Nihonjin ja arimasen

This entry by Mena Trott about feeling helpless shopping in Japan made me want to run in and shout random helpful japanese phrases, such as:

"Gomenasai!" - "I'm sorry!"
"Sumimasen, demo..." - "Excuse me, but..."
"Chotto takai, desu ne?" - "A little bit expensive, isn't it?"
"Wakarimasen..." - "I don't know..."

Also, one of the most important tips for Americans in Japan -

If you can pronounce an english word like "Jeans" in a Japanese accent (i.e. "Jeen-zu"> then most people will understand what you're talking about.

Good luck on your next trip, Mena!