I think you completely misunderstood my point. I don't have any problem with being pushed at the counter; my example was just to show how Japanese apologize differently whether the person is Japanese or foreign.Originally Posted by mr.sumo.snr
As for showing that you speak well Japanese, I did it, as I sometimes go and buy my bento with my wife, and talk a lot to her (and quite fast by Japanese standard), so that the staff clearly sees that I can speak Japanese. But if I am with my wife, they tend to be more courteous and even smile. If I come back the next day alone, immediately they treat me as if they had never seen me befor, avoiding to smile just for me (not for the Japanese customers present), and speaking differently, with visibly less politeness. That is not only in one particular shop, but neither is it in all shops. I'd say it's about half of them. In some places they actually like to see foreigners and ask me many questions about me or my country. Still, half of the Japanese I meet in everyday life having bad feelings toward foreigners (even good customers) is bothering enough.
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