We all have probably heard about Japanese efficiency, the country's high level of organization as well as the people's wealth. Having experienced Japan in reality for some days, I would like to share my experiences with two well-known Japanese stereotypes: the public transportation system as well as Japanese English skills.
When it comes to public transportation Japan is in my opinion second to none (having lived in Switzerland for almost six years I think I know what I am talking about :-)). When our train arrived in the station at Osaka airport, suddenly a cleaning team appeared and meticulously defected all cars before it pushed a button which automatically turned every seat so that it would face the direction of train. Quite impressive. Taking the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo was an even more remarkable example of Japanese engineering skills - making the 513 kilometres in 2 hours and 15 minutes including three stops yields an average speed of over 250 km/h. Well I think I do not have to add that Japanese trains are punctual...
As for Japanese English skills, I had expected the worst (even though I knew that Beijing would probably not be beaten...) - only to find that is quite easy to get around in Japan with English. Indeed most Japanese will answer your question "Do you speak English?" with an appointed "No!". The funny thing though is that they will nevertheless understand you when you keep talking in English and will even answer your questions. I have to quote the following dialogue from the Tokyo railway station:
Me: "Do you speak English?"
A Japanese railway official: "No!" (shouting with a humorous undertone)
Me: "Hm, then you certainly won't be able to tell me where I can buy subway tickets..." (already walking away)
RO: "Subwayticket? YoustillintheJapanrailsection! Gooutandyouwillfindticketmachinewhereyoucanbuysubwayticket!!" (the missing spaces can only slightly insinuate the speed of his spoken English :-))
Well, I do not know whether it is just a lack of self-confidence or part of the Japanese manners but even though Japanese people mostly deny it, they do understand English quite well. When compared to China and especially Beijing, Japan was heaven on earth and after having spent six weeks in the US, where public transportation is not usable or even nonexistent, Japan felt like being back in the developed world...
