I don't think it's that impressive.

A more cohesive society is going to band together than a less cohesive society.

I don't think it has anything to do with culture apart from the fact that they all practice the same culture.

Perhaps we're seeing the benefits of Japan's strict immigration policy?

Honestly, I think it has to do with the fact they live on a small island with no where to go. You tend to learn that infighting just isn't going to help anything. The British have this at times, not allways but they have shown that same type of tenacity in the past as well.

What a lame reason.

The irony is that it's probably true, that's what really irks you.

lol.. how?

You ever hear of the Sengoku era?

No, I'm familer with the Menji period and the shoganate under the Toganawa's. I missed most of the Japanese histroy class I was takeing cause I was called up dureing Desert storm.

Also known as the warring states era.

I think that says enough about your island theory.

Oh I know they went through a fuedal era. They have many similarities to Fuedal Europe. Even then they allways had something of a "polite" way of doing things.

Then on what grounds does your island theory stand?

Even a brief knowledge of the history of Ireland proves it bogus.

I would also incorperate population. Japan per land mass, has a much larger population liveing in available land space than does Ireland. So I suggest it's a combination of population size and location. I suppose it could also be how Asians think compared to how Irish think..Irish are nuts.I know..I am part Irish...we's crazy.