Unlike in the US, where actors or singers "guest" on talk shows to promote a project, Japan has a class of celebrities called Tarento (derived from "talent"). These people are famous for being on TV. They have no specific skill—they are not necessarily actors, singers, or comedians. They are simply "personalities." Think of the cast of The Real Housewives , but with rigid social hierarchy.

At the heart of Japan's cultural dominance is its animation (anime) and comic book (manga) industry. Unlike Western comics, which are often viewed as children’s media, manga in Japan spans every conceivable genre and demographic—from Shonen (action-packed stories for boys) to Josei (realistic drama for adult women).