hmm i seem to remember the reason being something other then honor as well. Something about every American having a gun and not wanting to fight house to house with citizens, let alone the American military.
Personally I like the Japenese. Like my dad did in the Army of Occupation -- he fought for some local rights there on their behalf, and my mom's mom whose has a very beloved friend, a lovey Japanese woman.
But "honor" -- I'll not be honoring warriors lightly.