Yo Jimmy i went in Aug 2000 and i found it very different to anywhere else on earth i have visited, very friendly to westerners and a visit to akihabara for electrics etc is a must (two years in front), you can set you watch by the trains and you can get beer out of a street vending machine. and a visit to Roppongi is a must for late nights.
you can even visit 'E Honda' via train, (streetfighter character).
But i`d jump at the chance to go and experience over there again, and i`d recomend Japan as great place to visit once in your life.
I would pay to read the report and view the photos etc.
Im sure if everyone of your members would donate £1 and that be over £1500 to get you there,
Sly
p.s. Turkish airways was cheapest in 2000