This is not terribly surprising to say the least. Japan has earned that reputation among Western tourists and continue to do so. With English education still broken as all Hell and failing to get rid of that long standing perception of the place being too expensive and whatever other stereotypes linger among them, their work is cut out for them.
@KyokiKafuka Maybe it's privilege talking, but if I was considering a visit to Japan I'd like to think I'd try to gain at least the rudiments of the language.
It's one thing to be gaijin (a foreigner), but another to be iteki (a barbarian).
@starbreaker I think being respectful of how the Japanese do things goes a lot farther for gaijin than failing to speak even the basics of Japanese language.
@electrotamitha @starbreaker Having been to Japan myself, I can also confirm this. Even if you don't speak the language, they will go out of their way to help you find a certain place or thing regardless.
@KyokiKafuka @electrotamitha @starbreaker That's because Japanese people are genuinely kind and interested in helping each other out, so long as you respect them as well.
This is a concept which is strangely foreign to many Westerners, who believe in shoving their toxic bull**** down everyone's throat.
@KyokiKafuka @starbreaker Thank you so much for saying this!! This is precisely how I feel about this!!
@KyokiKafuka @starbreaker From watching a few Japanese YouTubers, I agree with this. The Japanese public, in general, don't mind if you don't understand Nihongo.
(And even if you're fluent they probably won't rent to you.)