There are a few small yet essential plot differences between the Japanese and American versions of the movie, Shall We Dance? And, although these differences may seem relatively insignificant on the surface, they are indicative of the greater differences between the American and Japanese cultures. American culture is very ego-centric, focusing on the individual. The American version of Shall We Dance? balances this idea by centering the plot around the development of the relationship between the husband and wife. In the Japanese version, this contrast is reversed; the social-centered Japanese culture is pitted against a plot surrounding the individual growth of the main character. This is most clearly represented in the interpretation of the ending. In the American version, while it is clear that a personal growth of the male lead has occurred, it is the closeness of the husband and wife that is publicly emphasized. However, in the Japanese version, we see a public emphasis on the male lead only, while the growth of the relationship of the married couple is kept in the private sphere. This also illuminates a cultural difference in values of appropriate public expressions of affection. Despite these differences, however, there is a common underlying theme between the two movies; there is a human need for something greater than simply succeeding within the bounds of someone else's expectations. There is a need to succeed on one's one terms and in one's passion. And, more than that, the success of any relation between two people is very much dependent upon the happiness of the individuals in said relation, and their comfort within themselves—a need that cannot always be filled by another person.

アメリカの家族と日本の家族は違います。アメリカで多い奥さんは仕事をします。しかも、学校に昼ごはんをさし上げるから、奥さんは子供のための昼ごはんを作りません。アメリカの大学生は学校のために、よくかなたまで引っ越します。つまり、家族とともに住んでいません。アメリカの文化の中に祖父母と家族は同じ家で住んでいません。でも、祖父母はとてもたいせつです。たとえば、私の祖母は自分で手伝いすること時、どちらの家で住んでいるのせんたくができます。アメリカでりこんは普及するになりました。たくさん家族中に一人両親は自分で子供をそだています。でも、アメリカの家族と日本の家族は同じところがたくさんあります。