On the subject of stereotypes.... Do NOT believe the hype about Japanese women and men being very shy.... That is TRULY generalizing. I was watching the History of Sex on the History channel the other day (yes I know, I'm a dork) and I don't think that the Japanese were EVER shy.... It's just custom to make everyone think that.... (it's cuter maybe???) But I've met some VERY straight forward Japanese girls and guys (my generation mostly) and have had some VERY interesting conversations on the subject.
Trust me... that myth should die.... hahaha