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 Unlike
Asian countries, in Europe "cute" isn't necessary
"cool". Since Europeans tend to be much more
individualistic than Asians, childhood is a very short time in
life and teenagers don't like things that children play with.
However, the Pokemon Jet landed at and started from European
airports also.
Japanese (and
other Asian) pop music isn't very widespread in Europe since
there is a large number of popular American and local bands
(whose songs are in the local languages or English). The
media is so dominated by European and American music that it
is extremely difficult for Asian bands to compete.
Japanese films
shown in European cinemas are about ancient Japan and are
generally popular among genuine lovers of Japanese culture.
This is understandable since it makes perfect sense to watch a
Kurosawa film but a modern Japanese movie is no different from
a Hollywood movie in any case. Among the masses,
American films strongly dominate European market.
In Europe Japan is
associated with high tech (especially computers, cameras and
consumer electronics), martial arts (especially judo and
karate), health, relaxation and meditation exercises (e.g.
shiatsu, reiki), cuisine (especially
sushi) and traditional
arts (e.g. ikebana and ukiyoe).
Traditional
Japanese art items are popular in Europe since they are
considered as exotic and European equivalents hardly exist.
Another reason is the desire for relaxation and health
improvement in a society where a lot of people are completely
stressed out.
Japanese language
is gaining popularity along with Chinese. Both languages are
learned by university students who wish to succeed in their
professional careers. Of course, quite a few people may also
learn basic Japanese prior to traveling to Japan.
Recommended link: Japan may not be losing its soul?
Japanese
culture in Singapore
Fashion
and style in Singapore influenced by Japan Japanese
pop culture takes Asia by storm
A
trip to Japan Japan
inspired fashion Westernization
of Asia
Implications
of Japanese influence on the fashion industry Japanese
in Canada
Japanese
lingerie styles influence international trends
Culture
shock in Japan
Dissolving
stereotypes of Japan
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