My wife (Japanese American) and I are headed to Tokyo on Saturday and somehow word got out through her family that we would be in Sapporo late next week. A relative has stepped in and now we are obligated (and excited at the prospect) to meet up with a family member while we are in Sapporo. We meant to do this 10 years ago when my wife's great grandmother was still alive but never made it. My wife speaks no Japanese, the family member no English, so I figure we need a translator if this is to be anything more than crazy awkward.

Any pointers on how to find someone who can not only help with translation but is able to help understand/bridge the cultural divide too?