Why do you like Japan so much? I know some people like Japan just because of manga's and other anime's. It's kind of silly reason to like the Japanese culture, but I guess people are different.
Finally! Yes, I agree. People who ''love Japan'' usually just like anime and manga. I find that very strange and a little silly. personally I hate most manga and anime, and do not even separate it from the cartoon and comic industry as a whole anyway, but that is neither here nor there.
Most sincere people who like Japan, from England, like the traditional aspects of Japanese culture, including aspects of Shinto folk-tradition, folk music from Japan, cultural philosophies etc. Another reason is that Japan is actually not vastly different from many countries in Europe, when you get down to the nitty gritty traditions and superstitions that are dying out in both cultures (and being replace, in both, but excessive capitalism and corporatism).
Similarities in England and Japan, for instance, include the belief in creatures like the Kappa (Japan) and the Grindylow (England), and the traditional warrior virtues of both countries. Of course, I am talking traditionally, sadly Japan and England are losing site of its traditions, usually for the worst.
Things people usually expect in the Japanese and its culture are not as you think any more unfortunately.
Ain't that the truth. Still, there is a lot of tradition to be found in some rural areas of Japan, the same in England, and in places like Kamakura, specifically with the great temples and shrines. These places are vastly growing to be neglected and soon the beautiful Engakuji and all the other shrines temples and castles will be neglected for modernism.
Japan is one of the fast-changing country. We have lost many good-old-day things. But then that's exactly what's going on in the world...
Indeed, in is the same in Europe and especially England.