[rolymath]

I think the answer is more obvious: The average Japanese web designer doesn't assume his user is an idiot, while western design is more condescending

[carlosjobim]

A potential customer who is a non-idiot will be able to work around idiotic business practices, while a potential customer who is an idiot won't be able to work around good business practices.

Hence, you grab more customers by catering to idiots. Unless you as a business want to avoid these clients.

[rolymath]

Disagree.

Idiot design means more steps for non idiots (see: terminal vs GUI)