English—Just because it’s written doesn’t mean it’s spoken
The second most common language in Japan is English, and yet, most Japanese can’t fluently speak the language of the international traveler. For English-speaking visitors, this seems odd, given that signage, directions, and even common instructions appear written in English.
For the last few decades, English class is mandatory in Japanese primary and secondary education. This equates to the Japanese having a strong understanding of the mechanics of the language and the ability to read and write nearly flawless English. However, the spoken language continues to be difficult for many Japanese due to the sound English syllables make. Many of those sounds are not natural for Japanese speakers to pronounce, which results in some Japanese having strong native accents.
The result of these differences means English-only speakers will struggle communicating with the average citizen. However, don’t despair. The advice for first-time visitors is simple, Don’t give up. Speak slowly and clearly, pause between words, and be patient for a response. Be sure to use common, simple words or phrases as you’ll get the best results with those. You’ll be surprised that many Japanese will catch the gist of what you’re saying.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to learn a few key phrases in Japanese. Employing this tactic shows that you’ve extended an effort to understand Japanese culture—an effort that will be well received by everyone you interact with.