>>28476531Masculinity in different cultures is usually related to the male ruling class during their development. In Japan, that was samurai, who're romanticized to be disciplined and indulge only in necessities and out of politeness.
America is actually more exceptional than Japan, most cultures don't see big muscle men as an icon of masculinity except where America is involved. Even places close like Britain have this image of a lean noble man standing in perfect attention. A lot of places that do prefer big guys actually consider real fat as being more masculine since it was a sign of wealth. But in America the early ruling class was mostly the most successful laborers and military men living up the American dream after striking it rich.
Buff guys in Japan are associated with homosexuality instead.
