Smart ball
Speaking of what gives the Asians an edge, I think it could be due to the fact that because they are generally somewhat smaller and lighter than other countries and therefore aren't always concerned with koncking one out of the balpark but just getting one in play. I think this is evident by the very common "Ichiro" style of batting for lack of a better term where they start the swing with an exxagerated lower body movement at the time the ball is pitched and almost seems to cause them to loose balance. It looks akward to me but is apparently effective and helps smaller players generate more bat speed w/o sacrificing their batting average.
Further, did you notice how they picked on Adam Dunn in RF? They are aware of who is playing where, and the value of forcing Dunn to play defense certainly played into their gameplan, and the resulting victory.
They are more tuned into doing whatever it takes to get a 'W' as opposed to - say the Dominicans for instance - who, 1-9 were swinging for the fences and trying to be the lead on SportsCenter.
The Japanese were very impressive in their diligence towards a gameplan.
I hope the WBC stays, but there are certainly some obvious kinks that need to be worked out.