A very good inexpensive Japanese line is Tojiro.
The other line I use is Mercer. Also inexpensive.
These were both recommended to me by my knife sharpener and he was spot on.
Shop for Tojiro Knives at Cutlery and More. Direct from Japan, we stock a wide selection of Tojiro DP VG10, their SG2/R2 and hammered series knives. We also offer some exclusive Tojiro knife sets and have low prices on items like the Tojiro DP Gyuto and the popular Tojiro bread knife.
www.cutleryandmore.com
You can also get them on Amazon, or if you have a local cutlery place they'll have them too.
A Nakiri is the best veggie chopping knife out there.