@ Thomas
:P
You've never been to the places I've been to in the states. My favorite sushi bars put Sapporo ones to shame on the average.

@ Italian food in Japan.
True the Japanese have Japanized it but I'd say on the average Italian food is more "Italy" Italian than restaruants in the Sates which are a "New York" Italian in flavor.

I like "New York" style better though since I'm a tomato flavor nut.