History ValuesDissonance / Anime

** In his subsequent [[{{filler}} anime-exclusive appearance]], when Maomolin the Bakaneko tries to take the male Tsubasa as his wife, Tsubasa declares that if that's his lifestyle, then good for him, but Tsubasa himself is most certainly not interested.

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* Frankly, this trope could probably adequately explain a lot of what seems to be RelationshipWritingFumble in the eyes of western fans. If you are more used to more open western romances, don't realize that the Japanese are generally more shy about overt romantic affection, what the mythological themes and symbolism mean, and a lot of subtle social cues, you're probably going to be pretty lost.
** Or, in some cases, it could just be a matter of extending the "will they - won't they" as long as possible. ''REC'' is a seinen manga where a young couple meet and have sex on the same night, and the plot follows their relationship afterwards. Their sexual encounter is treated as healthy and ordinary.
* As mentioned on the main page for StayInTheKitchen, a lot of Japanese gender attitudes come across as quite sexist to Western audiences.
** While it might be okay with Japanese audiences, the BastardBoyfriend stereotype does not go over well with Western viewers.
** To Western viewers, it can seem very strange that a female character would quit her job just because she was getting married, or that marriage would be seen as an alternative to a career instead of a separate issue. While it is uncommon, but not unheard of, for a woman to quit her job in The West due to getting married, pregnancy is usually the more deciding factor, or more cynically, the husband's income, in Japan and Eastern countries it's common enough to be expected.
*** The West and East also have different opinions on this issue. In the West, a woman who did this would typically be seen as needy, spoiled, and overly reliant on her husband, or at worst, a gold digger. The East, on the other hand, would typically see this behaviour as someone devoted to their family and a strong pillar of support for the husband and community.
** The treatment of sexual harassment is another issue that can raise more than a few eyebrows in Western audiences. In Japan, [[TheChikan "inappropriate touching" on trains]] is so widespread that some stations and trains have ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frotteurism signs warning women about perverts]]''. Yet, women are ''not'' supposed to raise a fuss about it should it actually happen to them; it's the emphasis on dignity coupled with an attitude of female subordination. The most the train stations do to prevent this is offer women-only cars, thus continuing to place the responsibility on the victim to stay away from men rather than on men to not attack them. There is still great controversy in Japan over the legality of this, the lack of prosecution in all but the clearest of cases, and the lenient punishments of those who actually do get convicted.
*** It certainly doesn't help that one of the main reasons behind the creation of the separate train cars was an incident where it was found that 3 high school girls were essentially blackmailing a salaryman into getting money or saying that he tried to molest them. So, it doesn't paint a particularly nice picture when it can be viewed as protecting the men from such situations (admittedly, the girls were committing a crime).
*** In anime, the AccidentalPervert is usually a bumbling, supposedly likable character; if the "target" freaks out, her reaction is played for comedy. More serious plots may feature outright, deliberate harassment, but very often the heroine will be scolded for fighting back or told not to make such a big deal out of it. Often it's not entirely clear whether the story is on the heroine's side ("sexual harassment is bad"), or backing up society's view ("the heroine needs to accept her lot in life as uncomplaining, submissive victim"). This could be due to the fact that MostWritersAreMale. In ''Manga/{{MARS}}'', for example, Kira, the heroine, is assaulted while at her work. Naturally, she retaliates. Her boss, however, forces her to apologize to her attacker, even though she is the victim. The story is just ambiguous enough to leave the reader wondering if the author takes the manager's side or the best friend's. If you were to look at a lot of shoujo manga, you will notice that the girl is considered "pure" and more "chaste" if she just quietly and tearfully takes the groping from the molester. It is generally up to her boyfriend to call the molester on it and protect her, because a woman should never protect herself. However, most shoujo manga that indulge in this are fantasies in the vein of romance novels and bodice-rippers, so they don't necessarily reflect society's actual opinions.
**** Emiya Shirou of ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' gives the appearance of adhering to this ideal but in actuality bends a bit further towards western views so long as you aren't looking exclusively at [[CharacterExaggeration his anime incarnation]]. In Fate, Shirou finds it ''good'' that a particular female character had a run-in with a molester on her way home, believing that the attack will knock a sense of femininity into her. However, when the same character is ''actually'' raped (or at least implied to have been raped) in another route, he is just as genuinely horrified as his female classmates. [[StayInTheKitchen His attitude towards Saber]] is similarly exaggerated; Shirou loudly states numerous times throughout the Fate route that Saber should leave the fighting to him despite the fact that Saber is ''astronomically'' more powerful than him even at her weakest. However, it needs to be noted that Saber had been severely wounded in her first major fight ''and'' was Shirou's love interest in the Fate route. Considering [[AlwaysSaveTheGirl what Shirou is willing to do]] to save Rin and Sakura from harm in the other routes (in which he ends up with one of them, rather than Saber) and that Fate is the ''only'' route where Shirou expresses these beliefs, it makes more sense to think that Shirou is inventing reasons to keep Saber off the battlefield ''to prevent her from being hurt again''. (Also, there is ample evidence that even Shirou's desire to prevent Saber from being hurt is a distorted ideal that he uses to cover up his lack of self-regard.)
** This is changing somewhat; in the manga ''Manga/SgtFrog'', for instance, Aki Hinata, [[ActionGirl strong]] mother and aikido master, is groped on a train and responds by slamming her attacker to the ground. Several other writers have followed this trend, especially when dealing with strong female characters.
*** Also in the ''Manga/{{Parasyte}}'' manga, when one of the infected humans humiliates a groper, the other passengers cheer her on.
*** In one ''DetectiveAcademyQ'' anime {{filler}} episode, Megu and a rival DDS student are groped in a train. They actively track down and collar the groper, and proceed to demolish the carefully crafted alibi he presented to "prove" he wasn't guilty.
**** Something similar occurs in ''TenshiNaKonamaiki''.
*** In the ''BeachEpisode'' of ''OuranHighSchoolHostClub'', the heroine Haruhi tries to take on two thugs in defense of two girls, even though she's thin and short, knows no martial arts, and can't swim (she ends up in the water). It's also worth noting that she didn't even think of calling for help, even though the beach is swarming with ''armed private police forces.'' Her male friends reprimand her but the lesson they teach Haruhi is more about understanding her own limits and safety than about being a meek, submissive girl. At the end of the episode, it's also shown that the reason she didn't think of calling for help is that she's ''not used to having help to call on'', softening the impact of the reprimand somewhat.
*** ''{{Megatokyo}}'' sort of goes in between when someone [[MuggingTheMonster gropes Erika]] [[http://megatokyo.com/strip/125 on the train]]. She is at first freaked out with a 'Wtf?" expression on her face and then returns to the conversation she was having while slowly reaching behind her and painfully snapping something on the pervert. However, being written from a American's point of view on the issue, this is probably more of an exception.
*** Manga/{{Change 123}} uses this when a pervert begins molesting main-character Motoko. She quietly takes it until she transforms into [[BoisterousBruiser Hibiki]] of [[SplitPersonality HiFuMi]]. Then she proceeds to reach down, place her hand over his, and severely break his fingers. She walks off the train, leaving the pervert on his knees in agonizing pain, surrounded by confused bystanders.
*** Sango of ''InuYasha'' typically responds to Miroku's groping by slapping him, though the whole thing is {{played for laughs}}.
** This is all but averted now, by the point of creating [[UnprovokedPervertPayback its own issue]].
** In ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'', Sakura kicks in the face a man who grabs her butt. When the client she's watching over notes that girls in his town don't look after themselves that way, Sakura declares that they should.
*** It should be noted, however, that the creator of ''Naruto'' grew up near a US military base and has some frankly American attitudes about a lot of things.
* The YamatoNadeshiko trope, when exported to the West, seems a bit sexist...
** ...but the WellExcuseMePrincess and {{Tsundere}} types are, for some specific groups of fans, [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff far more popular overseas than they are back home]].
*** But not for others. Americans will accept Tsundere girls (due to their like of strong female characters), but only if they have a ''reason'' to snap. It's easy for the girl to cross the line into DudeNotFunny if her actions are seen as unjustified, especially if she's not called out on it.
** An example of this, albeit with males rather than females, is Yuri's harem in ''LightNovel/KyoKaraMaoh''. Gentle, chivalrous Conrad seems to be the most favored candidate for Yuuri's affections in Japan. In the West, however, [[{{Tsundere}} Tsundere-esque]] Wolfram appears to have a bigger following. Mind you, this may be due to Conrad being interpreted as a father-figure by some Westerners.
** On the third hand, [[http://loserzcomic.comicgenesis.com/d/20010822.html presentation is everything...]]
** Likewise, in ''Manga/AiYoriAoshi'', Kaoru's preferred match is YamatoNadeshiko Sakuraba Aoi for Japanese fans; but western fans prefer hooking him up with LoveableSexManiac and ManicPixieDreamGirl-wannabe Tina Foster.
* Similarly, [[http://nenilein.tumblr.com/post/77496624867/hisanakagami-fandomsandfeminism-so-here-is this debate]] illustrates the difference between what Westerners and Japanese people find to be powerful feminine traits. As seen here, Westerners are more open to the idea that "girlyness" is empowering solely because it deconstructs the stereotype of it being portrayed as a weakness. However, stereotypical "girlyness" is the ''ideal'' for Japanese and other Eastern countries, and if a woman is not seen as "feminine", then that leads to UnfortunateImplications that she isn't "desirable" enough. This has led to rigid gender roles and many gender divisive programming starting from a very young age. It could also be why the TomboyWithAGirlyStreak is so common in manga and anime: tomboyish characters don't seem very tomboyish to western audiences, since they're given feminine traits to keep them from being ''too'' tomboyish.
* Almost as if the ValuesDissonance of YamatoNadeshiko has a SpearCounterpart, Western fans just don't seem to take {{Bishonen}}, {{Emo}}, or Metrosexual characters well compared to the Japanese. On the other hand, rugged {{Badass}} guys devoid of any ''girly'' things are usually revered in the West as Paragons Of Manliness. This might be credited to the Japanese's belief that if you are a {{Bishonen}}, you are very sure that deep down you are a man, even if you look like a girl, as well as a standard that places a high value on male androgyny as the ultimate sign of male beauty. Furthermore, the macho-men that are revered as American standards of heterosexuality are commonly used as ''[[MachoCamp gay]]'' stereotypes in Japanese media.[[note]]To be fair, this can sometimes be the case in Western media as well, due to the "Bear" being a very common stereotype in gay culture.[[/note]] In other words, each culture has the opposite concept of what is a manly man and what is a man that wants to ''sleep'' with a manly man. Of course, ''both'' concepts qualify completely as TruthInTelevision, in ''both'' cultures. "Gay men" are about as hard to pin down as "men" period. From Japan alone, we got contrasting examples in Ash Crimson from ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'', who is very popular in Japan but is hated everywhere else for being flamboyant and looking girly, and Kenshiro from the ''FistOfTheNorthStar'', who is universally considered to be one of the manliest men in fiction, despite ([[{{Mangst}} or even because]]) doing a lot of [[ManlyTears crying]].
* While AnimationAgeGhetto has been quite a problem in the West, the same can also be said for its opposite. In the West, many Shounen and Shoujo are marketed towards the teenager and young adult demographics, but in Japan, those titles are created and marketed mainly towards children. It doesn't help that popular titles have shown content that are seen as controversial towards kids in the West. ''FistOfTheNorthStar'', ''Manga/FullMetalAlchemist'', ''Manga/DeathNote'', and ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' could be so graphic at times that Western fans find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that [[WhatDoYouMeanItsForKids they are intended for kids]]. As a result, the content ratings for English versions of {{shonen}} manga are often all over the map, with many manga that younger children would be able to read in Japan being deemed for teens or older teens in America. ''MaiHime'' is one notable example, as while it is a shonen series, the English release contains a content warning stating that it is not for children.
* Nudity in Japanese culture is viewed ''very'' differently. While it's used for plain old FanService, it's also used to convey innocence and purity. This ''really'' causes a problem with children -- a nude child or a panty shot is not intended to be sexual at all in Japanese culture and in fact, a nude child is often intended to emphasize their ''lack'' of sexuality. Consider, for example, the bathing scenes in ''MyNeighborTotoro'' ([[BathtubBonding in which the father is bathing with his preteen daughters]]) or the ''numerous'' panty shots in ''KikisDeliveryService''.[[note]]On ThisVeryWiki, there was -– [[Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub once upon a time]] –- a page called "InnocentPanties", which were just that. It had to be cut because... um... [[Administrivia/TheGoogleIncident well]]...[[/note]] This does ''not'' translate well to a pedophile-wary West, in which any instance of this is thought of as child pornography. Parents bathing with children, even fathers and daughters, is not uncommon in Japan, up to a certain age. Girls taking baths together is considered more a relaxing social thing than anything else, especially if they happen to be visiting an [[HotSpringsEpisode onsen]], even (stereotypically) comparing bust sizes and curves and such while in the bath. Even mixed sex baths are OK, as it's not really a sexual thing, just a chance to relax and chat with friends.
** Interestingly, America did not used to be quite so uptight about this. Look at classic advertisements for [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppertone_girl Coppertone sun block from 1953]].
** In some anime programs, ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'', any nude of suggested treads to be censored when ported to the Western viewers, in the ''Yu-Gi-Oh GX'' episode "It's all Relative", Bastion [[{{Streaking}} takes off his clothes completely before running]] after his moment of deep thought. In the Western Port, Bastion was still wearing his boxers, but in both ports the rest of the characters just simply watches on and no action in taken, unlike what would've happened in a America, where such action was grounds for arrest.
** This lack of nudity taboo makes the prominent testicles on many Japanese depictions of tanuki highly problematic during localization.
* Then there's the fact that in certain Western countries (like the USA, Australia, and Canada but not most of Europe), [[KissingCousins cousin intermarriage]] is treated as almost as bad as BrotherSisterIncest (both as a cultural taboo and, in some jurisdictions, a criminal offense), causing an aversion to cousin [[UnwantedHarem Unwanted Haremettes]] in DatingSim games and shows based upon them. Cousin marriage is fully legal in Japan and seen more as odd or quaint than [[{{Squick}} Squicky]]. It is still comparatively common in some social circles as a way to ensure an equitable match.
** BrotherSisterIncest itself, meanwhile, is considered gross and inappropriate in Japan, but it's not really taboo and it shows up in anime frequently, both seriously and as parody. In the West, it's firmly on the list of Top Ten Most Taboo Things; you won't find many examples of it outside of {{Author Tract}}s about how wrong it is. This causes notorious BrokenBase issues with shows like ''OreImo'', and even {{deconstruction}}s like ''Manga/KoiKaze'' catch flak for not condemning the trope ''enough'', or for having a happy ending.
** The acceptability of KissingCousins varies from series to series. In many it's barely even like they're cousins but in others it can be a big moral dilemma. For example in ''Manga/DailyLivesOfHighSchoolBoys'', one of the characters has a crush on a boy only to learn he's her cousin, prompting her to abandon said feelings.
* The important Japanese value ''"ganbarimasu"'' (meaning to do one's best) is deeply permeated into all of Japanese society. To the outside Western view, a character with the goal ToBeAMaster (so common in {{Shonen}}) or even to succeed at a small task may seem absolutely obsessive-compulsive. The trope SeriousBusiness for Anime & Manga nearly exists solely because of this. Elaborated on [[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/buried-treasure/2008-05-29/aim-for-the-ace here]].
* In many anime, a character will be reprimanded for laughing loudly, crying, or generally showing an "excess of emotion." While this may be universally understood in certain places (such as in an important meeting, in the cinema, or in a library), it can be confusing if the character is just sitting with friends or talking to their parents. It only makes sense once you realize the emphasis Japanese culture puts on Dignity, and [[ItCantBeHelped not bothering other people with your personal problems]]. It works both ways, of course. The stereotypical American's emotional and dramatic nature, as well as their infamous Constitutional right to own a gun, is absolutely shocking to the Japanese population. This resulted in "[[{{Eagleland}} half-crazy, gun-toting American]]" characters appearing in anime. Examples: Leon of ''{{Pet Shop of Horrors}}'', K from ''{{Gravitation}}'', and most of the cast of ''{{Manga/FAKE}}'' (except Ryo, who's [[ButNotTooForeign half Japanese]]). Another example happens when laws allowing citizens to own guns are passed: ''BakuretsuTenshi'', for example, depicts Tokyo as slowly becoming a more rotten place than [[ViceCity the lowest]] ''[[ViceCity favelas]]'' [[ViceCity of Rio de Janeiro]] after one of these laws was enacted.
** France has a similar attitude toward private gun ownership, as has Britain, which introduced some of the tightest gun control laws in Europe after the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunblane_massacre Dunblane]] and [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungerford_massacre Hungerford]] massacres.
** In ''LightNovel/{{Akikan}}'', the main character had to transfer to a new school after saving a friend from a kidnapper using the kidnapper's own gun. To a Japanese audience, this is apparently considered horrifying and scandalous, while in an American context, he would have been lauded as a hero for his actions.
** Perhaps this can best illustrated by a story. In an unnamed show, the group consisting of two Texans, a Louisianan, a French-raised American, and a Brazilian. When the protagonist of the show pulled out his personal pistol and shot a guy about to cause somebody else harm, the Texans and Louisianan applauded the action as the act of a good Samaritan. In those states, citizens didn't have reliable police services at one time and had to protect themselves from Indian raiders and troublemakers. The French-raised American and the Brazilian were both horrified and thought they saw an act of barbarity, since the protagonist shot the guy rather than trying to talk him down.
* In Japan, the extended middle finger is seen as a harmless, petty gesture, like sticking your tongue out. Hence, the reason Old Tom gives one to Star Saber in ''TransformersVictory'', a children's cartoon.
** Likewise with the tendencies to flip people exhibited in the main characters of the ''ViewtifulJoe'' anime and the ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' manga (though not the anime).
** In {{Great Teacher Onizuka}}, there are times when the titular character did the finger. Apparently, that one's a humorous case of {{Deliberate Values Dissonance}}; he's telling whoever it is "f*** you" in a "harmless" way.
** Subverted in ''Manga/LuckyStar'' when Akira flips off the camera and her finger is blurred. Likewise, at least one instance of a character flipping the bird was removed from the anime of ''Manga/OnePiece.''
** This sort of thing is also why ''[[TengenToppaGurrenLagann Gurren Lagann's]]'' [[FanNickname Bruce Ironstaunch]] is [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff loved in America]] for giving Rossiu a BicepPolishingGesture when he announces the arrest of Simon. In Japan, the reaction was approval. In America, it was more of a "Who the Hell do you think ''you'' are?"
** However, Japan ''does'' have its own equivalent of the middle finger, which is a clenched fist with the thumb sticking out between the index and middle fingers (it essentially means, "get fucked" in most contexts). In the West (well, most of the West), this is a harmless gesture. At least currently, since it DID carry that meaning until recently (it's called a fig).
** Lampshaded in ''BlackHeaven'': deceased band member Joseph Watanabe doesn't understand what he's doing when he goes waving his middle finger around after getting pinched by a lobster. He was in the US on a solo tour at the time. As a result, a very large, angry man throws him through a billboard. It was clearly emphasized that he really didn't understand what was offensive about it.
** Subverted in the baseball episode of ''SamuraiChamploo'', where one of the Japanese characters was flipping off another in the episode and it was blurred. Of course, half the cast in that episode were Americans.
* As some specific examples below can show you, Japan has a... different way of dealing with child abuse than the West. Child abuse is treated as something the family themselves should deal with, and that it's no one else's business. Several series where a teacher or fellow student tries to tell someone has the speaker shot back down, told to not get involved, or worse, which is pretty much exactly what happens to them in real life; [[http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/14/japan.child.abuse/index.html?hpt=C2 unfortunately for many Japanese children, this real-life "tradition" is putting tremendous strain on Japan's social services...]]
* Related to the child abuse are vastly differing ideas for what makes a good parent, which can presumably be traced back to ideals regarding filial piety. In manga, a parent that ignores or even commits what a Western audience would consider child abuse are more likely to be overlooked or even praised depending on the situation. A parent who is too busy working to pay any attention to their child may be considered hard-working and supportive despite their hurt and confused children and one who verbally or even physically attacks their child for what is considered improper behavior may be simply considered strict but well-meaning and possibly correct. When actual error is admitted in parenting, the child is also expected to forgive them easily. If they don't, the problem is assumed to be with the ''child'' and not the parent.
** For example, Tomoya in ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}}'' was actually given a permanent injury that disabled full usage of his arm by his father, who after the fight began ignoring his child to the point where Tomoya felt like a stranger in his own home and nearly failed out of school as a result of not wanting to come home while his father is awake. However, in the true route, Tomoya is expected to forgive him because his father was trying to raise him on his own and was doing his best until he just gave up.
** In ''Manga/BinbougamiGa'', the main character is the victim of extreme neglect with her parents regularly breaking promises or failing to appear for any events in her life to the point that by the time she was a little girl she'd given up on them. When her father comes back to Japan for the first time in what is implied to be ''years'' after having fun as a musician in America, his daughter wants nothing to do with him, especially since his idea of an apology is 'Okay, now that I'm back for the first time in a decade, we can all be a family in a place you've never been apart from everyone you've ever known.' The next couple chapters are all devoted to trying to make ''Ichiko'' be more 'reasonable' and forgive her father, who is now considered the victim. Earlier, Ranmaru had been portrayed as noble for sticking up for a father that had beaten her and forced her to live a lifestyle she was not comfortable with because of his own desires.
* The phrase [[DeclarationOfProtection ''I'll protect you'']] in Japanese is often used in anime as a declaration of devotion and commitment –- especially when said to a woman by a man –- and not a petition to be her bodyguard (although that [[BodyguardCrush does come up now and again]]). It's often translated as just "I love you" in English. Because gender roles in Japanese culture are much more rigid than in other parts of the world, this is sometimes used to show a male character who has been less than macho to be stepping up as a man, and gives a tomboyish girl a chance to showcase her femininity by being protected like girls are supposed to. This can be really, ''really'' weird for Western audiences, who are left to wonder what the Hell TheHero is thinking, offering to ''protect'' his [[ActionGirl super-powered/magical/martial artist/psionic girlfriend]] if she's clearly capable of taking care of herself.
** In ''PrincessKnight'' (see more below), Sapphire says this to a female knight who is helping her escape from a dungeon, as they are being attacked by enemy soldiers. The female knight is confused, and yells at Sapphire for talking "like a man".
* Teacher-student romantic relationships are not ''nearly'' as forbidden in Japan as they are in the United States. It can be puzzling for Western readers of a series like ''MaisonIkkoku'' or ''MarmaladeBoy'', where relationships between high school teachers and students are treated not only as acceptable, but in some cases ''ideal'' (granted, in the latter the teacher had to leave his position, but he was also teaching middle school). Or, similarly, a case like with Mr. Kimura from ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'', who openly acknowledges his preference for high-school girls and doesn't suffer any ill-effects from it, other than his female students being creeped-out by him. In the U.S., ''any'' hint of high school teachers and students going beyond friendly can get the former locked up, even if the student is above the age of consent. Even American ''universities'' often fire professors who sleep with their students (as it's seen as either the professor abusing his power or the student using sex as a bribe for a better grade).
* Japanese media attitudes about homosexuality differ greatly from Western views. On the one hand, it's a lot more common in anime, and they usually make less of an issue out of them; you'll find a lot less {{Gayngst}} and [[ComingOutStory Coming-Out Stories]], for example. Japanese media is also more likely to emphasize the romance in these storylines, rather than the sex. On the other hand, the apparent acceptance is largely due to seeing homosexual relationships as a fancy of youth which provides "training" for "real" opposite-sex relationships later in life; this is why you see so many SchoolgirlLesbians but not so many older ones. As recently as 2013, a lesbian couple made headlines for having a wedding ceremony at Toyko Disneyland despite the fact that same-sex marriages are not legally recognized by the Japanese government. One of the brides even stated in interviews that she hoped the attention their ceremony garnered would help convince the government to stop marginalizing sexual minorities.
** This attitude is actually discussed in ''AoiHana''. Hinako's mother tries to set her up with a male suitor despite the fact that she knows Hinako is in a live-in relationship with her longtime girlfriend Orie, and when Hinako scoffs at this, her mother dismisses their relationship since they aren't legally married. In the final chapter, the couple state that they'd be interested in getting married if they could find a way to do so, a rarity in Yuri manga.
*** Indeed, the ending drew acclaim from some LGBT rights activists for showing [[spoiler: Fumi and Akira in a live-in relationship after they graduate, making it clear their relationship is legitimate and not just youthful experimentation or "a phase"]].
** Westerners' attitudes toward anime portrayals of homosexuality have evolved a great deal over the years as Western attitudes about the subject itself have evolved. As recently as the late 90's, worries about MoralGuardians led English localizers to often turn same-sex couples in anime into opposite-sex couples or HeterosexualLifePartners (TheNineties North American dub of ''Anime/SailorMoon'' infamously did both). The fact that anime has enough homosexuality to devote [[{{Yuri}} two whole]] [[{{Yaoi}} genres]] to it was (and is) seen as progressive, but as SocietyMarchesOn (and as more Westerners find out what Japanese attitudes toward homosexuality are really like), it gets more criticism from the West for relying on tropes like BaitAndSwitchLesbians.
* In Japan, as is the case in the rest of the world, openly stating that you are a ''{{lolicon}}'' (pedophile or ephebophile) is a good way to get you labeled as a major creep who probably shouldn't be allowed near children. However, the PedoHunt mentality isn't anywhere near as strong there; lolicons are seen as (relatively) harmless and not a real danger to anyone so long as they don't act on their perversions, so they aren't kept under watch. This understandably changes ''very'' quickly if the line is actually crossed.
* The oh-so overused line "ThisIsUnforgivable". In the West, it's a huge slice of {{Narm}} worth an eye-roll. In Japan, it's a ''serious insult'', roughly on the level of "fuck you."
* Characters such as Chocolove from ''ShamanKing'' would likely be considered highly offensive in America or any other country with a sizable black population. In fact, in the American airings of the show, his name was changed to "Joco", while the English translations of the manga were altered to give him a less offensive physical appearance. However, such depictions of black characters are not anything out of the ordinary for Japan, which has a complicated history when it comes to things like {{Blackface}}, with heroic and otherwise sympathetic black characters often being given minstrel characteristics. As Japan lacks the racial history and context, blackface humor is often not portrayed as offensive, and indeed, can even be considered positive, shocking as that sounds.
** Another prominent example would be Cyborg 008 from ''Manga/{{Cyborg 009}}'', who despite being one of the protagonists and not a source of comic relief, was drawn as a blackface caricature in the manga and most of the original adaptations. He was finally given a normal-looking appearance in the 2001 anime adaptation and has thankfully been depicted as such in most subsequent appearances.
*** The original manga has other dissonant moments, such as [[TheAtoner Doctor Gilmore]] being much more of a {{Jerkass}} at times and Joe telling Francoise to StayInTheKitchen.
** A good example would be Episode 8 of ''Manga/LoveLab'', which contains an uncomfortable gag involving several Japanese schoolgirls in {{Blackface}}. While the scene was rightfully found offensive by a number of Western viewers, it's made clear that the girls aren't trying to be racist and actually meant to use the make-up ''[[ComplimentBackfire as a compliment]]''. They even state afterwards that they find black women to be strong and beautiful. (This scene was likely inspired by the ''ganguro'' fashion style, the name of which literally means "black face".)
** Case in point: in 2006, the Japanese government issued illustrated earthquake safety pamphlets to English-speaking tourists which, in an attempt to show diversity, included black/African-American characters. Unfortunately, these black characters were drawn in a manner which would be seen as embarrassingly outdated in Western society ''at best'', large pink lips and all. Complaints were made, assumptions were formed, and Japan was left wondering what the big deal was.
* There are a lot of characters and casts in anime series who are [[DysfunctionJunction really messed up]], often seen by Westerners as having undiagnosed mental illnesses, but more often than not ThereAreNoTherapists. This is because seeking therapy is looked down upon in Japan as weak and shameful, as well as the Japanese belief in stoicism.
* In Japan, children as young as eight years old are allowed to walk to and from school, or other places, all by themselves, completely unsupervised, whereas in countries like America, children absolutely HAVE to be chaperoned by an adult at ALL times due to fear of kidnapping. In fact, there was a news report where a mother was arrested for letting her child walk to their local park alone, that's how paranoid America is. One reason for this is that Japan has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, and it's generally considered a safe country, and they're less paranoid about kidnappers and pedophiles, so they don't mind allowing young children to go wherever they want unsupervised.
* Sexual {{fanservice}} in ShonenGenre and ShojoGenre works tends to be this. One issue is the target audience: In, say, America it's not terribly acceptable for an elementary or middle schooler to look at such sexual-laden material.. There's also the age of the characters being made as fansservice. A lot of the time they're middle school or high school kids well under eighteen, which can be quite {{Squick}} inducing to most above the age demographic.
* Japan has a very odd view on humility when it comes to talking about family members within their vicinity. In places like America, we tend to agree when other people say "your child is so good at this-and-that." For Japan...when someone says your child is good at something, people respond like this, "Oh, no! She/He's such an embarrassment to the family!" This has been going on since ancient times, and this is considered the highest form of humbleness and humility, while Americans might construe it as either demeaning or even verbal abuse. The Japanese consider bragging about their child's talents to be impolite and rude. This is even [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in a comedy manga called ''My Wife Is A Foreigner.''

[[AC:Specific]]

* Nudity in Japanese culture is viewed ''very'' differently. While it's used for plain old FanService, it's also used to convey innocence and purity. This ''really'' causes a problem with children -- a nude child or a panty shot is not intended to be sexual at all in Japanese culture and in fact, a nude child is often intended to emphasize their ''lack'' of sexuality. Consider, for example, the bathing scenes in ''MyNeighborTotoro'' ([[BathtubBonding in which the father is bathing with his preteen daughters]]) or the ''numerous'' panty shots in ''KikisDeliveryService''.[[note]]On ThisVeryWiki, there was -– [[Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub once upon a time]] –- a page called "InnocentPanties", which were just that. It had to be cut because... um... [[Administrivia/TheGoogleIncident well]]...[[/note]] This does ''not'' translate well to a pedophile-wary West, in which any instance of this is thought of as child pornography. Parents bathing with children, even fathers and daughters, is not uncommon in Japan, up to a certain age. Girls taking baths together is considered more a relaxing social thing than anything else, especially if they happen to be visiting an [[HotSpringsEpisode onsen]], even (stereotypically) comparing bust sizes and curves and such while in the bath. Even mixed sex baths are OK, as it's not really a sexual thing, just a chance to relax in the steaming hot water and chat with friends.

** ''Manga/PocketMonsters'' [[http://snarp.dreamwidth.org/40223.html has shown]] the genitalia of the protagonist and his Pokemon several times. While intended as nothing more than NakedPeopleAreFunny, nudity is considered ''inherently'' sexual in much of the West, making this perhaps the greatest barrier the series has to more widespread exposure

** The ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' series usually treats children leaving the house at a preteen age to become Trainers as perfectly natural, but ''Black'' and ''White'' actually subvert this sort of mindset: Bianca's father is very apprehensive about letting her go off by herself and appears to try and bring her home when she reaches Nimbasa City. Interestingly Bianca is older than the normal protagonist, being ambiguously between fourteen and seventeen.

* Similarly, [[http://nenilein.tumblr.com/post/77496624867/hisanakagami-fandomsandfeminism-so-here-is this debate]] illustrates the difference between what Westerners and Japanese people find to be powerful feminine traits. As seen here, Westerners are more open to the idea that "girlyness" is empowering solely because it deconstructs the stereotype of it being portrayed as a weakness. However, stereotypical "girlyness" is the ''ideal'' for Japanese and other Eastern countries, and if a woman is not seen as "feminine", then that leads to UnfortunateImplications that she isn't "desirable" enough. This has led to rigid gender roles and many gender divisive programming starting from a very young age. It could also be why the TomboyWithAGirlyStreak is so common in manga and anime: tomboyish girls can't be ''too'' tomboyish.

* In what's probably a case of DeliberateValuesDissonance, the popular manga ''Manga/KoeNoKatachi'' has a main character who is deaf. She is bullied relentlessly throughout her school life, it continues into middle school, her father and paternal grandparents abandon the family for her deafness, and her mother is cold to her, even though she's trying to work on rectifying this. In various parts of Japan, kids with disabilities are treated quite badly. This shows a side of Japan that most Westerners don't see, which is why there was a lawsuit to try and prevent the manga from being published.

* This contributed to the commercial failure of ''Manga/DetectiveConan'' in the US. The anime ''is'' supposed to be a children's show, aired at 7:30pm Mondays for most of its televised history, and the structure of the story is along the lines of a children's show. However, the sheer amount of {{Family Unfriendly Death}}s (many episodes revolve around murder cases) caused serious problems to the West, and importers were given the choice of cutting or timing out of its intended demographic... Interestingly, though, it was quite successful in Europe, at least in the German-speaking countries, where the MoralGuardians only during the last decade started to raise their voices against anime.

* ''BitterVirgin'' goes into the topic of AbusiveParents. Very early on, Hinako Aikawa reveals how she was raped more than once by her stepfather and was made pregnant ''twice''. The first time she had an abortion. The second time she did not because her doctor said that she would never be able to have a child again if she has an abortion. So she gave birth to the baby via cesarian section, and gave him or her away to be adopted. Her mother was in denial over it, but after the second time, she could deny it no longer. Her mother drove the stepfather out of the house with a knife. Needless to say, Hinako has a ''load'' of issues. By Western standards, it would be considered horrible that the stepfather was apparently never punished and society seems to be mostly against Hinako. By Japanese standards, Hinako would be considered DefiledForever, and Hinako would probably be blamed for the abuse and be unable to seek help.

* There are a lot of characters and casts in anime series who are [[DysfunctionJunction really messed up]], often seen by Westerners as having undiagnosed mental illnesses, but ThereAreNoTherapists. This is because therapy is looked down upon in Japan as weak and shameful, as well as the Japanese belief in stoicism.

* In the RSE arc of the ''PokemonSpecial'' manga, one of the protagonists Ruby (10) runs away from home to compete in Contests. Eventually, Norman, his father, [[http://jb2448.info/Pokemon_Adventures_17/17-051 finds him]] in a ruin, and starts [[http://jb2448.info/Pokemon_Adventures_17/17-054 beating him to a pulp]]. ''[[http://jb2448.info/Pokemon_Adventures_17/17-055 He then uses his Slaking to rip out the stair his son is standing on, (almost hitting a bystander), and dangles him, over the edge of the building]]''. His son is finally forced to start fighting back, until the floor collapses, with them [[http://jb2448.info/Pokemon_Adventures_17/17-067 both dangling over the edge]], they just miss some metal debris, Ruby is knocked out, and his father stands to start battling again, before conceding [[WellDoneSonGuy his son's goal]]. Then we get [[http://jb2448.info/Pokemon_Adventures_17/17-071 this]].

*** ''DeathNote'' features a particularly infamous case of this, with Raye Penber's fate coming across as quite the KarmicDeath to Western audiences after he refused to let his wife (who later turns out to be a far superior detective, who the writer was forced to kill off so she wouldn't discover Kira within a few chapters) help in his investigation.

* Mikasa from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' sometimes receives flak from Western audiences concerning her [[IOweYouMyLife devotion]] to Eren. This generally stems from a misunderstanding of her devotion, which is driven by the PillarsOfMoralCharacter. She owes him a debt for coming to her aid, helping her to accept the [[CrapsackWorld harsh]] reality of life, and adopting her into his family. To repay her debt to him, she has become his [[TheChampion champion]] and protects him with her life. This reversal of roles, with the heroine protecting the hero, is incredibly progressive for a Shonen series. Her honor-driven devotion also doubles as FridgeBrilliance, as the lone character of Asian heritage in a European-styled society. However, some viewers' confusion may also stem from the slight romantic undertones that Mikasa is shown to have towards Eren (who only views her as a sister), which is considered quite {{Squick}}y by Western standards since they're introduced as adoptive siblings. Anything remotely sexual or romantic between adoptive siblings is just as taboo as between blood siblings in the West.

* In Japan, children as young as eight years old are allowed to walk to and from school, or other places, all by themselves, completely unsupervised, whereas in countries like America, children absolutely HAVE to be chaperoned by an adult at ALL times due to fear of kidnapping. One reason for this is that Japan has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, and it's generally considered a safe country, and they're less paranoid about kidnappers and pedophiles, so they don't mind allowing young children to go wherever they want unsupervised.

* Nudity in Japanese culture is viewed ''very'' differently. While it's used for plain old FanService, it's also used to convey innocence and purity. This ''really'' causes a problem with children -- a nude child or a panty shot is not intended to be sexual at all in Japanese culture and in fact, a nude child is often intended to emphasize their ''lack'' of sexuality. Consider, for example, the bathing scenes in ''MyNeighborTotoro'' ([[BathtubBonding in which the father is bathing with his preteen daughters]]) or the ''numerous'' panty shots in ''KikisDeliveryService''.[[note]]On ThisVeryWiki, there was -– [[Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub once upon a time]] –- a page called "InnocentPanties", which were just that. It had to be cut because... um... [[Administrivia/TheGoogleIncident well]]...[[/note]] This does ''not'' translate well to a pedophile wary West, in which any instance of this is thought of as child pornography. Parents bathing with children, even fathers and daughters, is not uncommon in Japan, up to a certain age. Girls taking baths together is considered more a relaxing social thing than anything else, especially if they happen to be visiting an [[HotSpringsEpisode onsen]], even (stereotypically) comparing bust sizes and curves and such while in the bath. Even mixed sex baths are OK, as it's not really a sexual thing, just a chance to relax in the steaming hot water and chat with friends.

* Mikasa from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' sometimes receives flak from Western audiences concerning her [[IOweYouMyLife devotion]] to Eren. This generally stems from a misunderstanding of her devotion, which is driven by the PillarsOfMoralCharacter. She owes him a debt for coming to her aid, helping her to accept the [[CrapsackWorld harsh]] reality of life, and adopting her into his family. To repay her debt to him, she has become his [[TheChampion champion]] and protects him with her life. This reversal of roles, with the heroine protecting the hero, is incredibly progressive for a Shonen series. Her honor-driven devotion also doubles as FridgeBrilliance, as the lone character of Asian heritage in a European-styled society. However, some viewers' confusion may also stem from the slight romantic undertones that Mikasa is shown to have towards Eren (who only views her a sister), which is considered quite {{Squick}}y by Western standards since they're introduced as adoptive siblings. Anything remotely sexual or romantic between adoptive siblings is just as taboo as between blood siblings in the West.

* Mikasa from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' sometimes receives flak from Western audiences concerning her [[IOweYouMyLife devotion]] to Eren. This generally stems from a misunderstanding of her devotion, which is driven by the PillarsOfMoralCharacter. She owes him a debt for coming to her aid, helping her to accept the [[CrapsackWorld harsh]] reality of life, and adopting her into his family. To repay her debt to him, she has become his [[TheChampion champion]] and protects him with her life. This reversal of roles, with the heroine protecting the hero, is incredibly progressive for a Shonen series. Her honor-driven devotion also doubles as FridgeBrilliance, as the lone character of Asian heritage in a European-styled society. Some viewers confusion may also stem from the slight romantic undertones that Mikasa is also shown to have towards Eren (who only views her a sister), which would be considered quite {{Squick}}y by Westerners since they're introduced as adoptive siblings.

* Mikasa from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' sometimes receives flak from Western audiences concerning her [[IOweYouMyLife devotion]] to Eren. This generally stems from a misunderstanding of her devotion, which is driven by the PillarsOfMoralCharacter. She owes him a debt for coming to her aid, helping her to accept the [[CrapsackWorld harsh]] reality of life, and adopting her into his family. To repay her debt to him, she has become his [[TheChampion champion]] and protects him with her life. This reversal of roles, with the heroine protecting the hero, is incredibly progressive for a Shonen series. Her honor-driven devotion also doubles as FridgeBrilliance, as the lone character of Asian heritage in a European-styled society. Some viewers confusion may also stem from the slight romantic undertones that Mikasa is also shown to have towards Eren (who only views her a sister), which would be considered quite {{Squirk}}y by Westerners since they're introduced as adoptive siblings.

* Mikasa from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' sometimes receives flak from Western audiences concerning her [[IOweYouMyLife devotion]] to Eren. This generally stems from a misunderstanding of her devotion, which is driven by the PillarsOfMoralCharacter. She owes him a debt for coming to her aid, helping her to accept the [[CrapsackWorld harsh]] reality of life, and adopting her into his family. To repay her debt to him, she has become his [[TheChampion champion]] and protects him with her life. This reversal of roles, with the heroine protecting the hero, is incredibly progressive for a Shonen series. Her honor-driven devotion also doubles as FridgeBrilliance, as the lone character of Asian heritage in a European-styled society.

** To Western viewers it can seem very strange that a female character would quit her job just because she was getting married, or that marriage would be seen as an alternative to a career instead of a separate issue. While it is uncommon, but not unheard of, for a woman to quit her job in The West due to getting married, pregnancy is usually the more deciding factor, or more cynically, the husband's income, in Japan and Eastern countries it's common enough to be expected.
*** The West and East also have different opinions on this issue. In the West a woman who did this would typically be seen as needy, spoiled, and overly reliant on her husband, or at worst, a gold digger. The East on the other hand would typically see this behaviour as someone devoted to their family and a strong pillar of support for the husband and community.

*** It certainly doesn't help that one of the main reasons behind the creation of the separate train cars was an incident where it was found that 3 high school girls were essentially blackmailing a salaryman into getting money or saying that he tried to molest them. So it doesn't paint a particularly nice picture when it can be viewed as protecting the men from such situations (admittedly the girls were committing a crime).

**** Emiya Shirou of ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' gives the appearance of adhering to this ideal but in actuality bends a bit further towards western views so long as you aren't looking exclusively at [[CharacterExaggeration his anime incarnation]]. In Fate, Shirou finds it ''good'' that a particular female character had a run-in with a molester on her way home, believing that the attack will knock a sense of femininity into her. However when the same character is ''actually'' raped (or at least implied to have been raped) in another route, he is just as genuinely horrified as his female classmates. [[StayInTheKitchen His attitude towards Saber]] is similarly exaggerated; Shirou loudly states numerous times throughout the Fate route that Saber should leave the fighting to him despite the fact that Saber is ''astronomically'' more powerful than him even at her weakest. However it needs to be noted that Saber had been severely wounded in her first major fight ''and'' was Shirou's love interest in the Fate route. Considering [[AlwaysSaveTheGirl what Shirou is willing to do]] to save Rin and Sakura from harm in the other routes (in which he ends up with one of them, rather than Saber) and that Fate is the ''only'' route where Shirou expresses these beliefs, it makes more sense to think that Shirou is inventing reasons to keep Saber off the battlefield ''to prevent her from being hurt again''. (Also, there is ample evidence that even Shirou's desire to prevent Saber from being hurt is a distorted ideal that he uses to cover up his lack of self-regard.)

**** Something similar occurs in TenshiNaKonamaiki.
*** In the ''BeachEpisode'' of ''OuranHighSchoolHostClub'' the heroine Haruhi tries to take on two thugs in defense of two girls, even though she's thin and short, knows no martial arts and can't swim (she ends up in the water). It's also worth noting that she didn't even think of calling for help, even though the beach is swarming with ''armed private police forces.'' Her male friends reprimand her but the lesson they teach Haruhi is more about understanding her own limits and safety than about being a meek, submissive girl. At the end of the episode, it's also shown that the reason she didn't think of calling for help is that she's ''not used to having help to call on'', softening the impact of the reprimand somewhat.
*** ''{{Megatokyo}}'' sort of goes in between when someone [[MuggingTheMonster gropes Erika]] [[http://megatokyo.com/strip/125 on the train]]. She is at first freaked out with a 'Wtf?" expression on her face and then returns to the conversation she was having while slowly reaching behind her and painfully snapping something on the pervert. However, being written from a American's point of view on the issue, this is probably more of an exception

*** It should be noted, however, that the creator of Naruto grew up near a US military base and has some frankly American attitudes about a lot of things.

* Almost as if the ValuesDissonance of YamatoNadeshiko has a SpearCounterpart, Western fans just don't seem to take {{Bishonen}}, {{Emo}}, or Metrosexual characters well compared to the Japanese. On the other hand, rugged {{Badass}} guys devoid of any ''girly'' things are usually revered in the West as Paragons Of Manliness. This might be credited to the Japanese's belief that if you are a {{Bishonen}}, you are very sure that deep down you are a man, even if you look like a girl, as well as a standard that places a high value on male androgyny as the ultimate sign of male beauty. Furthermore, the macho-men that are revered as American standards of heterosexuality are commonly used as ''[[MachoCamp gay]]'' stereotypes in Japanese media.[[note]]To be fair, this can sometimes be the case in Western media as well, due to the "Bear" being a very common stereotype in gay culture.[[/note]] In other words, each culture has the opposite concept of what is a manly man and what is a man that wants to ''sleep'' with a manly man. Of course, ''both'' concepts qualify completely as TruthInTelevision, in ''both'' cultures. "Gay men" are about as hard to pin down as "men" period. From Japan alone we got contrasting examples in Ash Crimson from ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'', who is very popular in Japan but is hated everywhere else for being flamboyant and looking girly, and Kenshiro from the FistOfTheNorthStar, who is universally considered to be one of the manliest man in fiction, despite ([[{{Mangst}} or even because]]) doing a lot of [[ManlyTears crying]].
* While AnimationAgeGhetto has been quite a problem in the West, the same can also be said for its opposite. In the West, many Shounen and Shoujo are marketed towards the teenager and young adult demographics, but in Japan those titles are created and marketed mainly towards children. It doesn't help that popular titles have shown content that are seen as controversial towards kids in the West. ''FistOfTheNorthStar'', ''Manga/FullMetalAlchemist'', ''Manga/DeathNote'' and ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' could be so graphic at times that Western fans find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that [[WhatDoYouMeanItsForKids they are intended for kids]]. As a result, the content ratings for English versions of {{shonen}} manga are often all over the map, with many manga that younger children would be able to read in Japan being deemed for teens or older teens in America. ''MaiHime'' is one notable example, as while it is a shonen series, the English release contains a content warning stating that it is not for children.
* Nudity in Japanese culture is viewed ''very'' differently. While it's used for plain old FanService, it's also used to convey innocence and purity. This ''really'' causes a problem with children - a nude child or a panty shot is not intended to be sexual at all in Japanese culture and in fact, a nude child is often intended to emphasize their ''lack'' of sexuality. Consider, for example, the bathing scenes in ''MyNeighborTotoro'' ([[BathtubBonding in which the father is bathing with his preteen daughters]]) or the ''numerous'' panty shots in ''KikisDeliveryService''.[[note]]On ThisVeryWiki, there was – [[Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub once upon a time]] – a page called "InnocentPanties", which were just that. It had to be cut because... um... [[Administrivia/TheGoogleIncident well]]...[[/note]] This does ''not'' translate well to a pedophile wary West, in which any instance of this is thought of as child pornography. Parents bathing with children, even fathers and daughters, is not uncommon in Japan, up to a certain age. Girls taking baths together is considered more a relaxing social thing than anything else, especially if the happen to be visiting an [[HotSpringsEpisode onsen]], even (stereotypically) comparing bust sizes and curves and such while in the bath. Even mixed sex baths are OK, as it's not really a sexual thing, just a chance to relax in the steaming hot water and chat with friends.

* Then there's the fact that in certain Western countries (like the USA and Canada but not most of Europe), [[KissingCousins cousin intermarriage]] is treated as almost as bad as BrotherSisterIncest (both as a cultural taboo and, in some jurisdictions, a criminal offense), causing an aversion to cousin [[UnwantedHarem Unwanted Haremettes]] in DatingSim games and shows based upon them. Cousin marriage is fully legal in Japan and seen more as odd or quaint than [[{{Squick}} Squicky]]. It is still comparatively common in some social circles as a way to ensure an equitable match.

** The acceptability of KissingCousins varies from series to series. in many it's barely even like they're cousins but in others it can be a big moral dilemma. For example in ''Manga/DailyLivesOfHighSchoolBoys'' one of the characters has a crush on a boy only to learn he's her cousin, prompting her to abandon said feelings.

* In many anime, a character will be reprimanded for laughing loudly, crying or generally showing an "excess of emotion." While this may be universally understood in certain places (such as in an important meeting, in the cinema or in a library), it can be confusing if the character is just sitting with friends or talking to their parents. It only makes sense once you realize the emphasis Japanese culture puts on Dignity, and [[ItCantBeHelped not bothering other people with your personal problems]]. It works both ways, of course. The stereotypical American's emotional and dramatic nature, as well as their infamous Constitutional right to own a gun, is absolutely shocking to the Japanese population. This resulted in "[[{{Eagleland}} half-crazy, gun-toting American]]" characters appearing in anime. Examples: Leon of ''{{Pet Shop of Horrors}}'', K from ''{{Gravitation}}'', and most of the cast of ''{{Manga/FAKE}}'' (except Ryo, who's [[ButNotTooForeign half Japanese]]). Another example happens when laws allowing citizens to own guns are passed: ''BakuretsuTenshi'', for example, depicts Tokyo as slowly becoming a more rotten place than [[ViceCity the lowest]] ''[[ViceCity favelas]]'' [[ViceCity of Rio de Janeiro]] after one of these laws was enacted.

** In ''LightNovel/{{Akikan}}'', the main character had to transfer to a new school after saving a friend from a kidnapper using the kidnapper's own gun. To a Japanese audience this is apparently considered horrifying and scandalous, while in an American context he would have been lauded as a hero for his actions.
** Perhaps this can best illustrated by a story. In an unnamed show, the group consisting of two Texans, a Louisianan, a French-raised American and a Brazilian. When the protagonist of the show pulled out his personal pistol and shot a guy about to cause somebody else harm, the Texans and Louisianan applauded the action as the act of a good Samaritan. In those states, citizens didn't have reliable police services at one time and had to protect themselves from Indian raiders, and troublemakers. The French-raised American and the Brazilian were both horrified and thought they saw an act of barbarity, since the protagonist shot the guy rather than trying to talk him down.
* In Japan, the extended middle finger is seen as a harmless, petty gesture, like sticking your tongue out. Hence the reason Old Tom gives one to Star Saber in ''TransformersVictory'', a children's cartoon.
** Likewise with the tendencies to flip people exhibited in the mains character of the ''ViewtifulJoe'' anime and the ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' manga (though not the anime).

** However, Japan ''does'' have its own equivalent of the middle finger, which is a clenched fist with the thumb sticking out between the index and middle fingers (it essentially means, "get fucked" in most contexts). In the west (well, most of the west), this is a harmless gesture. At least currently, since it DID carry that meaning until recently (it's called a fig).

** Subverted in the baseball episode of SamuraiChamploo, where one of the Japanese characters was flipping off another in the episode and it was blurred. Of course, half the cast in that episode were Americans.

* Related to the child abuse are vastly differing ideas for what makes a good parent, which can presumably be traced back to ideals regarding filial piety. In manga, a parent that ignores or even commits what a Western audience would consider child abuse are more likely to be overlooked or even praised depending on the situation. A parent who is too busy working to pay any attention to their child may be considered hard working and supportive despite their hurt and confused children and one who verbally or even physically attacks their child for what is considered improper behavior may be simply considered strict but well meaning and possibly correct. When actual error is admitted in parenting the child is also expected to forgive them easily. If they don't, the problem is assumed to be with the ''child'' and not the parent.

** In ''Manga/BinbougamiGa'' the main character is the victim of extreme neglect with her parents regularly breaking promises or failing to appear for any events in her life to the point that by the time she was a little girl she'd given up on them. When her father comes back to Japan for the first time in what is implied to be ''years'' after having fun as a musician in America, his daughter wants nothing to do with him, especially since his idea of an apology is 'Okay, now that I'm back for the first time in a decade we can all be a family in a place you've never been apart from everyone you've ever known.' The next couple chapters are all devoted to trying to make ''Ichiko'' be more 'reasonable' and forgive her father, who is now considered the victim. Earlier, Ranmaru had been portrayed as noble for sticking up for a father that had beaten her and forced her to live a lifestyle she was not comfortable with because of his own desires.
* The phrase [[DeclarationOfProtection ''I'll protect you'']] in Japanese is often used in anime as a declaration of devotion and commitment – especially when said to a woman by a man – and not a petition to be her bodyguard (although that [[BodyguardCrush does come up now and again]]). It's often translated as just "I love you" in English. Because gender roles in Japanese culture are much more rigid than in other parts of the world, this is sometimes used to show a male character who has been less than macho to be stepping up as a man, and gives a tomboyish girl a chance to showcase her femininity by being protected like girls are supposed to. This can be really, ''really'' weird for Western audiences, who are left to wonder what the Hell TheHero is thinking, offering to ''protect'' his [[ActionGirl super-powered/magical/martial artist/psionic girlfriend]] if she's clearly capable of taking care of herself.

* Teacher-student romantic relationships are not ''nearly'' as forbidden in Japan as they are in the United States. It can be puzzling for Western readers of a series like ''MaisonIkkoku'' or ''MarmaladeBoy'', where relationships between high school teachers and students are treated not only as acceptable, but in some cases ''ideal'' (granted, in the latter the teacher had to leave his position, but he was also teaching middle school). Or, similarly, a case like with Mr. Kimura from ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'', who openly acknowledges his preference for high-school girls and doesn't suffer any ill effects from it, other than his female students being creeped-out by him. In the U.S., ''any'' hint of high school teachers and students going beyond friendly can get the former locked up, even if the student is above the age of consent. Even American ''universities'' often fire professors who sleep with their students (as it's seen as either the professor abusing his power or the student using sex as a bribe for a better grade).

** To Western viewers it can seem very strange that a female character would quit her job just because she was getting married, or that marriage would be seen as an alternative to a career instead of a seperate issue. While it is uncommon, but not unheard of, for a woman to quite her job in The West due to getting married, pregnancy is usally the more deciding factor, or more cynical, the husbands income, in Japan and Eastern countries it's common enough to be expected.
*** The west and east also have different opinions on this issue. In the west a woman who did this would typicaly be seen as needy, spoiled, and overly reliant on her husband, or at worst, a gold digger. The east on the other hand would typically see this behavour as someone devoted to their family and a strong pillar of support for the husband and community.

*** In anime, the AccidentalPervert is usually a bumbling, supposedly likeable character; if the "target" freaks out, her reaction is played for comedy. More serious plots may feature outright, deliberate harassment, but very often the heroine will be scolded for fighting back or told not to make such a big deal out of it. Often it's not entirely clear whether the story is on the heroine's side ("sexual harassment is bad"), or backing up society's view ("the heroine needs to accept her lot in life as uncomplaining, submissive victim"). This could be due to the fact that MostWritersAreMale. In ''Manga/{{MARS}}'', for example, Kira, the heroine, is assaulted while at her work. Naturally, she retaliates. Her boss, however, forces her to apologize to her attacker, even though she is the victim. The story is just ambiguous enough to leave the reader wondering if the author takes the manager's side or the best friend's. If you were to look at a lot of shoujo manga, you will notice that the girl is considered "pure" and more "chaste" if she just quietly and tearfully takes the groping from the molester. It is generally up to her boyfriend to call the molester on it and protect her, because a woman should never protect herself. However, most shoujo manga that indulge in this are fantasies in the vein of romance novels and bodice-rippers, so they don't necessarily reflect society's actual opinions.

* Similarly, [[http://nenilein.tumblr.com/post/77496624867/hisanakagami-fandomsandfeminism-so-here-is this debate]] illustrates the difference between what Westerners and Japanese people find to be powerful feminine traits. As seen here, Westerners are more open to the idea that "girlyness" is empowering solely because it deconstructs the stereotype of it being portrayed as a weakness. However, stereotypical "girlyness" is the ''ideal'' for Japanese and other Eastern countries, and if a woman is not seen as "feminine", then that leads to UnfortunateImplications that she isn't "desirable" enough. This has led to rigid gender roles and many gender divisive programming starting from a very young age.