HT: Nice try.

HT - sorry, I read your post as support, not description.

Another lurker here who has been to Japan two times.

I can offer my opinion that I feel Alex's,mdn,crellston,mrwunrfl, rizzuto,HT,mistik, KimJapan's,nickn and Will James's explanations are probably closest to the truth about Japan on this thread.

The rude comments by the trouble making people who have never been to Japan such as jacketwatch should be taken as is for what they are and totally ignored.

LT: Its true I've never been to Japan, at least not yet. I did try to share my experiences with their culture on this subject haowever. You can have knowledge of culture w/o actually have been there and you do this through several avenues such as reading, travel documentaries and forums like this one. My opinion on your comment is you have it, for the most part backwards. In fact I don't think you could be more off base. We all have opinions and you are entitled to yours. Take care.

jacketwatch: Just let it go. The OP just asked a question which has been vindicated by a good number of responses. Try some Aloha! yourself and stop trying to start and win an argument. Mahalo. Sayonara

Very good. LOL! I got a chuckle out of that. Mahalo.

Or as they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thank you.