You are not expected to wait for everyone's meal to arrive before you start yours, but it's probably a good idea. This is to thank the chef and to express gratefulness to nature in general. You won't be provided a fork, unless you ask for one. They're pretty easy to master with a little practice. If you're drinking beer with your meal, remember that it's a communal activity.
Beer is ordered in large bottles and drunk from small glasses.
Sake will be served in a small ceramic vase and drunk in little ceramic cups. The same rules apply for it. See Drinks for more info. During your meal, it's obviously okay to make conversation. But don't be surprised if the Japanese people in your party are more focused on their food.