My original statement was facetious. I suppose I should have clarified that. I do understand Japanese culture probably more than the average Westerner does. I worked with people from all over the Far East for several years and came to know and understand a number of their idiosyncrasies. I have several good friends that are native Japanese and several American friends that are currently living in Japan. Unlike most Westerners, I can identify most Eastern ethnicities by appearances. They are different. To most Americans, they all look the same. They sure as hell can tell each other apart.

You are right. The Japanese have accepted some aspects of Western culture, but it only goes so far. They would rather we left them alone except where it advantages them financially. If it was not for the threat from China, they would have booted out our military long ago. They would rather keep us at arms length and Americans can find life there difficult. They have had a love/hate relationship with Americans - but so have many other peoples. Their ways have served them well for several thousands of years and those ways have kept them together as a cohesive society and culture. Like any other people, they have their strengths, beauty, and their warts. I try to see and focus on those strengths and beauty in all people, without being ignorant of the warts.