thanks, maciamo! I really always enjoy reading your comments on Japanese society. The "onaka suki" part in particular made me laugh.

I guess I've always been interested in #'s 2, 3, and 4 on your list. Have there been any sociological/psychological studies that cover these topics (preferably from a periodical/journal, although I suppose it'd be hard to talk about #4 in more diplomatic ways...)? I'm interested in how and what factors influence these behaviors in the first place, aside from just saying cultural differences.