I am no expert in Japan. Although I have had different Japanese friends for the past 14 years, I didn't take an interest in Japan until 5 months ago.
Correct me if I am wrong.
From what I understand, Japanese people call themselves the Yamato race.
Yamato = collective and harmonious
Yamato spirit is the most important element contributes to the sucess of Japan. (Ha ha... this is my personal conclusion...of course, assistance from the US after WWII helped too but Yamato spirit is still ichiban, at least I think so). In order to achieve harmony, minorities (including Japanese who have different personal interests from the mainstream) have to sacrifice their interests and differences.
Actually, every Japanese citizen sacrifices and conforms in different extent in order to build a harmonious society. And I guess they don't want anybody to disturb their harmonious society which they treasure the most. Again, just guessing, never discuss stuff like this with my J-friends, too busy talking about designer labels and celebrities.