>I have the opportunity to visit Japan (Tokyo) in October. We will be staying with a family that has invited my wife to lecture at a conference on her specialty, ventriloquism.
>
>Can anyone give me tips on proper etiquette etc for our week long visit?

Here are some places to start. I find the economist cuts to the chase quickly:
http://www.economist.com/cities/Displayobject.cfm?obj_id=1545890
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html