NTT Docomo Inc on Tuesday announced that on Nov 1 it will launch the world’s first commercial mobile service for translation of conversations between people speaking Japanese and other languages, called Hanashite Honyaku (automatic voice translation service). Docomo also announced the October 11 launch of Utsushite Honyaku (AR translator with word recognition camera), which translates foreign menus and signage by simply placing a smartphone camera in front of text.
Docomo to introduce mobile translation of conversations and signage/JapanToday (http://www.japantoday.com/category/technology/view/docomo-to-introduce-mobile-translation-of-conversations-and-signage?utm_campaign=jt_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=jt_newsletter_2012-10-02_PM)
Looks like good enough for travelling abroad.