I disagree.

Certainly there seems to be limited interest in Japan here in the UK. There are very few Japanese people around here, and for the most part they are 'blended in' with the Chinese (who are much more prevalent). On the other hand, Eastern Europeans seem to be fairly keen on Japan.

Mostly it is centered around Anime, but when you consider that the United Kingdom and the US combined make a good market for Anime, for countries like Poland it has to be dubbed into Polish, and there is very little market outside of that.

Sushi is available in the supermarkets I suppose, but it's usually just cucumber rolls and occasionally some Nigiri. Other than that, not much in terms of Japanese culture. Certainly nothing compared to the States.

The only place I can think of which might be an exception is London.


Of course, it's also probably worth considering that all of us are, presumably, interested in Japanese culture, and not that interested in our own culture. I have been to one ceilidh in my entire life, and I have only ever worn a kilt once. I don't play bagpipes or play any Scottish sports. I know relatively little about the history of Scotland. I only eat Scottish food when I visit my Grandmother.

However, I know much more about Japanese culture- I haven't experienced it first hand, but I have read and seen all about it, and I want to live in that kind of society.

Of course, I only know of the wonderful side of Japan, where everyone has hi tech gadgets for every conceivable thing; where everyone is polite and friendly; where the traditional lifestyle is preserved and simultaneously buisness thrives.

Slightly exaggerated, but I think you get the point.