Well if you want to compare rural Japan to rural Russia... I see hudibras is getting downvoted but it probably is fair to say that to native English speakers n

Well if you want to compare rural Japan to rural Russia... I see hudibras is getting downvoted but it probably is fair to say that to native English speakers new to the country, people may expect more than they get from ESLs in Japan. I have some pet theories as to why but I don't think it would contribute all that much to the discussion. Unless you're coming to Japan to be a corporate translator (may all the gods have mercy on your soul) it really shouldn't be an issue as long as you're willing to learn a little Japanese along the way.