From a non-official source https://visaguide.world/asia/japan-visa/transit/ is information that a person does not need a visa obtained in advance to transit through Japan. The main requirement is a confirmed onward ticket on the same calendar day. I am trying to make plans for a travel companion that will be on a Philippines passport. Transit through the U.S. seems to require a consulate interview for Philippines passport holders so we will try to avoid transit through the U.S..
I would like to confirm this with an official source if you would be able to answer with a reference. Obviously I am concerned about the non-official source being out-of-date or inaccurate.
Edit to add details: The outbound booking is a single Expedia itinerary, Manila to Narita to Dallas to Toronto. The return booking is a single (but different) Expedia itinerary, Toronto to Haneda to Manila. Looking to make a change to avoid the U.S. (Dallas).