Japan lover though I am, weirdness can always be found here

If you aren’t satisfied with my finding bottled placenta in the dollar store, or dogs wearing clothes and sunglasses, let me share a dollop of Japanese strangeness like none other.  I love Japan, and every time someone says “It’s because it’s Japan” as an excuse for something they don’t like that they will find equally as much in their own country, I am the first to the defense.  However, what I find weird about the weirdness here, is it doesn’t seem to be just a expression of one’s inner freedom.  It’s different than american strangeness for some reason, as if they are still following a silent set of rules even as they break the norms.  It doesn’t fill me with individual inspiration the way street performers or other artists breaking the mold do.  Am I missing something?