I was wondering around the osaka zoo the other day and after closing hours I noticed a small barber shop so I naturally wandered over with my son and took a look.
well after a few smiles and realizations that neither of us spoke the others language my wife showed up then I was able to ask the barber about shaving and shaving gear in the osaka area real nice gent had some very sweet stones and several strops one of which he ended up presenting me with , that and a nagura very old ( yes all rocks are old ) I was very surprised at his generosity to a complete stranger as was my wife so I went and bought him a really nice bottle of soju ( kinda a sweet potato whiskey from the store around the corner to say thanks. The man in his chair having a shave was the owner of the liqueur store thought it was funny as he kept his mouth closed the whole time i was there then come to find out he speaks perfect english.
japanese people are funny and great.