Aside from gameplay and visual aspects, one thing I appreciate in Japanese games is how they handle taboo social subjects. As in anime, the Japanese treat these as just one part of whole experience, rather than focusing on it. In turn, they avoid becoming preachy about said subjects and turn away audiences.
Just two years ago Ninja Theory released Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice, and the gaming 'press' was treating it as a revolutionary work of art for exploring psychosis and mental illness. Nevermind that the game received a fair share of criticism for it's gameplay, the message was far more important than the end product. On the other hand, a game like Persona 5 had fun gameplay but wasn't afraid to tackle subjects like abusive authority figures, teen suicide, child abandonment, teacher-student relationships and others. But these social issues were just part of the story and in no way were the main focus of the game.
In short, I think western games in recent years have been pushed to focus more on ideas and videogames as 'art', rather than focusing on core gameplay features that we gamers always look for. Look at the abundance of walking simulators in the market and artsy games like Where the Water Tastes Like Wine. No doubt this is spurred by the SJW movement that's infected both the top developers and game 'journalists'. Not all western devs are doing this mind you. I think CDProjektRed is doing a fine job of ignoring the SJWs while making their games, as does Rockstar Games.
Another aspect that I've come to appreciate in Japanese games is because of the different culture and values, they can be politically incorrect and get away with it. Going back to Persona 5, the game features a pair gay men running around harassing some of main cast. So naturally a lot of SJWs were REEEEEing about it, especially in RetardEra who were calling on a boycott of Atlus' games unless they get rid of the offensive scene. Nevermind the fact that comedic gay stereotypes have existed in Japan for a long time and that the Japanese find it funny to this day. People were also bitching about the hostess clubs in Yakuza but naturally they were ignored. In this era of hypersensitivities, I'm glad that Japanese developers don't give a fuck about potentially offending someone.