I’m a nerd/geek that likes Japanese culture, I always found the ancient mythologies and historical eras interesting, possibly because it just seems different. We get knights and European middle ages and such in school, Asian not so much so it’s sort of unique. And the society is very techno-based. I also tend towards computer and game geek, we get so much technology from there (though it seems to be slowing down), and if it didn’t come from there, they usually think of some off the wall way to improve it. And the fact that game revival happened with the Japanese and the fact I played games from there when I was a child I was already sort of into it. The thing is, I’m also very interested in Greek mythology, Norse mythology, Astronomy and other niche topics.
I think the reason a lot of geeks/nerds seem DISPROPORTIONATELY into Japanese culture like you say is because many of their interests are either so esoteric or plain odd that Japan is the one that’s most likely for other people to understand, or at least the most likely to come up in casual conversation because it’s contemporary, influences our daily lives a great deal, and doesn’t rely on odd technical minutiae. I mean really, have YOU ever tried to discuss C++ with a computer illiterate relative? And just how often does Greece come up anymore? And how often do your conversations about Germany include a logical opening to tie in Norse mythology?
PS: Yes I do like J-Rock and J-Pop, but I also enjoy music from Germany, and a little bit of Swedish stuff (usually Techno from the latter). I just don’t get to share my list of intersts often so people’s perceptions of me is pretty limited to whatever pops up in conversation.
but I do make a somewhat concious effort to stay away from them so I don’t fall into the otaku stereotype. Although it’s what originally got me interested in Japan, over time it took a backseat to other things.