Japanese is Unkindness?

Several month ago, I found a person had folded up on the black street at midnight. I was astonished by what I saw. I got near to him and called to him Daijyoubu desuka? (Are you all right?)



I presumed he was a Japanese old man and I worried to him might be breaking a bone, however, he was a middle-aged American, I think. Soon I understood what happened to him, he tumbled with his bicycle. Rain made the road slippery. I rose the bicycle and I checked his injury.



It seemed to he was OK. I began to chat with him. He jollily talk about much thing. That's why I thought he was an American. More importantly it was good he hadn't hurt himself.



However, a thing he said astonished me. He said "Thank you." at intervals "Japanese don't help me.",,,,,,,,,,, "e??" (e means surprise in this case) Then he had vanished into the black street.



I thought about what he said. Yes, Japanese don't often help foreigners. As for me, I almost every time I help them, however, certainly other Japanese don't help.



I talked about this to my friend who speak English. She said Japanese are too shy to help them. I got there. Yes, many Japanese don't speak English so they can't help without feel lost. They always embarrass themselves. Though I spoke in Japanese at that time.



However, I didn't think it is sole reason. In Tokyo, I often see many ignore people in need. I saw many ignore a person who tumbled by epileptic fit in a train. They ignore him for about 3 minuets. Most of all of them only cast a look at him. Someone said "please someone tell station attendant. I saw it from next platform", no one responded. At last some one began to run.



It is a incredible incident for me. In Osaka, someone surely help one soon. Osakan pay attention others, however, Tokyo's people can't respond soon.



When you visit Tokyo and you need ask which way to go, maybe you should look for me. though this is joke, you had better prepare for such a neglect caused by shyness.



Worryingly, many people of Tokyo become so pleased expression after they directed someone to a place.(I think I can say they are lovable and lack experience too) It is nothing special that a person direct someone to a place.





Just after I moved to Tokyo, I often be ignored by people on the street. Even though I said "Excuse me", they just looked at me coldly. Therefore, Osakan often get angry at them. Their behaviors are not acceptable by Osakan, who feel proud of kindness themselves. As to Osakan, When I say only "Excuse me", they accept me gratefully.



One day, I came up with one way I can be taught in. I said "Excuse me, tell me which I should go?". The moment I had said "Excuse me", a man just looked at me coldly, The moment I had said "tell me which I should go?", He stopped to tell me about it.



Of course, there are good people in Tokyo too. I think Tokyo's city culture "just" breaks down some.





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Osaka is second largest megalopolis, the centre of West Japan.



The photo is Nishiki-goi carp.