I would have to agree I have been living in Japan 
for many years now and for the most part people 
here keep their distance from us (Gajins) ^_^. So 
when approaching them there is always a slight 
uncomfortablnes. As far as the anime shops are 
concerned. I only talk to the sales people when I 
am asking a question or really in search of 
something (they are usually very helpful by the 
way) You have to keep in mind for them that is 
there job and for the Japanese it is very 
important as well as most of us. So they really 
don’t have the time to just talk to you. However 
they do remember their frequent customers and 
look out for you. For mishandling the cels there 
is no excuse (shame on them) I understand your 
feeling and if I were back in the states I would 
agree but Japan is different in all ways.