[Leokaiser]

That would make it somewhat difficult to learn Japanese when I'm sent there on placement next year, if true!

Most Japanese (from what I understand) do not expect gaijin to be able to speak any Japanese, and would be delighted to discover that you have made some effort to learn their language; being able to communicate with other cultures is a highly desired skill in Japan.

The problem is that many Japanese, especially in the high population density areas like Tokyo, learn English themselves, so when they see someone they assume will speak English, they want to practice what they have learned with a native speaker. Top tip I have recieved for going across to Japan is not to attempt a language exchange, as the vast majority of that time would be spent teaching English rather than learning Japanese.