Japanese Pop Culture
Japan is no longer the economic superior it once was (don't rule them out for good, though), but its popular culture still matches and often surpasses that of the US in speed and dynamism. Perhaps the isolation of Japan explains why so little of its pop culture takes root in the outside world. But when some tiny aspect of Japanese culture does bloom internationally, it is often wildly, yet ephemerally, successful.
The successes read as a list of some of our most loved and hated cultural icons. Bandai has annoyed American adults and crazed American children with Tamagotchi and the bizarre Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. 
A generation of Americans knows their way around a Nintendo machine, and kawairashisa, Japanese for "cuteness," has made Sanrio a multinational powerhouse exporting cuteness to little girls and grunge rockers world wide.
Anime and Manga, animated film and comics, have commanded a cult following as well.
The bombs, are, well, notable for being so unmemorable. Seiko Matsuda, the Madonna of Japan, failed repeatedly in the US. Massively huge in Japan, she has scores of Number 1 hits, a life story riddled with scandal and intrigue and has reinvented herself more times than America's "Material Girl," yet America has been indifferent at best. Another notable bomb in America is 1979's Pink Lady and Jeff.
Just as we shouldn't rule them out economically, look for these as the hot exports from Japan in the coming year:
- Pizzicato Five
OK, this one's a no-brainer. Matador Records is betting on them to be huge in the US, with their blend of retro-cocktail lounge music and disco. "Buy now and buy big." - Blood Typing
This is poised to be the "What's your sign?" of the next millenium. The Japanese pay attention to blood types the way we pay attention to credit ratings. The common traits of the various blood types include:
Appropriated from The Usenet Manga GlossaryA nervous, introverted, honest, loyal B outgoing, optimistic, adventurous AB proud, diplomatic, discriminating O workaholic, insecure, emotional - Beat Takeshi
Previously one of Japan's most popular comedians, now a director in the Tarantino/Scorcese/Woo mold. Currently, I'm searching for a rentable copy of "Boiling Point." He's going to be huge.
