I think it's Genetic in a limited sense and Learned in a greater sense.
I think the phenomena originates from adapting to counter-cultural preferences and framing themselves as unpopular intellectuals.
They meet some people upon reaching High School who spend their weekends watching anime, playing Japanese video games and they think they're engaging in some higher cognitive functions than what they with the rose tinted glasses associate with western forms of art and western forms of entertainment.
This is coupled with the idea that their own culture supports and is adopted by those who oppress them.
It is then they see Japanese culture and art the savior of their lives, something to fill the void from disattachment to western values.