My love for Shenmue 1 has nothing to do with Japan, but I'll admit Shenmue II made me more interested in China.
Either way, it's an adventure game and very very slow. It has a certain flow, and I find it a really relaxing game. My enjoyment has nothing to do with culture. That said, I'll be first to admit Shenmue, especially the first one, is a huge grower. First session I ever played it, I thought it was horrible but showed promise, but the more I played it the more I liked it. *shrug*
Same thing goes with Yakuza. It involves a man who curb stomps people into the ground. What's not to like?!