Crescent Pulsar R wrote:Oh, I agree with the first part. Though I think that could actually be used to explain the second part, anyway. I mean, his is a lifestyle that's a bit removed from telephone use. Even his father used letters to communicate with his wife during their training trip. In a way, I'd say that there's a bit of an old-fashioned aspect about it. I mean, if Ranma 1/2 took place when most kids his age had cell phones, I imagine he wouldn't have one or -- should someone give one to him -- he'd rarely use it. (That's just my opinion, though.) That, and while he doesn't have any problem interacting with others, he's not exactly the conversational type.
Sure, there's possibly a bit of traditionalism about it - it does seem more common for a Japanese person to traditionally prefer writing, though I can't be sure about that. Certainly, a number of characters can't seem to resist the opportunity to break out the paper and ink. I haven't watched enough real people to say that's true for everyone, though. (At least, the older generations.)
Everything else aside, though, you could also argue that Genma used letters when writing to Nodoka, because it's a form of conversation he has more control over - he can tell Nodoka only what he wants her to know, and he doesn't have to speak with her, answer questions, or risk an argument, or Nodoka accidentally learning something she shouldn't, in his opinion.
...of course, it also makes it easier to feed her lies, as well.