The whole bowing thing and all of the apologizing profusely that happens around here? It's a little more work, but it's way better than what I see on a daily basis in the US.
I have to admit that I tend to err on the side of politeness in most situations—both at home and abroad. On a purely practical level, I've got loads of experience that it's almost always the best way to get what I want; and on a personal level, I find that putting a little extra effort into saying thanks when it's deserved makes me feel a little better at the end of the day.
So being in Japan is fantastic stuff for me. I actually get the feeling that I'm not being ignored when I say "thanks" to someone around here. More importantly, the added pleasantries bury any hint of entitlement someone would otherwise carry to the situation, which irks me endlessly, and which is becoming increasingly bothersome in the states.
Maybe it's not the politeness—maybe it's just the lack of entitlement—but either way, I'm really enjoying things.
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