[RickOShay]

I think it is generally true, you probably could not meet up with your average Japanese and start talking about general things of interest in a natural manner, but I have come to think that many Japanese have more ability than they let on.. or even believe themselves to have. If you were to come to Japan and get lost, I think having a pad and pencil to write things down for someone would do you very well. And many will start to feel much more comfortable speaking to you if you can meet them halfway in Japanese.