Why do many American teens listen to Japanese music even though they don't understand the lyrics?

I'm one of them. I listen to it bc of the style and lyrics, if u find English lyrics they have a lot more of a meaning than English songs. I don't try being cool from it, so I disagree fully. it does confuse ppl and my friends in real life think I'm weird for it.

Well, like you said, they want to seem 'cool'. If you mean music from a popular thing called 'anime', then it is because the music reminds them of awesome action scenes from awesome cartoons. If it is what is called J-Rock, it is possibly because it is much more emotional than American music.

Probably the same reason American music is listened to in countries that don't speak much, if any, English -- it's got a catchy tune/beat/sound. I've read country music is da bomb in Thailand karaoke bars. Go figure! ** edit: thanks for asking this question - reminded me to download some Laibach!

Music is more important than lyrics to me.

these 2 emo girls in my class do! Its weird lol

I don't know any teens that listen to Japanese music... lol