Japan is an Asian nation famed for its combination of ancient culture and cutting-edge technologies, making it an extremely desirable travel destination. Before traveling there yourself, familiarize yourself with these fascinating facts about Japan!
Discover Japan with our top 25 Japan facts! Japan is full of fascinating quirks ranging from overcrowded trains to ritual suicide among its samurais, so discover more by looking through these 25 facts about this fascinating place!
1. The number four is an unlucky number
Japan considers four to be an unlucky number due to its pronunciation (“shi,” which sounds similar to death. Because people do not wish to associate death with four, many hotels and apartments avoid room numbers that include this number as much as possible – tetraphobia (fear of four) is prevalent here.
Not unlike its cousin the number four, Japan also considers nine an unlucky number, likely because its kanji character resembles that of a snake or worm – symbols often associated with bad luck and illness in Japanese culture.
Not unlike Westerners who fear 13 and 14 in particular, Japanese are wary of four and nine numbers as being auspicious or otherwise bad luck-bringing. Perhaps this stems from their Kanji for the number nine being similar to that of Si (suffering or torture).
Japan has its own writing system known as Kanji; however, most of it comes from China. One Chinese character for “four” looks very similar to syllables found in death’s name – which suggests its source.
Japan believes the number four to be unlucky, leading some products to only come packaged in packs of four or five. According to legend, one American golf ball manufacturer attempted to penetrate Japan’s market but failed miserably due to producing balls which only came packaged four at once.
Many Japanese believe that certain numbers are lucky or unlucky at certain ages, such as 42 for women and 45 for men; this belief stems from when most of their friends die during these ages.
2. People slurp their noodles
Slurping noodles might seem rude in certain cultures, but in Japan it’s considered an integral and revered tradition. Japanese people love slurping soup-like noodles such as soba and udon as an act of gratitude to show appreciation for delicious food; additionally they believe it helps enhance flavor profiles found within each broth and noodles dish.
Noodle slurping likely started in Japan due to its location atop four tectonic plates and its need to consume quickly. Soba and udon noodles can be prepared quickly and consumed on-the-go, hence why many train platforms in Japan still feature stand and eat restaurants called “tachigui.”
Slurping of noodles is seen as a mark of good manners in Japan, and Japanese people try their hardest to uphold this level of dining etiquette at all times. Showing respect to both food and its creator is important.
High-end noodle experts believe that when we slurp our noodles, we actually inhale some of the broth along with air which passes to our olfactory receptors and enhances its flavor.
Japanese people also frequently prefer using chopsticks instead of forks when eating noodles, since their design allows for closer spacing of noodles that makes slurping easier and helps prevent messy hands from getting dirty when gripping them when slurping. Furthermore, using chopsticks makes eating your noodles much simpler; many Japanese prefer this way of eating their noodles for an improved experience.
3. Japanese people don’t use public trash bins
One of the first things tourists notice about Japan is how clean and uncluttered its public spaces are, particularly in Tokyo and Kyoto. It may come as a shock that Japan lacks many trash cans throughout public areas – something many other nations do!
Japan has strict waste disposal rules and manners, fostering an atmosphere where people feel responsible to pick up after themselves and ensures garbage is disposed of in an effective manner. Indeed, leaving an unsightly mess behind on the street is actually against the law!
Public trash cans were frequently used as hiding spaces for explosives and other hazardous items in the past, creating security concerns and prompting many of these cans to be removed from public areas including subway stations.
Concerns have long been expressed that public trash cans would serve as breeding grounds for rodents and pests, leading to health and sanitation concerns. Many cities have taken measures such as installing “smart” bins connected to systems that monitor garbage levels and automatically sends out trucks when the bin becomes full.
Japan may initially seem surprising for visitors due to the absence of public trash cans; however, this fact speaks volumes about their commitment to safety, cleanliness, and unity. Japan’s impeccable image isn’t simply part of a marketing ploy – rather, it contributes directly to its prosperity as an everyday practice that contributes to national advancement. When visiting, be sure to take some time out to appreciate all of Japan’s small details that make her special!
4. People drink while walking
People in Japan are very focused on conserving resources, including drinking. You are unlikely to witness someone drinking while walking unless it is from a cup. They consider it inappropriate and highly regard the cleanliness of public spaces so will take great care not to spill their drinks on the ground.
Japan, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, comprises four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku) that form an archipelago. Mount Fuji stands as its most notable natural landmark – an iconic cone-shaped volcano atop Tokyo. Three of Earth’s tectonic plates meet near Japan causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; Japan is famous for its innovation and quality manufacturing but has been involved in international conflicts as well.
Japan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature known as the National Diet. It boasts one of the world’s largest economies and boasts highly-respected technology, automotive and robotics industries. While Japan renounced the right to declare war, they retain an effective Self-Defense Force that maintains strong national defense capabilities. Japan belongs to both G7 and G20 summits as a developed nation.
Japan is an innovative leader in research and development across industries such as electronics, robotics, automobiles and energy technologies. Japanese people are widely recognized for their hard work ethic and focus on personal growth – something which echoes their culture, which values respect, responsibility and loyalty as cornerstones for success in both business and society as a whole. Furthermore, Japan enjoys longstanding traditions of religious freedom with a constitution prohibiting racial discrimination.
5. People refill each other’s glasses
As social conformity is of utmost importance in Japan, if someone offers you a drink it is customary to refill their glass for them and show your gratitude – something which will likely be much appreciated by both parties involved. This gesture shows appreciation, which is always valued.
Japan is well-known for its sake culture and there are numerous local sake houses where you can sample different varieties. You could even visit a brewery and learn how to produce your own bottle!
Japan is well-known for its hard working people and their appreciation of doing things the right way. From working as part of a team to reach company goals to being taught trades by masters, you can rest assured that Japanese will put in effort in doing what’s required of them.
Japan is an entertainment lover’s dream destination. From Akihabara with its electronic stores and maid cafes to Nakano Broadway with its vast collection of Manga/Anime merchandise from years past, Japan offers something to delight fans of Manga/Anime alike.