[ExTxMarine]

Yep, when I was in Okinawa, I had my written test in English, but ALL verbal business was conducted in Japanese. My wife was scared, but I translated in my broken Japanese and he helped in his broken English.

My willingness to attempt to respect him and his country lead to a very quick and easy process where both my wife and I were able to get our licenses and easily purchase a car.

[Vigilanteman]

Okinawa was kind, letting you do the written test in English. However, as you discovered, the Japanese are amazingly kind, patient and understanding when foreigners make even a minimal effort to communicate in their language.