When you speak to a Japanese person in English, s/he would respond with 3S?

Question

i.e. Shut up, smile, and sleep.

Is it true?

Answer 1

3S's, That is a good one.

No, I would have to disagree. Like one other answer above me, I have been living in Japan for over 15 years, and that has never happened to me. But then again, I don't really approached people on the street just to talk or ask a question regularly. If I need some help, I have always gone to a shop clerk or someone working in the service area. Once, when I first arrived in Japan, I did ask someone on the street what time it was, in English, and although he didn't speak English, my pointing to my wrist helped him understand what I wanted and he just showed me his watch.
Now, I can just speak the language.

Now, to be totally fair, there are people who, if you speak to them in English WILL smile, but not shut up. They would usually say something like, "EIGO WA DAME" which mean "No English". They may even say "NO ENGLISH". You will get a smile from females, usually, especially the older ones. I have never seen or heard of the "SLEEP" one.

But, What I would recommend you to do is this...

Come and see for yourself. You will have a great experience here in Japan.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

No Lived in Japan for a year, and that never happened to me, sorry man

Answer 3

while they are polite, most would find someone that knows english and I've never had anyone ever do that while in Japan or in Okinawa nor here in the US.

Answer 4

shnoo shiit shisnt shtrue.