Very important point to notice when comparing the two cultures. I know exactly what you mean. As I see it, Japan has something that most other countries are missing, while somehow it lacks an important something that can easily be found elsewhere. This could be simplified to collectivism but I see it going much deeper than that into focus of attention and potentially perception of reality. If the world could truly understand Japanese culture (trying to maintain harmony with your surroundings despite what comes) and if Japan could truly understand western culture (Becoming more able to form opinions and sharing them...at least sometimes...)

I will write extensively on this eventually. I just restarted my Japanese blog...nothing socdeep though, just friend chicken for now. I want to start easy and make some more Japanese friend s on here first.