Cinnamon or Xfce are more similar to Windows’ user interface. Between those two, Xfce is more lightweight than Cinnamon. MATE is more for people who liked GNOME 2 and want that interface over what the current GNOME is.

Cinnamon would probably be the most friendly as a new user, but I personally haven’t used it in years and I’m not familiar with its current state.

Considering their history, I’d have to say that Japanese stuff would be worse and by a lot.

I think that’s the “nico nico nii” girl from Love Live, so that would be Japanese.

I learned everything I know from CSShelp the Kougra. It’s a shame that her page has since been replaced with the species default. It was such a great resource.