Yes, you can find isolated examples of all of these stereotypes. But a team of journalists sent to Cleveland could also come up with some bizarre things about American life or parenting. Ditto for just about anywhere else in the developed world. But, somehow, the volume in the international press always gets turned up a little higher when it comes to Japan. These days, I certainly do wonder if Marie might benefit from a little more downtime watching the Cartoon Network instead of thrashing about with a kick board at her swimming class or preparing for her next ballet recital.
Truth is, a lot of Japanese moms and dads feel the same.
Bremner is Tokyo bureau chief for Business Week. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.