I think it's more a question of degree, Europeans were also obsessed with ancient Egypt[1] at the same time. But that faded away, where Japanese culture has ret

I think it's more a question of degree, Europeans were also obsessed with ancient Egypt[1] at the same time. But that faded away, where Japanese culture has retained its appeal. Of course, ironically anime are full of medieval European-esque knights and wizards and elves, so the draw of 'exotica' is widespread. 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptomania https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptomania