Need a little acculturation as far as Japanese food and drinks are concerned, help is here.
British site Eat Japan offers a Japanese Food Glossary neatly organized in categories from Alcoholic Drinks to Beverages and Tea to Condiments, Soy Products and Sea Vegetables.
Read it in small doses so you don't get an indigestion.
In addition visit The Food of Japan by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture which offers everything from recipes to videos and insight on Umami ingredients.
(* illustration from Food of Japan site)
Getting a Food Education for Tokyo Thursdays # 135
Previously: j Cation for a Day, Taste Japan from Bento Boxes to Dream Pop by Asobi Seksu, NY