Not sure how many people will actually need this, but since it seems to be a rather unexplored territory with world cellphones w/ data, here's a brief summary that I'll update as time goes on.
The basics of setting up for overseas use, atleast for AT&T remains the same. Call up AT&T international division and get the handset provisioned for use overseas.
There are 2 networks in Japan that the Blackberry Bold can operate on (2100mhz):
1. NTT Docomo
2. Softbank Mobile
NTT Docomo Network
Upon arriving in Narita, turning on the phone will default it to NTT Docomo. It took about 2-3min before I received anything and noticed the 3G BB icon up top, however once connected, everything I tried up to that point was working as it should have while in the US. The apps I had running at that time were:
AIM
GoogleTalk
Viigo
The browser was working without a hitch. Within Narita airport, 3G was rock solid, registering 4-5 bars at any given time. Comparable or slightly better than SFO which was reading around 3~5 depending on where in the airport I was.
On the trip from Narita (NRT) to Ueno, I took the Keisei Skyliner, during which time I was constantly using IM programs and browsing. There was one pocket where I lost signal. I don't remember where exactly this was. This was where I turned on GoogleMaps and started experiencing some problems. After talking with someone else and NTT I think I learned what the problem was. More on that later.
Walking from Ueno to Akihabara was rock solid as well, never dropping below 4 bars. Was a bit tough walking, avoiding crowds, and using the phone, but nevertheless, the signal was far more solid in Tokyo than in SF downtown imho.
Trip from Akihabara to Tokyo Station, and subsequently from Tokyo Station to Atami (Shizuoka) had near perfect reception as well. I thought I would lose signal from Atami down the Izu Peninsula to Ito, but everything was still fine. Ito to Izu Kougen, which is basically in the countryside was just as stable. From Ito to Izu Kougen was via car and went into some hills so I figured I'd lose some signal eventually but nope.
NTT has the Tokai area covered very well. Excursions to various areas (Izu Shimoda, Numazu, Hakone, etc) were very solid and I wouldn't expect any less in 99% of the areas most business travellers visit.
Softbank Network
In regards to networks, an unlocked Bold can use Softbank SIM cards, but with a catch. Softbank cards that are 3G capable are fine. However, prepaid Softbank cards cannot use 3G and throws an error when using with the Bold. You cannot make outbound calls or send SMS text messages. However, you CAN receive calls...how useful this is, I don't know. Unfortunately for AT&T users, you're basically stuck using $2.49 or $1.69/min plans. Because of this, you should set unconditional call forwarding to your voicemail box if you don't want to rack up charges. Having the phone even do as little as ring will hit you with a 1min charge.
The going rate on Softbank prepaid PreMobile is 90yen/min. Not cheap, but far better than $1.69 or $2.49/min, and if you have callers in Japan, it's a little more convenient for them. It's really a mixed bag...Obviously no data, no SMS, no MMS, no Blackberry use on Softbank.
GoogleMaps (and other apps that use multiple data connections)
This is the biggest downside of using the Bold in Japan on NTT. NTT doesn't allow for multiple (I don't know what the exact cut-off is) data tunneling connections (sorry not too well versed on network lingo). GoogleMaps w/o My Location (beta) works great. The map data is fetched EXTREMELY quickly, and the direction searches are pretty good as well. Turn-on My Location (beta), though, and the moment you start GoogleMaps, NTT resets your network connection and you lose all BB connectivity. Even if you turn-off assisted GPS to just GPS, the same problem is encountered.
A horrid, but still useable, workaround is to turn off My Location, then load the map for wherever you are as best as possible, then turn-on My Location, restart googlemaps, and after the phone obtains a GPS signal, it will pinpoint your location eventually. You will then need to turn off My Location, and restart google maps to get your map fetching capabilities back. Works in a pinch, but horrible for getting around when you're lost as ****
Really a shame, especially because the Bold is set for a February/March launch here in Japan.
Data Speeds
Seems rather clippy...very little lag when loading google maps and pulling e-mail attachments. CNET download speed test puts it at about 400~600kbps, but since data goes through RIM proxies and gets stripped of quite a bit of data, don't know how accurate that is. I can say that it's definitely faster than what I've experienced at home.
So there's a rather wordy summary about the last 6 days. I'll write more as I notice a few things.
Cliff Notes
2 Networks:
NTT Docomo (BIS capable network)
Softbank Mobile (non-BIS capable)
SIM cards:
Softbank mobile (only option for prepaid SIMs) 3G data capable SIMs work
Softbank mobile PreMobile SIMs work only for inbound calls
AT&T User Pricing for Overseas Calls:
$1.69/min if World Traveler is on plan
$2.49/min if no international voice plan
GoogleMaps (and any apps using multiple, though not sure if there's a limit of 2 or higher, tunneling connections)
Resets you off of NTT's network and connection will take a while to restore
Workaround is to load map in the area that you're in, turn on my location, restart maps after turning off assisted GPS, get location, mark as a favorite, turn off My Location and restart maps. Crappy but better than nothing.
Data Speeds are pretty fast...atleast faster than AT&T in the SF Bay Area it seems
Network Signal is rock solid and puts US networks to shame
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Blackberry Bold and Japan, a Mid-Trip Overview 
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