I'll probably get scoffed at for this, but I believe that two A bombs and their eventual surrender at the end of WW2 did more to snap the psyche of their nation than anything else.
I think the same. But I still love the culture. The japanese are the most perfectionist nation in the world I think. That's one reason why they and their products are so popular, especially here in Germany. And they have this unique sense for aesthetic. Their houses and the insides is so clean and minimalized, their gardens are gorgeous.
I like those tea-ceremonies cause it's about taking your time and focussing.
In my teens I watched animes as well: Evangelion, Ninja Scroll, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and a lot of other movies which names I don't remember. Fantastic stuff, no compare to what these days is called "Animes" where 90 percent of the movies is made with CGI.
I own a Katana myself (made in China, hit me) just as a furniture item, most beautiful weapon ever made. It was a dream since my childhood, just if you're interested:
http://www.chenessinc.com/kaze.htm
But with black wrapping.
Also they always seem to be so polite. I like this whole Samurai-thing with honour and respect, I think that's still a big part of the culture. Yakuza is kind of the modern way of the Samurai.
But yeah, the bombs in my opinion destroyed a lot in the psyche.
7 days holiday in a year, is that correct? Working til death, always going home after the boss, I think fear is a big factor in the japanese society. From what I know losing your face is the biggest fear. All about honour.
I really cherish this way of thinking, as I think a similar way, but it shouldn't be the highest moral rule. You should be allowed to be you, others have to accept that. But I think Japan will make its way, society is breaking up slowly.
When Fukushima happened I heard there were the first demonstrations EVER in Japan, something like that. How unbelievable is this?