I work for a japanese co. and would like to have a functional understanding of the language (with in reason obviously this is a difficult language to just "pick Up") any tips?

Go take classes and try to watch japanese programs.

Local oriental buffet or marry a japaneese chick...

a china man

Living Language has a CD-based course that is exceptional for many languages including Japanese. I think there are 8 Cd's. I highly recommend it. It is by far better to learn a language through your ears than through your eyes! Listen to the CD's over and over again and the nuances of pronunciation and cadence (the rhythm of the language which is important in Japanese) - look up "Mora" or "Japanese Mora timing". I recommend listening to all of the Cd's at least 3 times each while driving or something before even beginning to study them. You will be amazed how much easier it is that way. First time through play and don't even try to listen. Second time listen only with light attention. Third time pay close attention. Fourth time through start repeating whatever you want to and try to be precise in all ways -tone, pitch, cadence, pronunciation, enunciation etc. Good luck!