[hn3333]

Genetics is one thing, but Japan definitely did allow foreign culture into their mix. Just look at the movie "The Last Samurai" to see what I mean. I wonder if it's possible to put out a number for that.

As for my Country, as Europeans we are heavily influenced by Americans, who we completely seem to accept as our cultural leaders. How do the Japanese feel about them though?

[b3kart]

Ah yes, the famous Hollywood documentary “The Last Samurai”. :-)

[hn3333]

:)

Well.. it is an anecdotal representation of some bigger cultural change that happened, though, is it not?

[Blikkentrekker]

From where I look at it, Japanese culture seems to be quite interested in adopting exotic elements very quickly and likes them for that reason.

There is nothing more Japanese than a parfait in the afternoon, a good curry in the evening, and a traditional Christian wedding before attending the Sintou shrine for a final blessing.

[porknubbins]

I would argue that Japan very definitely did not “allow” foreign culture in because the country was “opened” under threat of force by Matthew Perry. Unless you mean earlier entries of culture like firearms and Christianity in the 16th century but I’m not sure that entry can be attributed to Japan as a country that far back.

[moreoutput]

The last samurai isnt tom cruise it's the dude he meets after being injured by the japanese government, when he begins to appreciate the shogun via his interactions with the last samurai. Comments on the movie tend to give the impression that cruise is playing an asian man rather than an injured western soldier.