I’ve read your theories on why Anime is no longer cool and Japanese games are less popular now. Anime is no longer re-written/localized by great western SciFi writers. Japanese games developers are trying to force their local tastes and culture on us. And up til now these were only explanations I’ve took seriously. But today I read this series of blog posts by W. David MARX called “The Great Shift in Japanese Pop Culture” today which explained in much greater detail what happened to them at the end of the 90’s.
Apparently decreasing income has reduced spending by upper and middle class Japanese (which make up the mainstream) to such a great extent that subcultures that buy regardless of income are now the most profitable target for Japanese media. This has in effect reduced the export-ability of their entertainment. Because they are niche and easier to please companies are ill-equipped in handling tougher markets outside of japan.
Here’s a link to the final post in the series if you want to make up your own impression (the other parts are in the synopsis/preface):
This is a very interesting piece. It is perfect for readers of this website since it goes into the business aspects of it.I’ll go through it more later. Thanks for sending it for us to read.