Being a long-time fan of science fiction and fantasy, the hooks were a science fiction manga called 'Appleseed' and an anime series named 'Tank Dominion'. From there the expansion to an interest in all things Japanese - an interest that exploded to nigh on obsession in the last few years. My current reading is A History of Japan to 1334, and I have taken some courses in the Japanese language and filled a bookshelf with Japanese dictionaries and learning materials. I am also seriously considering whether I would like to move to Japan and attempt to gain Japanese citizenship . Add in some huge cultural barriers and it would be a formidible task for me to obtain naturalized Japanese citizenship.
Japanese culture revolves a great deal around 'inside' and 'outside' groups.
This is a huge source of stress on them and many eventually emigrate to other countries permanently. Because I love the Japanese culture. I love their esthetic sense as reflected in their gardens and flower arrangements, their architecture, their preparation of food, awe inspiring mountains and countryside, television dramas and quirky sense of humor. And I also think they have some of the prettiest women on the planet. Don't get me wrong - Japanese culture definitely has its share of warts.