Popularity of Japanese Culture

[Tim R]

Why is Japanese culture becoming so popular in the west? What is it about it? 

[Lyubov]

I wouldn't say it is becoming. It has been popular in the US for 20+ years now. Japanese culture values mastery, functionality and beauty greatly. It reflects quite a bit in many of the products they have produced.

[ArchangelG]

Two minor reasons from the top of my head.

A lot of manga and anime are aimed toward all age groups, but in the west cartoons are aimed mostly towards children.

Sushi is delicious.