This is another comic strip that is based on real life events.  I don't remember being as scared as Karl to get a membership at the local video store but I'll never forget the guy working there.  He looked similar to the one in the comic with the glasses and stoic stare.  He helped me to get my membership card and tried to speak English.  After, he refused to try English again!  Not only that, he would go on and on about a bunch of stuff I couldn't understand!  Most Japanese people would care that I didn't know what they were saying but this guy just kept on talking.  I eventually just left the counter and started shopping because I was so frustrated.  That's probably just what he wanted me to do. ;)