I don't know much about Sapphire cards, but I know my ole Bank of America Visa had no issues being used in Japan (and that was years ago) at places that accepted cards (hotels, department stores, JR stations etc). Haven't used that card in years though, but it certainly worked in the past without issues.


As for withdrawing cash. The main issue I had with 7-11 ATMs with a foreign issue card was that you could only withdrawal in 10,000 yen increments *this only applied when I used a foreign issued card. Maybe things have changed, I haven't used my international card at a 7-11 anytime recent.

Note that Citibank and Post Office ATMs also work fine with international issue cards, and allowed me to withdrawal in 1000 yen increments.