Why are Americans so expressive?

When I came to America for the first time, I was surprised that Americans were so expressive. Of course, if Japanese people happen to do something funny, we laugh laudly, but Americans show their emotions more than Japanese almost all the time, So I wonder, "Why are Americans more expressive than Japanese?"

One day, I noticed that American movie characters are expressive, too. For example, Disney characters show their emotions very clearly on their face, so it's very easy for us to understand what they are feeling. However, Japanese movie characters or cartoons are not as expressive. Because Americans watch their cartoons when they are growing up maybe they learn to show their feelings more than Japanese.

I researched this question on the internet and found an interesting article. That said most Americans eyebrows are nearer to their eyes then Japanese people's. This seems to enable them to be more expressive. If Japanese people do move their face, their expression may be difficult to understand because Japanese people’s eyebrows are not as near to their eyes.

Of course, being reticent and hiding your emotions has been considered a good thing in Japan for long time. Noh Drama is one example. This is a traditional performing art in Japan. The actors put on a Noh mask, when they act. The masks are really expressionless. This is considered a really good thing. At the same time, being demure has always been considered a good trait for women and being reticent is sexy, cool and interesting, so that is still a Japanese custom today.

Americans and Japanese have different histories, cultures and customs. It is both important and interesting for me to learn about the history, culture, and customs of another country. Anyway, ”Why are Americans more expressive than Japanese? ” I think, it's because they have a different history and customs.