yes, each have their own personal preferences. And I really do think breakthrough genres were Jap-based or Jap-influenced. so yeah, they play a big part in the gaming industry. history says so.
take for example metal gear. western influence but very noticeably, jap. final fantasy is overrated but who cares. its their trademark, concept designs are out of the box. sure they introduce alot of new stuff every now and then.
catchy, I say. so yeah, big part. big part.