Why does everyone seem to be obsessed with Japanese culture lately?

Question

Recently (say the past 3 years or so), I've noticed that all of my friends seem to be obsessed with Japanese culture. I'm not just talking Anime, but J-Rock, J-Pop, Manga, the language... literally everything to do with Japan. I don't really understand why, and it sometimes seems like I'm the only one not in on it... I can't stand any of them. I've tried to watch some anime, but it seems to have this really weird emphasis on trying to portray girls as having short skirts and being shy, cute etc that makes me feel quite uncomfortable watching.

It seems like people are just liking things because they're Japanese now! I'm hoping someone can enlighten me cos it seems like I'm missing out on something here. I love Japanese horror films, but that doesn't make me want to instantly fall in love with everything that's come out of Japan.

Answer 1

One of the many interesting,fascinating,cool countries of the world. Some like it for their culture,city,ppl,technology,and often anime and video games which is usually an american or non japanese otaku.Some not all



Everybody shows interest in many diff things and japan is the boom town of coolness right now.



But so r other countries,depends what u r interested in

Answer 2

I honestly do not know. I mean, the only practical uses I can see are: moving to Japan, being in technology, or ordering beef teriyaki. I actually decided about 5 months ago whether to teach myself Chinese or Japanese, and chose Chinese mostly because of China being a powerhouse, but also so I would stand out more than just being another person learning Japanese. Also, people probably think it makes them look cool.

Answer 3

Maybe because they fit the needs of the times we live in: they treat each other with a respect and disciplined ritual that enables them to live together harmoniously on a small island archipelago. They are traditionally ecology friendly because they have no natural resources except human ones, so they become highly-skilled and productive, pursuing educational goals that meet society's needs. This enables them to add value to imported raw goods. Their diets are healthy and lean. Their only fault seems to be that they will not sign whaling agreements because as they are currently drafted, they contradict Japan's own self-interests, especially employment. They also oppose nuclear weapons due to their war experiences. Their war past is a source of embarrassed shame for many but they offer few official or public apologies. Japanese are also not immigration friendly because of their overcrowding problems. You may visit but not become a resident except in rare exceptions. You can see how many of their positive qualities would be useful in today's increasingly overcrowded and resource limited world. But it is too easy to generalize and oversimplify even when the trend seems clear as you imply.

Answer 4

Saki Express!

Answer 5

Im part Japanese and I dont like manga or j-pop. anime is cool.

you should watch Wicked City. its sick and twisted.

Answer 6

A lot of people in the late 1900's and early 2000's were major anime geeks and liked watching all those old pokemon/final fantasy/Totoro crap. Its sorta dying... i think..........

Answer 7

i agree, its bull



yeah, sure some of the stuff is cool but i honestly cannot say that the animation is that great



spongebob is better animation for godsakes!

Answer 8

It's ok, my brother has been doing this too... This might help ya out:



http://lmgtfy.com/?q=strange+obsession+with+japan+why

Answer 9

because it rules...best food, best tv shows, best artists