http://dailynews.yahoo.co.jp/fc/world/australia/?1254610769
According to this article, out of 33 countries surveyed, Japan has the "lowest self-image" for their country.
I am one of those exceptions that show patriotism (and make jokes at the same time) about my home. I think it's ironic that a lot of people in the world respect Japan when Japanese people don't really feel (or rather show) patriotism. I put my entire Senior year learning about that in my Japan Seminar class and it's long and complex. I'm not going into details 'cause I promised myself I wouldn't be unnecessarily deep.
Anyway, I think Japan has a lot to offer for the world, but in my opinion Japan's development mainly came from its sense of inferiority and fear towards the Western countries. If you go to Japan, you will see that the Japanese people admire and respect western culture so much. Their interpretation of western culture, whether it be fashion or attitude, has made the Japanese people distinguishable for a Japanese person living in the US (i.e. me).
Often times I can make a wild guess that some of the Asians I see at Disney World are Japanese even before I listen to them speak the language. It's their clothing, their Disney accessories, their unnecessarily famous branded bags, and finally, their cameras. I have no idea where all of this comes from, but Japanese youths are invading places all over the world just so they can take a sip of Western honey. I also think Japanese people are very conscious about their appearance.
This sounds horrible (and it is) but when I see Japanese people at Disney World, I feel like competitors are invading my territory. Disney World really seems like a care-free place unlike Tokyo, where if you're a Disney fan you have to wait for a show 1 hour before it starts to get a good spot, or line up to get the hot merchandise. And yet Japanese people still fly over to Florida, showing off their Tokyo Disney Resort merchandise (by now I'm a complete hypocrite btw). But you know what I can't stop them. They're unstoppable.
So in conclusion I do sometimes feel embarrassed by Japanese tourists. But I can't say that I don't look like one of them as well, so I have no right to criticize or say bad things about them. I apologize for my attitude. I do respect how Japanese people can smile all the time every time I would go to a store or a restaurant. There are American employees out there that I just don't want to talk or smile to.
Culturally speaking, Japan has a lot to offer (duh). I am proud that many westerners adore what came from Japan. I didn't like anime at first (I still am not a huge fan of Ghibli), but I really like some styles Japanese artists go with. I love the traditional aspects too. I wasn't raised with lanterns and rock gardens, but when I look at them I feel comfortable.
I do have concerns for Japanese politics and the education system, and their denial of history which I'm not going to cover tonight, but overall Japanese culture covers up for it and if tourists come to Japan I would sincerely hope they enjoy what my country offers.
