What why and or how did you become interested in Japan/Japanese?

Question

What why and or how did you become interested in Japan/Japanese? Many members already know or share the opinion that the country is interesting, and the culture is intriguing. How was your interest started? Was it something in the mass media that sparked your intellec? Were you captured by a history lesson? This question or conversation topic usually comes up when I meet with other gaijin here in Japan.
日本人の場合、答えなくてもかまわないです。

For me, Japanese and Japan came to me. In enrolled in a Japanese conversation class just to fill my schedule to qualify for full time student. Fast forward to my first real job after college, the company's business and projects had me travelling to Japan often. Skip, forward again and my transfer to Japan was offered to me from the Japan HQ side.

What, how and or why are you in or interested in Japan?

Answer 1

Animee morons should not even be allowed to post here,
I met my wife (Who's Japanese) While she was studying English in the States. Japan is not the greatest place in the whole wide World. It is just another place to live and grow and get this all you "Otaku have to " pay taxes. When I first met the "Old ball and Chain" I had no Idea where on the Map Japan even was. Hate to break it to all you morons, who think Japan is dreamland, Japan will punch you in tthe throat quicker then your old man runs through a bottle of RUM. Stay where you are!! Japan is no Dreamland and will kick your butt if your not ready for it.

Answer 2

It started with me as a young child, about 7. I suffered from ADHD, still do, and came from an extremely abusive childhood and broken home. As a result I was very difficult to handle. I was placed in a home at 7, and was placed on a self pace learning regime. Books were my only contact with the outside world. Martial arts intersted me very much at the time but was unable to find anyone to instruct me. (Karate Kid hit the sceens some time about then 1987). I was given any book I requested while at the home. I asked for a karate book, but instead was given a book about Aikedobudo. I read it cover to cover seven times. I practised what I could of the discipline, as often as possible. It helped me so much I dedicated my life to the ways of Aikedo. Later in life my situation changed, and was place on a wrestling team, where I was grossly outclassed by my competition. Aikedobudo stirred a place for me again, and I used it to my full advantage as a heavy weight. On average I gave up 50 lbs a match and a few inches in height, but through the techniques Aikedo taught me I soon became a champion. Life at that point interferred, and soon I was lead to education without atheletics for various non sports related happenstances. In college I earned my orange belt, and meet a few Japanses exchange students. They intrigued and impressed me alot. I fell in love with Japan its self thanks to the rich history, heritage, and the movie "The Last Samuri" and the book "Memories of a Geisha". In fact it was because of my love for Aikedobudo I now have a tatto that translates to "Forgotten Child", written in Traditional Japanese on my left lower leg. I teasure it, as it was because of the culture of Japan that I endured and survived my own childhood. To this day I am ever advancing my education in the hope that one day I will be able to spend a duration of time in Japan. I would at this point in life negotiate any deal with a trip to Japan in the dialoge, and intertain it with the highets regards.
That and Japanse girls are hot! LOL;)

Answer 3

It is quite interesting that Japan made such Rapid Economic and Technological Progress even after suffering so badly in WORLD WAR II . And they have been providing Economic Aid to a lot of countries .
In India , we have a lot of awe and respect for them .
The Maruti Cars and Delhi metro owe a lot to Japanese .

Answer 4

At first, I had a bad impression of Japanese because of those World War 2 films. But later on, as I grew up and landed in a job, I come across Japanese customers in my retail working place. They are so courteous and so nice. Constantly bowing to me and they are easy to serve. They are willing to spend money for items they eyeing for. In fact, among the foreigners I have assisted, the Japanese are no. 1 on my list for being the easiest customers to serve. And every retail assistant I knew agree to me on this point. It made me realise that the Japs are not bad at all.
Aside from dealing with Japanese customers, I am exposed to Japanese kidstuff/products. I grew up with Sanrio. Girls ,at that time , would love to own any Sanrio character things like Hello Kitty ruler, Little Twinstars pencils, My Melody notebook etc.

So basically its the warmth of the Japanese people and their cute little products have earned my respect for their country.

Answer 5

I became interested in Japan/Japanese ever since I liked Inuyasha ( a anime if you dont know) And I think Japan is very high tech and I like their food. I am planning to go there. And I think people there are not bad people.

Answer 6

My grandparents took a trip around the world when I was five and they brought me back a little yukata, get and some tea cups. I became interested in the art, literature and architecture. Eventually, I moved to Nara and hope to return soon.

Answer 7

Japan has many exotic things and I love the anime. The way they do everything is like so cool.

Answer 8

Japanese anime is cool and so does the chick, cars & techology, who dosen't like JAPAN??

Answer 9

Because of Japanese animation. I really their mangas and anime stuff. It's pretty cool how they can draw. I watched anime since I was really young too and I still watch anime.

Answer 10

I HATE HIPPIES is right

im not interested in Japan!!!

but im living here now>>sob<<<
because my stepdad is a Japanese

i really dont want to be here being an outcast..
its nothing interesting here though..
its boring, some of the people are superior among other race

im going back to my country next month and telling my parent i will not come back in this depressed and boring country..

all the people here only care about money-making
they dont even know what's happening to their children
great examples are my parents...

all you saw in anime??
well its all opposite in reality..
or its weird if they are getting cute...
annoying...
girls with a very heavy make-up they look like gonna attend halooween party and the guys are still on their 70's fashion..

you will see their fashion its kinda over!..
their hairstyle?.. they look like havent taken a bath for 1 month..