[GoNative]

To me commercialism is about getting people to buy stuff they don't really need. It's all about getting you to buy stuff you want rather than need (and creating that want through advertising and marketing). Like no one needs to spend 100's of thousands of dollars on a car but millions of people around the world want to have such cars (for whatever reason). This to me is what commercialism is all about. With this definition I didn't find Japan to be overly commericialised. Most people I knew (even if they were quite rich) lived pretty simple lifestyles without being ostentatious with their wealth.

That said though in the area I lived if the Japanese got into something they generally didn't do it by halves. If it was camping they'd turn up to camping sites better equipped than just about any campers I've ever seen in Aus. I mean they seriously took camping to a new level. Same with hiking. Even if they were just heading out for a few hours walk they'd be kitted out almost as well as I've seen people heading out on extended expeditions! They would have all the latest gadgets and gear.