An excellent substitute for knowing a foreign language is using an electronic translator, particularly in countries like Japan where the language is very complex.

While electronic translators can be helpful, they are not an excellent substitute for knowing a foreign language. Fluency in a language allows for better understanding of idioms, cultural nuances, and in the case of Japan, the complex writing system. Electronic translators can also be inaccurate and may not be able to convey tone or context. Therefore, it is always in one's best interest to learn a foreign language to the best of their ability.