I searched and had no luck, so if this is a repeated question sorry.

What do I need to do to open a Japanese bank account?  Which bank is best (probably an opinion but I'll ask anyway)?  Is it possible to link an account from a Japanese bank to an account from an American bank?

Thanks

As far as linking, I would guess no. I've tried it in other countries. The US banks will link only to other US banks. However, having accounts in two countries in your name is a plus when trying to wire money. I've had to jump through hoops when wiring to accounts not in my name (in Thailand) but to my account at Bangkok Bank it's no problem.

To open an account you should need only your passport. In Iwakuni, an agent from the housing office goes with you to do this so we can pay our utility bills automatically. I doubt that most other bases would do this.

Citibank Japan may be the best option as they speak English... You need to deposit some amount of money (500,000 Japanese Yen...) to avoid their monthly account maintenance fee. (2,100 Yen / Month)

http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/openaccount/

Shinsei Bank is probably another good option. No monthly account maintenance fee. (Most Japanese banks don't charge maintenance fee.)

Go to their site and click [Starter Kit Request]
http://www.shinseibank.com/english/

For both, to open an account, you need to present your identification document. Banks request you to show your "Certificate of Alien Registration" or "Japanese driver's license". If you are a usual Japanese resident and stay longer than 3 months, you must have one of them. If you are a military person, you may don't have both, but I think banks may have some special agreement with U.S. military. (Like car registration offices.)

Additional info:

I have a Citibank Japan's account. They allow me (as a Citibank Japan's account holder) to open an another account in a U.S. branch (San Francisco branch only, I remember.) even I don't have any residential status of U.S.

If you have U.S. Citibank account, I think, they may offer similar service.

to avoid their monthly account maintenance fee. (2,100 Yen / Month)

OUCH!!! Thats expensive for a monthly fee...

Shinsei Bank

is great for their housing mortgage plans also. I have had several friends get loans through them to do their japanese properties..

They allow me (as a Citibank Japan's account holder) to open an another account in a U.S. branch (San Francisco branch only, I remember.) even I don't have any residential status of U.S.

Interesting. There might be a way through this citibank setup that you could transfer money amongst the 2 accounts automatically. I am sure there will still be exchange rate fees, but it would be worth checking into..