I know that, but I was disagreeing with you.

From here, it seems that Europeans are much more interested in Japan than people from the UK. (By Europeans, I mean the European mainland)

Perhaps one of us is either exaggerating or understating the popularity of Japanese culture in our respective countries.

Or perhaps we are actually at a similar level.

I would say that it's probably difficult to really know how popular it is in a country without living there.

Anyway, Japanese Culture isn't that popular in the UK. Certainly not compared to the States.

Rap Music definetly has some effects on some people, but In no way can you direct that to the major the cause of problems in communities.












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I think that as markets become increasingly global there are more and more ideas that are bound to bleed over. Some of those ideas are good, and some are not so good. I think thought that Japan like any other country is bound to keep it's own unique traits. I wouldn't worry about it to much. I think that the reasons that American's get so keen on the anime thing (being one myself) is that it offers something different. Cartoons in general aren't really seen as amounting to much other than children's entertainment. For some it's a reason to rebel. I think for others though it's a way to experience another culture. I know it was my jumping off point. The funny thing about the U.S. is that it doesn't really matter where you're from you can be an American. I know I personally don't care. I mean in Japan most people look Japanese. People in America...well..we can look like just about anything.

Japan has a strong, independent culture. Despite the influence other countries may have on Japanese media, the traditions that make Japan unique will not change. I seriously doubt they will.

Although I must say I am greatly disappointed with America. Having lived there my whole life I know that the majority of people do not care how they are judged. There is an ideal of getting away with anything even in other countries, which gives all Americans a bad reputation.

When I go to Japan, I will not tell people that I am American because it may close opportunities for me.

Interesting topic.

the way I see it, there are two big differences when it comes to cultural adoption.

1. a culture is adopted because people take interest in it.

2. a culture is adopted because of marketing.

in sweden where I live, we breath american culture as natural as oxygen. we never really asked ourself why. it's just the way it is. it's not because we think america is cool. this is an act of marketing. we consume american products all the time, so it just seem natural. I don't want to insult someone, but in my point of view, the US are eating up other cultures by planting mcdonald's and other stuff in them.

there were of course a time though, when american culture were considered cool and new here in sweden.

my own fixation about Japanese culture on the other hand, comes from pure geekness. I ate sushi before we had sushi bars here in sweden.

now, is the japanese adoption of american culture something that comes out of marketing or pure interest?

I think the marketing you refer to in respect to McDonalds and Coke and all those is very relevant.

Even more than that, I think the marketing that Hollywood does has an even bigger effect.

People who have never been to the US but have watched Hollywood movies may well get the impression that everyone there looks like a model, drives and expensive car and lives in an expensive house.
More importantly, they might get the impression that, although there are bad guys there, that the good guys always win.
The reality is far different, with 60% obesity, lots of people homeless or below the poverty line and one of the highest crime rates in the world.

I know that most Japanese people who go there come back with a VERY different view of the place.. and NOT wanting Japan to be like that..