Actually this is one of the most commonly asked questions and for obvious reasons.  It is very well known in Japan and elsewhere that Japanese women have a clear preference for what they think as a true 'gaijin' (blond, blue eyes, tall, athletic, etc.) - the image perpetuated by Hollywood movies and magazines.  In the process these women ignore African Americans, Hispanic Americans and anyone else.  The important feature is appearance rather than nationality (thus Europeans with similar looks also succeed).  (Related:  Korean beauty Ursula Mayes)

A Japanese woman recently interviewed at length by us on these issues commented, "In Japan English language skill is regarded as very good quality, and the image of foreigners (especially Caucasian) is good, so Japanese people are always interested in having foreign friends so that they can practice their language. Since Caucasian men in general are also more active than other men, they often hook-up with Japanese girls. Of course in any country women want to show off their handsome boyfriends, but in Japan foreign men should be outstanding by their looks since it is not appreciated that we date foreign men, and so, if we do, we better have something that can be considered a trophy. Oh, also many Japanese girls like European and American style-kissing in public, equality of the two genders and so on. We, therefore, don't always like other Asians because they do not treat us with respect (like Japanese men), can be very aggressive when they talk, and just seem so desperate to have a Japanese girlfriend."  These comments provide a lot of insight into the mind of a Japanese woman.

Having said that, it is not true that other men have no success.  Actually all kinds of men find love and romance in Japan including blacks from the US or Africa, Middle Eastern men, and other Asian men from almost all countries.  If you read the comments carefully, while the looks are very important in Japan, a man has to give sufficient reason to win the heart of a Japanese girl.  So bring out the best in you - is there something unique about you?  Do you have class when you dress and talk?  Can she bring you to her friends and family and be proud of introducing you? 

However, many Japanese women are essentially looking to have a fling with a foreigner to see what the fuss is about and in that case they might as well go with the dream boy.  When you try to approach them it would not be surprising that you will find them to be cold and not responsive.  We have heard instances of online romances gone bad when photos were exchanged or race disclosed. But some Japanese women are genuinely interested in certain cultures or some men can charm them in other ways, or plain and simple, some Japanese women do not have any luck with their 'dream boy'.   So do not lose hope and if you like someone, make sure you pursue it and keep pursuing it till you make it.

Recommended link:  Online dating techniques