While I am sure you may being paying extra for the "coolness" factor, have you thought about a Kinfolk frame? You mentioned in your original post that the builders you called may have misunderstood your Japanese or vice-a-versa. From personal experience I would strongly recommend bringing someone (Japanese or foreign) that speaks both Japanese and English perfectly so there are now mix-ups and you do not get upset. Finally, while you may not know all the tubing/geometry stuff, are their things that you wish could be improved/changed on the current frames you ride? For example, despite being recommended by a local shop to change the angle/length on my stem, I went against them due to the fact that I personally like the feeling of being stretched out along the bicycle.