[Nyororin]

*sigh*

This has turned into a weird battle of wills when it really didn`t need to be.

Japanese women who date "western" men do so generally because that is their taste in men. Of course they`re going to praise what they like. And of course, if they speak English fluently and have dedicated enough of their life to reaching that point they`re going to like the culture. Not too many people put effort toward things they have no interest in and do not like.
So of course they`re going to praise what they find most appealing.

And seriously, in a relationship, I`d be pretty shocked if one side praised some other type than they`re partner. "Yeah, I`m dating you, and I love you and all, but I really prefer such-and-such type of guy/girl so much more."
Real romantic that would be.

There are comments about men being feminine/shy, etc... That is what appeals to the majority of Japanese women. Seriously - take a look at the popular media. Just like in pretty much every country in the rest of the world, people change their image, etc, to attract the other sex. Men and women do not exist in separate worlds. In women`s magazines, one of the traits always listed toward the top in lists of what women find appealing in a man is "quiet". Another is "beautiful" (as in features, skin, hair, etc.) Men answer to this because it`s what the majority finds appealing. Not everyone, of course, but that would be impossible.

Now to move on to my personal experiences. I`ve dated several, and am now married to a Japanese man, so sort of on the opposite side here. (I`ve also dated a few "western" men, so believe I can make a fair comparison.)

Japanese men aren`t really all that different from men outside Japan. There is no stunning trait that makes them better, and no horrific trait that makes them worse. My husband would protect me with his life, as would any of the boyfriends I had in the past (both Japanese and non), so I don`t see where the assumption that western men are more suited to "protecting" their partner comes from.
Unless it`s the behavior of women. Way too many western women seem to want to do everything and be everything, while dragging their guy through the dirt.

I have very little respect for anyone who chooses their partners based on race - no matter what they may say or how they may justify it. There are decent people in any race, in any culture. I didn`t marry a Japanese guy because I didn`t like western men. I just happened to be in Japan and the guy I fell in love with and wanted to be with for the rest of my life just happened to be Japanese.