Because at least one person commenting to my LJ thought otherwise, I'm posting this reply from NTA regarding sleeper reservations:
Thank you for inquiry. Unfortunately you can not make a reservation out of Japan first you have to exchange Japan rail pass to actual pass then make a reservation
sorry we can not help you Best Regards
Kazuko Mito NTA America inc,San Francisco Bay Office
Oh, well, I guess we'll see what's available Sapporo-Tokyo Ueno or Aomori-Tokyo Ueno for September 12 when we arrive at Narita a week from tomorrow.
kevin_standlee) wrote, 
anxious 