Authentic Japanese Food in Chicago

I've visited Japan numerous times in the past 2 years while in college. Now I'm just looking for some authentic Japanese food in my home town of Chicago after i graduate. I speak Japanese so if it is easier than English you can converse with me in Japanese if its easier.

I haven't lived in Chicago for 4 years, but last I was there, there were no authentic restaurants. Mostly just fancy sushi joints. There used to be a place about 7 years ago on Chicago Ave called Yanase, but sadly it closed. Good luck.

You may want to visit Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights. They have small cafe/restaurants there and I think they're OK. The last time I was there was 2002 though...

Chiyo at 3800 W. Lawrence Ave. We ate there a few days ago. Fantastic! Authentic,delicious.Shabu Shabu with Kobe beef was dynamite. The sushi was fresh- the white tuna was amazing. Service great, not much English made for a fun experience! Check it out.

Mitsuwa Marketplace, Chicago store
　http://www.mitsuwa.com/tenpo/cica/eindex.html

A few years ago in a comment stream similar to this one, a restaurant was recommended, Sakura in Mount Prospect. I did go there once and it was pleasant...not spectacular and not hokey, but fairly authentic so far as I could tell. (Decades ago when I lived in Japan I didn't have any money and didn't eat out a lot, so perhaps my basis for comparison is somewhat thin.) The owner and servers were definitely very nice. Google for details.

Two places I recommend highly:

Renga-tei in Lincolnwood on Touhy Ave. This restaurant it owned by a Japanese owner and is known for its reasonable, yet very delicious foods. If you go on a weekend, make sure you make a reservation ahead of time, as it gets very busy. The menu is pretty extensive and has a lot of home-cooking type foods. Try their beef teriyaki and Renga-tei steak (Japanese style steak).

Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village on Higgins. Just down the street from Tensuke Market, a smaller Japanese grocery store, which is just down the street from Mitsuwa. This place is amazing! They are an izakaya-style place where they serve up small dishes of delicious foods. They have traditional Japanese foods, but much of their menu is Japanese "bar foods". Oh this place is awesome...