, historians have debated the ethics of using the atomic bombs.
The state of war between Japan and the United States formally ended when the Treaty of San Francisco came into force on April 28, 1952. Four more years passed before Japan and the Soviet Union formally made peace.

Read A Lot More from my manager: no1knowsmypass@yahoo.com - You have 1% chance of her to link you to my email or 1% chance for her to respond but if you tell her your name she'll know if I answered your questions or not THEN you'll get more information. :)

How do you meet Japanese celebrities in Japan?

Question:


Is there some kind of fan club people follow to find out where their favorite idol is at? Is it rare to find celebrities in Japan? I want to meet Mao Inoue so bad, she's such a great actor ~__~

Also do Japanese/Korean groups hold a lot of concerts in Japan?

Answer:


Most Japanese performers have fan clubs in Japan. Some fan clubs do have face-to-face members-only events with the performer. However, joining a fan club can be difficult (or just plain impossible) for a foreigner, not to mention expensive. Depending on the rules of the fan club, members can be expected to perform certain duties (i.e. buy x-amount of performer's merchandise, stand "guard" during life appearances, buy fan club's merchandise), which can make membership a bit bothersome.

Seeing a celebrity in Japan is just like seeing a celebrity anywhere else; unlikely to happen, but not totally impossible. Though I'm kind of doubtful that Japanese fans (fan club members or otherwise) keep tabs on their idols every move.

To find out whether or not Mao Inoue has a recognized fan cub, I'd suggest checking out some of her fan sites and maybe chatting with more experienced fans who might know about such things.

The frequency of concerts for musicians varies, just like anywhere else. In some genres, like visual kei, bands can hold large events that can include dozens of bands in one night. In the case of live performances, fan clubs always have first dibs on tickets.

Can someone explain and break this down for me?

Question:


1)Kirakira to kagayaku miraa
2)Watashi wa donna fuu ni utsutteiru no?
3)Horahora to te maneku mirai
What I've gotten:
1) Shining brilliantly in the mirror(?)
2)I wonder what has shifted in the wind (???)
3) Look! Look! The future waves it's hand at us.
I found out the meaning of the words and tried to translate it but, as you can tell, I don't think I translated it correctly. These sentences are supposed to be lyrics in a song, but it sound completely incoherent (mirror->the wind->the future). I'd greatly appreciate the help if anyone could help and break the sentences apart and explain them to me :)
ありがとうございます:D

Answer:


1. Brilliantly shinning mirror.
2.How do I look? ( in the mirror) fuu is not wind in this case, i.e, kou iu fuu ni shite こういうふうにして- Do it like this. More direct translation is: How do I look like reflected in the mirror? like = fuu
Utsutteiru means reflected
3.Look, look, future is inviting me.
te maneku is one word temaneku - hand invite, inviting hand gesture

As is the case in English lyrics, Japanese lylics are not exactly like science. You have to follow by feelings not by logic. Hope that helps.

Which candy is better? Japanese or Korean and WHY?

Question:




Answer:


I prefer Japanese as the quality and taste seem to be better, but Korean candy is usually a lot cheaper.

Can you help me figure out what to do in my Japanese learning game called "Japanese Virus"?

Question:


No, it's not a virus, it's about a Japanese space station that gets a virus. (you can see the game here- http://www1.curriculum.edu.au/nalsas/exp… It teaches you Japanese, but the only problem is is that you have to guess what to say. So I'm really stuck at this part when the robot says that (in japanese) he's lost his planets after the meteor shower (like hanging planets on the ceiling not actual planets) and he wants me to find them. So I need to tell him where it is, but the only problem is is that I don't know how to tell him that Jupiter (mokusai) is. First of all, I'm sure I could tell him where it is (although the location is as bit confusing to describe) but I wanted to test an easier one first. you see, if you say something that is incorrect grammar-wise then it won't let you say it, but if you say something that just tells him incorrectly where the planet is then you'll just get it wrong. So one planet which english name I don't know the name of is すいさい and it is on top of the table. I want to say this using my choice of words- テーブルの, すいさい, うえ,です and いすの (not sure what that means so I put that in there). How would I make this sentence out of this so that it is grammatically correct? thanks :)

Answer:


I think you better tell us what you really want to say. It's not clear from your question.

Addition:
It's すいせい. Not すいさい. And it's Mercury in English.

Just say テーブルのうえです for "on the table"

Lakeland, Florida best place to take japanese classes?

Question:


I'm learning japanese online in 123japanese.com. But i feel like it's not going to work teaching myself japanese. This sound silly but I asked my mom if I could get Japanese classes for my Christmas present and she said yes. Is there any japanese tutoring classes in Lakeland, Florida? Thanks:)

Answer:


I'm glad you will be taking classes as they are the best way to learn Japanese and not a website.

Websites are not always the best way to learn Japanese. Most websites are run by people with no teaching credentials and are not even native speakers of Japanese. Some of them are just interested in making money and not in helping you in what you need to be successful in learning Japanese.

The best way to learn Japanese is by taking a class, enrolling in a course or investing in a good textbook. If you can't take classes then the self-study method with the correct resources is a good way.

How to Learn Japanese
http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/2010…

Is there any japanese tutering in Lakeland, Florida?

Question:


I'm learning japanese online in 123japanese.com. I know basic stuff. But I feel like it's not going to work teaching myself japanese. This sounds silly but I asked my mom if I can get the japanese course/class tutering for my Christmas present. And she said yes. Is there any japanese tutering in Lakeland, Florida? Thank you:))))

Answer:


I think it's better to ask this on Florida (Or Miami section because there is no "Florida" on Y!A) section. You can ask people in Florida.

Can I go college in Japan without knowing Japanese?

Question:


I want to finish high school and then go to college in Japan but the thing it that I don't know Japanese so is there a college in Japan that teaches Japanese and other subjects and is there dorms school there too because I don't have any relatives??

Answer:


You would have to learn Japanese elsewhere before going to college in Japan itself... I did a year abroad as part of my degree (French and Japanese) and was in a Japanese university from March - August last year.

I absolutely loved it and am still in touch with people from there. Almost all Japanese universities have a hall of residence (Dorm), as far as I know.

However, ALL the classes will be taught in Japanese, unless you end up taking a bilingual class of some kind.

One thing I will say is that learning French in Japanese, while a much slower progress than I was used to and at an easier level than I took in my native UK, really helped me understand both French and English a lot better.

I need six facts about the 1792 tsunami in japan?

Question:




Answer:


You can check Wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1792_Unzen_…

Who are some of the most influential people in Japan?

Question:




Answer:


Government officials. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda

Can I live in Japan without knowing Japanese?

Question:


Can I go to college in Japan without knowing Japanese??? Or do I have to learn Japanese first and then go??? What do I have to do??? I don't have any relatives over there and I'm going alone so can I live there and would I earn enough by working part-time???

Answer:


You can get by, but it would be better learning some Japanese before heading over. A lot of people in major cities and tourist areas can speak and understand basic English. Big cities like Tokyo have lots of signs in English and most tourist can get around without too much difficulty. I would always recommend learning some Japanese as this will make your experience more enjoyable and a little bit easier.

How would you say in Japanese...?

Question:


"Who will be there to take my place?"

Like if you were talking to someone you love and you were leaving faraway.

Answer:


私の代わりになるのは誰?
watashi no kawari ni narunowa dare?

In Japan Do You get To choose your classes in school?

Question:


having thoughts about going to japan in last year of high school, and if i do go to a high school there i wouldn't wanna attend to any class other then japanese language class, my sister who studied in china only studied chinese language and graduated so that should be possible in japan too right?

Answer:


All classes like math, history are in Japanese at a Japanese high school.

You are supposed to finish learning Japanese, like 2000 kanji, before joining a high school. And you will learn more advanced Japanese at high school.

So the answer is NO. You can't finish a high school only with Japanese classes.

There are some electives. But many classes, like math, history, are compulsory.

Could you graduate high school ,again?

Question:


I live in mongolia and this year I'm going to be 17 when i graduate high school,
Now the thing is I still don't know what to do with my life, so i figured i can study abroad, get to know myself better and most of all have some more teenage fun before college, the place i have in mind is japan, so as i asked, will japanese high schools or japanese language schools take a 17 year old? and do you get to choose your own classes like in america? and most of all how are the people in japan? what are their attitudes like? and learning japanese is no problem

Answer:


I'd say not a chance. Where are you going to live ? And who is going to pay for it all ?

Best website to order Japanese food online?

Question:


I live in a small town with very few items to choose from. We have a Walmart and an HEB grocery and both of the Asian aisles are frankly quite disgraceful.

I need a site that is reliable and fairly priced to order Japanese food from.

Anyone have a good recommendation?

Answer:


http://www.marukaiestore.com

I'm from Japan and I have been to different websites to purchase Japanese food.
This one is the best!!!

Why does it take longer to ship from Japan To U.S than flying?

Question:


Well Im waiting for a shipment from Japan and I was wondering how long will it take for the shipment to come. Japan to Texas. Also it's probably longer than a person flying from Japan To Texas and why is that? TYVM IF YOU ANSWER!

Answer:


A week to ten days is common. A person is under his / own power. They walk on / off the plane. A package has to be processed in the country before it leaves, and then again in the country it arrives to. That and thousands of other packages that arrive with it.

In japan (first name) is family name and last name Is your name right?

Question:


example take from koda kumi .

koda is family her name and kumi is her name. right ??? (i don know)

if someone (like friend , family ,sister ,brother ,co-worker ,fan ) who call her name, the people must

say what first or last name??? and it necessary must put -chan -kun -san ....???

and why sometimes koda kumi and sometimes kumi koda????

(sorry if my english is bad)

Answer:


>koda is family her name and kumi is her name. right ??? (i don know)

Yes, you are right.

>if someone (like friend , family ,sister ,brother ,co-worker ,fan ) who call her name, the people must
say what first or last name???

First (family) name is used mostly. Only close friends or families use the given name.

How to get my mom to let me go to Japan?

Question:


(I'm in high school and im 16)

She said that I cant go one summer because its dangerous and she not going to pay for me to go by myself and a friend, even if its are senior year. She said that I could go when im a adult and out of high school (because ill be 18 and a adult obviously) but shes not helping paying.

One of the reason she said I couldnt go was because I didnt know the language. But I told her I was going to take Japanese 1 and 2 (in high school) and she said it wouldnt help or something I forget.

Another reason she said was because some people dont come back because they get sold in sex slavery stuff. And I told that wouldnt happen and she said it just did with some girl in some other country (I forget what country). And I was like that not going to happen and she just said it happens all the time. So I just said what ever.

She said I could do this one program (where they take you to Japan and other countrys), but I told her it would ruin the experience and that I just want to go on a 2 week vacation with my friend (we live in different states now) so she ok then start saving and go when your a adult. But I dont want to have to save up $4000 just for a 2 week trip especially since ill just be getting out of high school and wont have that much money and will be need almost every penny.

What should I do? Should I start saving, is it really worth it? Should I just say fxck it and move on?

Answer:


At 16, you just can't go there unless it's under some kind of program. You would have to have written
parental approval and have an adult meet you at the airport when you got there. There's no exceptions to this.
Tell mum Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. "Sex slave " ? Highly unlikely. Mom needs to learn a little about Japan !
Guess the best plan is for you to wait til you're 18 and can pay your own way.

Why are Japanese food so popular among the world?

Question:


Well, maybe 'world' isn't a good world to describe it. I just feel that Japanese food is known by many people and I wonder why. In my country I always see Japanese food in franchise though my country has nothing much related to the Japanese.

I mean like, ask people what is 'sushi' or 'sashimi' or 'ramen' and most would know. Ask people what is 'taco' or 'escargots' and I'm sure less know of it, than those who know Japanese food. I'm not judging or insulting Japanese culture, I'm just curious why they are so popular. Some people can know more Japanese food than their own culture's cuisine.

Answer:


Japanese food is popular around the world because it taste so good and is usually really healthy. A lot of people also really like the amazing presentation and detail that goes into every dish.

What are some town/cities names in Japan and Korea?

Question:


I'm writing a book and I would like to have some part set in Japan and Korea. I know Tokyo, Icheon, Boseong, Dam yang, Gurim, Andong, Tongyeong, and Seoul. Im looking for towns that have at least one or two of the following features in or near the town (2-3 hour drive away at most)
here's the list:
a high school/Senior school
restaurant
hotels
beach
mall (doesn't have to be big)
club ( 2 or more)

If you could please list the names for the school, club, mall and restaurant it would be a great help. Thanks!

Answer:


misawa
shichinohe
sapporo
daegu
sendai

Translate this to Japanese please?

Question:


"The only time antagonizers win is when you let them change who you are"

Answer:


antagonizers が勝つ唯一の時はあなたが(彼・それ)らにありのままのあなたを変えさせる時です

Will being a fair skinned blonde in Japan be socially awkward?

Question:


I have to complete my 4th year of University in japan.
But i'm blonde, very pale skin and blue-ish eyes. I heard that foreigners are still not very accepted in japan and I know I'll probably stand out like a sore thumb
I am very short so maybe that will help lol

my question is will I get treated like the plague?
I know a lot has changed in japan over the years but I'm so pale in every way and totally have a thing for Japanese boys (a small part in the reason I chose to study Japanese rather than another language)
I don't want to be unapproachable, since I've always been the approached in dating situations, even with female friends. will I struggle in Japan socially?

Answer:


"Not accepted" is not true. But you will stand out somehow because you look so differently from other Japanese.

>since I've always been the approached in dating situations

Don't expect Japanese guys to approach you so much. Japanese guys do not ask girls out as often as Western guys do as others are saying. But no one here knows after all. We don't know how you look like.


BTW, many students finish their necessary classes by the end of 3rd year at college. So not many go to campuses in the 4th year in Japanese colleges.

Is it ok to bring canned chicken and fish into Japan?

Question:


Looking for some clarification on this....is ok to bring store-bought cans of chicken (white breast meat) and fish (like salmon and tuna) through Japanese customs. I know you can't bring anything related to beef or pork, and in some cases poultry, but is it ok if the poultry (and fish) is canned and for personal consumption? If so, can i do so without having to declare it? Thanks

Answer:


I think you can bring it. Ask Japanese Customs for certainty.
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.h…

Fukuoka School of Music?!?!?

Question:


I want to know more about the Fukuoka School of Music.
Here is their site:
www(dot)fsm(dot)ac(dot)jp
But its all in Japanese and I'm not fluent.. So yeah..
I want to know more about the courses, the fee and the study program..
I hope someone can translate it/explain it for me :)
thank you~

Answer:


If you don't have native level Japanese, you will be unable to attend this school.
EDIT: Do you know how long it takes to reach native level Japanese ? You have to read & write as well. It takes some 2,000 kanji just to be able to read a newspaper.
Now think about it, please !

Do I have to be completely fluent in Japanese to take a Vacation to Japan, or just basic phrases?

Question:




Answer:


No you can know zero Japanese and still visit Japan. Now of course knowing Japanese can help, even basic Japanese.

Most train station signs and displays are translated into English, so the actual process of getting around the major of Japan is pretty easy. If you do research before hand and research the places you want to see and how to get there, then getting around again isn't that hard.

Example English translated display on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/herrolm/273…

Things like ordering food etc become a little more complicated, but knowing basic Japanese can help, that and a lot of body language and pointing at pictures etc helps.

But no you don't need to be completely fluent to visit Japan. I've had friends who speak no Japanese come and visit and enjoyed their time.