[wccrawford]

My wife and I visited Tokyo on vacation, and while I agree it seems like people don't care, there were a couple times we were arguing over maps that complete strangers came up and attempted to help with the little English they were able to speak.

We didn't actually need help, and we weren't mad at each other, we just discuss things loudly when we disagree about the best course of action. However, we were touched by their willingness to help out others, even though there was a language barrier. (They didn't know I speak some Japanese.)

So I have to disagree that you won't get any help if you have a problem.

Granted, we didn't visit the "outskirts", and it may very well be different out there, but we were in some non-touristy areas when this stuff happened.