Economic Japan, the new culture

This is a random non LDS related, or even history related, post so bear with me.  I have been marvelling in the past few years about the success the Japanese have had in influencing our culture.  They probably more than any other country, outside of Britian, have done more to influence what we do recreationally, in our job market, our media and many other sources in North America. 

Everyone talks so often about American Economic Imperialism, well the Japanese have not been far behind.  Some have gone so far as to claim they are spreading propaganda.  I remember in our US history class a discussion about where the next real competitor would come from to the USA.  Militarily I do not see one coming together soon, economically though, Japan has slowly creeped ever closer.