[Sangetsu]

Don't sweat it. No one in Japan expects foreigners to know anything about the language and culture, and they won't be easily offended by your ignorance.

You'll learn more during your first week in Tokyo than you will asking a hundred questions on this site, so arrive with an open mind and you'll be okay.

If you tell people you are from South Africa they won't think of you in any different light than a foreigner from anywhere else. Most will probably wonder how you can be from anywhere in Africa and not be black.

I've adjusted to life in Japan well enough, and so will you. If you have any questions after you arrive, just ask, people will be happy to help. The only thing I recommend you do now is to study Japanese. You won't learn much between now and the end of the year, but at least you'll have a running start when you get here.