What is the difference between the Japanese and the Western perception of masculinity?

Answer 1

I'm American, and my girlfriend is Japanese, her parents still live in Japan. In America, masculinity is usually thought of as being like a Cowboy or Marine. I'm in the Army, but to my girlfriend being masculine is being not afraid to talk to her about anything. Being there for her, being a gentleman, and there to protect her.
She likes the mental aspects far better than the physical. To her, a good man is someone with a good head on her shoulders. I have a nice body, but that isn't what she likes me for, I hope not anyways.