The "zoo animal" thing seems about right. Sometimes they look at you like they think you're about to start flinging shit around. Sometimes they're curious about how the zoo animal is going to do something simple like handle chopsticks. Often they don't make eye contact or keep their space because they don't want to have to interact with the zoo animal.

OTOH, part of their being polite is that if the gaijin actually asks them for help, they're obligated to try to help.

Overall, I liked it. As an introvert, I don't like countries where people approach the foreigner and try to practice their English on them. There are also too many countries where you're frequently approached by someone who wants to scam you, or wants you to give them money.

They are not hostile or aggressive.

... until you try to open a bank account with them ad a foreigner. Tourists are fine and tolerated but become an expat and you'll have a much steeper time.