If we are entertaining, readers will be animated to expand the range of debate. I already explained how and why Korea was different. Of course there are hundreds of cultural differences among east Asian cultures. However, differences have magnitude and variations have themes. Confucius said in his Book of Music that even with different melodies you recognise the composers.
Cultures are like melodies.
One aspect of these themes is how people think of values. Cultures influenced by Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism see values as opposites, capable of being harmonised. Values are in constant flux and change because the flow of opposites keeps shifting. In sub-atomic physics, the most advanced of our sciences, it is now impossible to advance without complementarity of paradigms. As to Japan and rice, Japan consists of rather infertile rock with small, terraced paddies.