[Umihito]

So I've always heard non-stop one of the reasons people like Japan is because of the friendliness of its people.

However, one of the first things I noticed when I got there, right in Tokyo, was how unhelpful and unresponsive the average person was.

I asked the time, in Japanese, clearly. And only about 1 out of 3 people even stopped to answer. Even the one who stopped had body language that shouted 'have to go.' I mean, people rip on their own Western countries, but at least where I live most people actually stop to answer.

I don't mean to sound rantish here, and I'm sure it's just because Japanese are more shy than others. But the only people who even broke a smile were the ones who's job it was to smile, such as cashiers and receptionists.

I guess it must be a Tokyo thing... I did feel a friendlier vibe a bit further South.

But do you think the Japanese kindness that everyone is always so eager to promote is over-rated, or not in abundance? Does it depend on where you go, or where you come from for comparison?