[steven]

I agree with the idea that it doesn't force culture, but it influences culture onto other countries. I think it introduces new things to people and kind of changes their diets.

As far as McDonalds trying to blend in goes, at least in Japan the architecture is not too different than America (except maybe up until recently... like half a year ago in my area, they had smoking areas). I'd say that in Japans case, they try to blend McDonalds' menu with 'Japanese' things. There are certain things on the menu that are only in Japan. I don't eat there, so I don't really know. However, I do remember the distinct smell of the American McDonalds-- the Japanese McDonalds has a different smell. The smell of fast food is almost like a brand name-- each place has its signature smell. That's all chemistry and food science junk.

Another thing that might happen (but again I have no idea) is the introduction of Coca-cola. Even if the country already has coke, McDonalds might make it more popular. I think Coke owns some other fast food companies as well, so having a McDonalds might be testing the market out for other fast food operations. Pepsi, being a rival might want to take some of that market away by opening their places as well.

Those types of places might cause the already established fast food places to try to compete with them by changing their own approach. Who knows... I wonder if there is any data on this kind of thing. I also wonder if there is any corrolation between McDonalds (or other fast food places) in areas and obesity and certain diseases and stuff like that.

Going back to Japan- did you know that it is almost traditional to order KFC chicken on Christmas? How's that for changing a culture?