When I took an art of the world class in college, one of the assignments was a cross-cultural examiniation thing. I chose Manga, mostly on a whim.
Manga dates back to the 12th century, but in a very different format that what exists today. Modern manga does indeed show Western/American influences. That said, it still (to me, at least) seems to be a distinct form of illustraion art that is indeed different from more Western forms. I like some manga simply because I find it aesthically pleasing. I like the sharp lines and vivid colors and immense eyes. My fondness for manga is based purely on what I like to look at, not any assumed guilt for something that was done long before I was born.
In the research for my manga paper, I learned that manga is now taught compulsory in schools. To some Japanese artists, this is not good as it can cause artistic stagnation if it's compulsory.
I also like surreal art, primarily Magritte and Dali. I guess that sometimes manga can have a surreal quality to it, too.
I liked Godzilla a lot as a kid, and my son is hooked on the beasty now. The only Kurosawa film I ever saw was his interpretation of King Lear: Ran. My English teacher that year was a big Shakespeare and Japanese arts fan; so we watched this movie in class while studying King Lear. I have no memories of Astro Boy, but I do indeed remember watching Speed Racer and Ultraman on syndicated TV in the late '70's. As kids, my brothers and me used the word "Japanimation" to describe the "Japanese adventure cartoons" we used to watch.
My son is a real big manga and anime fan, though I've never asked him why. Many of his friends have these same interests, and it's better than setting fires and defacing public property, so I never explored his fascination with him.
Soto Zen Buddhism, the form that I practice, had its birth in Japan, as did Dogen. I'd like to visit Japan, specifically the birthplace of Dogen, for this reason. It would be a pilgrimage of sorts.
Likewise, I find Mount Fuji to be just beautiful. I've seen many photos of it and I'd like to visit it in person. Of course, I can say the same of Mount Shasta, Lassen, Rainier, and many others, so it's not just Fuji.
To me, Ansell Adams and Frank Lloyd Wright are prime examples of successful American artists. So, I don't think I'd agree with the sentiment that America lacks culture. It's just harder to find under the Americana (though many will say that Americana is American cultural art).
I like some Japanese food, though Chinese and Italian appeal to me more.
I've seen photos from other peoples' visits to Japan. I'd like to see those places with my own eyes. Am I obssessed with Japan as a destination then? No more than any other place I'd like to visit (you can add Big Sur, the Great Lakes, and Ashfall Fossil Beds to the list, along with the mountains listed above).
I can only speak for me. I don't feel like I'm obsessed with Japanese art and culture. I would like to visit the country, however.
