Japan has been my home for almost 10 years. It has many good points and I would not have stayed this long if it didn't. However, more and more, I am hearing the same complaint about the negative influence of American culture on Japanese people. It is their opinion that the reason for this breakdown in Japanese culture is Japanese youth's mirroring bad American behavior.

Yes, there is good and bad about every country, but it is primarily the responsibility of parents and teachers to ensure that their children/students learn the difference between right and wrong. To place blame on American culture, or any other culture for that matter, is not only irresponsible but also counterproductive. To learn from one's mistakes, a person must take responsibility for his or her actions. If this finger-pointing continues, I am sad to say that things will only worsen for this wonderful country.

kathleen kano