@Tamerlane
Ironically, the Japanese only have a panties fetish because the American military forced Japanese Prostitutes (the only Japanese women they could really control), to wear panties. This, combined with the ongoing Westernization-trend which became wholesale Americanization, helped create the panty-culture we all know and sometimes love, sometimes hate, and sometimes are grossly disturbed by.
Personally, as a fan of restorationist and revolutionary nationalism, I say Japan should return to its old fashioned "Commando" and cloth wrap culture. In the meantime, I shall enjoy the panty humor.