I know this isn't strictly video game news, but given how much Japanese culture is discussed and celebrated here (and how much Japanese culture has affected the course of the video game industry), I thought this sort of commentary might be relevant. If I'm wrong, feel free to move it to the correct forum (Lifestyle? Your Man in Japan?)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11182591/site/newsweek

In brief: it's an interesting (though shallow) look at how traditional Japanese culture is being diluted by Western culture.