More often than not, cheap Japanese food is a trap. There's a reason why Japanese food is expensive. If you see it being served for cheap, something is fishy (pun intended). By cutting corners and using inferior ingredients, you'll pay the price with lack of taste.
In this regard I find Tok-Yu to be an aberration, an exception to the norm if you will. The Japanese food they serve is cheap and affordable, but it tastes good and decent. If you're accustomed to eating at legit restaurants in Little Tokyo however, you'll feel the difference. The batter with the tempura is different. The wasabi obviously came from a tube. These are small but noticeable things. But at the end of the day, the compromise Tok-Yu has with their cheap menu evens out.
One thing to note, though. I find that the branch in Pioneer Mandaluyong is leagues better than the one in Panay Avenue. I don't know what they're doing wrong, but the difference is too stark not to notice. read more