MM Sticker Found Under A Bus In Switzerland

[ScottyB]

Japanese people are extremely reserved; they often won't speak English to you until you ask them in Japanese if you can speak English to them. They're not jerks, just afraid of embarrassing themselves by speaking poor English. When I was there, my wife got stared at a lot (blond) and I distinctly remember being on a crowded train where people would rather stand than fill the last empty seat next to me. I got called gaijin at least twice in 11 days.

You will be an observer in Japan above all else.

i've heard these exact sentiments every time i hear about travelling there. you're very much a tourist/outsider. still really fascinates me that their culture operates that way considering how many people visit.