>>27939839Jap culture places a high value on exclusivity and collectability. Thats why virtually every jap product comes in a billion varieties, and literally all of thier media has a host of "exclusive" products ranging from limited edition art panels, mini figures, cards, and t-shirts to themed underwear.
Nobody in japan wants to legitimately eat a "kelp and cheese flavored" kit kat bar, they just want to be able to say they own one when nobody else does.
Not saying its endemic and every jap does it, but every product or show or whatever cultivates a die hard fanatic group who compete over buying these limited edition/exclusive products and pay out the ass for them.