They made a big deal out of "The Last Samurai" because it was the white savior trope. Even though Cruise wasn't the eponymous Samurai, wasn't their savior, and lost.
The Japanese critics of that movie complained the samurai were too noble and not corrupt. They had zero issues with Cruise. Japanese actually like Westerners adopting their culture they find it flattering.
They made a big deal out of "The Last Samurai" because it was the white savior trope. Even though Cruise wasn't the eponymous Samurai, wasn't their savior, and lost.
The Japanese critics of that movie complained the samurai were too noble and not corrupt. They had zero issues with Cruise. Japanese actually like Westerners adopting their culture they find it flattering.
If you want an accurate depiction, check out The Devil's Hand. It's about Japan when trade and guns were introduced.
Watanabe Ken who? The lefties forgot he was ever in that movie, let alone his role. Duh, they only look at the white man.