This led to emergence of two groups.  The first one of predominantly Japanese women who wanted to pursue their dream of looking blonde and they cited examples of other women all over the world dyeing their hair with whatever color they fancied.  They were, of course, joined by their admirers who supported them either because they thought these women looked better or they believed in the freedom of these women to pursue their dreams. Wakana Sato, a 17 year old Japanese who lives in Canada, protested, “This is really stupid.  Why are we debating over why Japanese dye their hair?  If Japanese aren’t allowed to dye their hair, why should Canadians, or Americans, or anyone be allowed to? I agree that SOME girls in Japan are just going too far, BUT there are others who are preserving the culture in fashion”.  Steve, in the United Kingdom, supports Wakana, “I feel its wrong to label people who dress in a certain way.  People have been dyeing there hair and changing there appearance for years, maybe its a new thing in Japan but you can’t accuse these people of trying to be white because of dying their hair. When I was younger I dyed my hair red whilst in my punk days, what would that make me (other than a bit weird)? Certainly not a sell out (which is an awful phrase to use and should only be used by bigots).”

Keiti, a 15-year old Japanese living in the US, asks questions similar to Wakana, “African-American girls bleach and dye their hair everywhere from blonde to blue, but nobody says they're trying to look white – it's just a matter of personal taste and what image they like to project.  Japanese girls are known for being stylish, and they're just up-to-date on trends. I think people should really take a close look at just how many non-Japanese or non-Asian people are doing the same thing, or possibly something more extreme, before just passing judgment like that.”  (Related:  Japanese hair straightening)

The second group consisted of traditionalists from Japan (and other parts of Asia since this trend was no longer confined to Japan) who wanted to cling to their stereotype of Japanese people.  They were afraid that by changing their appearance, these people were abandoning their “Japanese-ness”.  Several readers think that this perspective of culture and ethnic heritage is short-sighted and narrow.  Cultures do not disappear simply because people embrace aspects of other culture.  In fact, they might become richer.  Julie comments, “What's wrong with changing?  So one has to wear an uncomfortable kimono all the time instead of jeans?  Why don't we all wear ripped up fur from a bear like the way we did a million years ago?   A true culture does not die because culture is a living phenomenon – it evolves by changing.  The ones that die are those that did not change.”  Tester supports Julie’s logic, “Maybe Asian people just admire some aspects of western culture, and you cant expect ancient things to last forever!!!  Just look at the way the west is. You'd NEVER see anyone dressing like they did ten years ago let alone a thousand years ago.  People in Japan still wear kimonos and yukatas.  In fact the beauty of Japan is the fact that you will see the same girls dressed in the most traditional yukatas for their hanabi parties.  And for the Japanese girls who want to be white, there is no such thing as being white, its just a skin color, and nothing more. You are who you are and one cannot change that – no matter what.”