I have a lovely Japanese friend, who belies all you have said about japanese culture, Tom. She would probably agree that was the way 30-40 years ago, but not any more.
This married, middle-aged lady travels alone to places as diverse as Scotland (where we met in a backpackers hostel in Thurso) to central Cambodia, where terror still strikes, and travellers are warned of extreme danger.
She is looking forward to visiting Ireland and the Isle of Man with me in a couple of years time.
She wanted to try all our food, and was fascinated by our vegetables! She has had haggis, venison, and porridge, but drew thw line at whisky!