To say the Japanese are stubborn, would be simply flat out wrong, to say they are an eternal monument to pure and unwavering stubbornness, would be getting a little closer to the truth. now because I happen to be an individual who considers stubbornness to be a likable personality trait this only enhances my opinion of Japan, but if you are a person who can not stand it, then you are not going to get along with the culture.
It isn't really a question of what I like or prefer, it is about the effects that it has on their society and their country. In this case the effects are highly detrimental.
I would never want to live there, I know how they think of foreigners, and I know how 'fun' it would be for me, a Gaijin without a family history mapped back to the 12th century, to try to get a job that didn't involve cleaning or food preparation. the very reasons I like them are the same reasons I wouldn't want to live there, odd isn't it?
Ironic.
My impression from China was also that money is much more important there than it appears to outside.
It is true, but my impression is that is largely a result of the country's recent economic history. 30 years no one had much in the way of real money, now everyone has opportunities so naturally they all want a slice of the pie.
Take this story for what you willThe Chinese are rather nationalistic;
Long ago, way Back in the Day (tm) Europe and the US were like that, eventually most of it petered out. I would guess the same would happen here (hopefully).
