The same can be said in reverse for Japanese people on how they see the Western world: Do they assume the USA is like Hollywood or the UK being like British Television? They perhaps assume that all Americans live in a large home with a white picket fence depicting a nuclear family as if its 1950.
All they talk about US is California or New York since most movies and TV shows use either as their main setting. Is the US in real life similar to Hollywood (everyone having a nice car, big home & white picket fence)? That’s the kind of response from non-Japanese assuming Japan is like anime.
Escapism, probably. We also get some people are are not well-adjusted adults who come over here in search of some fantasy. They tend to get a wake-up call and leave or
After a decade here, I’ve seen plenty of good and bad. However, given the black company bullshit employers like to pull, and increasing blame and requirements on foreign residents, I’m actively looking to get out.