those comparisons between China and Japan are so interesting. Japanese do really look to Americans for so many things, and we can all learn from each other, I hope!

haha - I'd never throw a bottle at you, silly! it is actually very natural that Masahiko married an American woman. he's very Japanese in some ways, but he's always had an interest in western culture, especially music and culture. he knows less about Japanese culture than I do, which is funny! But he does tend to criticize his own country, as well as America. it's his personality. so you were right in seeing the irony:)