[asark]

Other countries don't have the same notion of what good service is, and don't expect the server to be up your ass about drink refills every 30s to count as good service. They expect you to ask if you need something, so they're not bugging you. It's just a difference in what's considered better. You see the other style at finer (expensive) restaurants in the US, sometimes. It's really nice to be able to chat with your fellow diners without some stranger constantly bugging you while being pretend-nice.

[s_y_n_t_a_x]

Right, I said that's fine as long as I'm able to serve myself it's okay. But when you can't find your server for an hour when you just want the check to leave, it's a bit ridiculous.

The tipping culture is directly reflective of the type of service American's like to receive.

I was just using Japan as an example of a different service culture since the GP brought up the comparison.