This romanticized view doesn't look at the problems of Japan:
- high suicide and depression rates
- excessive work culture
- irrational fear of foreigners
- widespread addictions: gambling, alcohol, anime, games
- "best restaurants in the world" and being "creative" are just your opinions
Second, it's odd that you feel the need to say negative things about Japan to "counter" someone who points out Japanese achievements. Like, what exactly is your problem with Japan that you are bothered when someone says something positive about it? Has Japan hurt you somehow?
If someone points out the achievements of say, France, do you also feel the need to jump in and point out negative things about France and to minimize their achievements? They also have great cuisine, a great history of excellence in the arts and sciences. Does that statement need to be "countered" with something?
It's odd that you are so aggressively defending Japan.
How is you having an opinion that they have "the best restaurants in the world" an achievement of Japan?
Secondly, if you read the original comment I made, I am agreeing with someone who states that many people develop an idealized concept in their mind and project this image onto Japan.
This appears to be exactly what you have done and my "negative things" I have said are facts well-known I listed to show your points are not conclusive.
Edit: I am amused you edited your comment to try to paint this as an ethnic debate. You are clearly arguing in bad faith and I will not waste my time further.
- high suicide and depression rates - excessive work culture - irrational fear of foreigners - widespread addictions: gambling, alcohol, anime, games - "best restaurants in the world" and being "creative" are just your opinions