Coming from the desert southwest and being unfamiliar with wetter conditions - can someone offer advice on shoe needs for adults and children - do we actually need rainboots in addition to rain jackets?

If you live offbase rainboots and maybe jackets might be a good idea. Mostly because you'll probably be doing a lot more walking than onbase residents. Japan is the land of umbrellas... you can find them anywhere for cheap if it starts to rain and you're unprepared.

While not at work I lived in my heels but they've been put away here. The roads tear them up and it's hurts to walk around on the uneven surfaces. So now I live in fashionable flats. So for woman/girls go with shoes/boots with little to no heel... and buy them at home if they have larger feet!!! The NEX has shoes but it has a very small selection. So if they have small feet you'll have some fun shopping out in town!

Same for the guys. Although the Japanese are very fashionable with their kicks/clothes. Americans tend to stand out in their standard jeans, tee, and sneakers --so maybe have some fun.

If you're going to be big on going to the tourist sites like shrines, fuji, etc a good pair of boots (We wear our Docs everywhere) will come in handy when you explore.