I was talking about it recently, and I heard it from another person as well, that Japan is a nation of contrasts, of contradictions. On one hand there's an image of 'properness', words that spring to mind such as 'formal', 'respectful', etc. Then, also, there is that Japan can be so obscene, we all know the association of freaky and weird cultural stuff in Nippon.
"I agree with the photographer very much when he says that Japan appears very contradictory. On one hand I hear so much people saying that in this land, well, they're so concerned with display, manner, face; but also Japan can be so obscene and is associated on certain levels for that, too, aren't they? Japan... a few things, many people there are so concerned about how a group will perceive them. The losing face thing again. If a family is carrying a suffering hikikomori, they won't seek outside help as they don't want the shame, they don't want the neighborhood to know a hikikomori lives with them. Aside that, someone who has lost a job will either pretend to go on to his work or try and find a job without telling his or her family the truth."
Sometimes I wonder if these perceptions are true... because I've read on other forums and they do complain about the diving of some Japanese players, like Kisho Yano, of Freiburg. And Europe didn't corrupt him. Okubo has done it too. Not all the players are saints.