Japan is probably an outliar in that respect. They may never integrate but does not necessarily mean they are totally unliveable without language proficiency.

Japan is probably an outliar in that respect. They may never integrate but does not necessarily mean they are totally unliveable without language proficiency. Most road signs are accompanied by English, as with most of government documents. While people's reaction to non-Japanese speaking people may vary, many will try their best English to help you out. To be honest it is difficult even with Japanese language skills for "foreigners" to fully integrate in Japanese society. It is not necessarily a bad thing as you can live without putting up with many of social expectations as Japanese.