Originally Posted by Velo Mule

You might also want to add Trek to that list. They are not Japanese. But would be perfectly happy to wear Japanese sourced components.

I can't tell you which one would be best. Your list of quality Japanese bike are a good start. Lotus had some nice bikes, I believe that they had a touring bike. The same with Univega.

If it were me, I'd grab the first one that fit me.