Hello bjesien. I hope you have noticed that no one has pointed out that Japanese music is played with plucked string and flute like instruments. It is not loud and has lots of "character" in the sound of the instruments. Reproducing such music requires amps that can accurately reproduce such sounds. Such amps need very low distortion and very high transparency, not a lot of power. Traditional Japanese homes have thin walls and polite occupants who do not want to annoy their neighbors. Hence the concentration on the needs of the customers on the part of the Japanese manufacturers. Accuracy - delicacy come first. One must be able to hear the samisen vs the koto, and who is playing. Enjoy!
