Japan might seem foreign and mysterious at first, but its inhabitants are actually very friendly! There are tons of fun facts about japan that you might not be aware of!
Slurping noodles is not considered rude in Japan as this shows your enjoyment! Slurping is seen as a form of social validation!
1. Japan is the world’s second-largest economy
Japan is the second-largest economy and an influential source of international investment, providing foreign aid and making up an important portion of international investments. Japan boasts highly productive manufacturing sector as well as strong service industry capabilities, leading in technology while boasting an exceptional standard of living.
Japan is facing an aging population and an eroding economy, and an increasing proportion of its citizens aged 65 or above make up 33%. As more seniors join Japan’s ranks, support needs will become even greater to cover their expenses.
Japaners show respect by greeting each other by bowing instead of shaking hands as a sign of respect, as part of their religion and culture. Many Japanese believe that all nature contains spiritual elements that play an integral part in shaping culture.
Japan boasts many distinct festivals, such as one which honors penis and female fertility: Kanamara Matsuri – held annually since 1969 – celebrates both of these issues.
Japanese culture and history exemplify an incredible hospitality industry. Hospitality forms a large portion of Japan’s economy; hotels, restaurants and entertainment have become staples. Japan also features some of the most innovative companies worldwide; in particular Tsukiji is known for wholesale tuna auctions held three hours early each morning!
2. Japanese people have the longest life expectancy in the world
Japanese men can expect to live up to an average age of 81 and women of 87, thanks to a healthy diet and lifestyle which emphasizes exercise and nutritious meals. People in Japan also typically experience lower rates of cancer and heart disease mortality compared to people from other countries.
Japan comprises over 6,800 islands. Although most people perceive Tokyo to be its main island, its city-center actually comprises many separate districts and islands. Furthermore, Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active nations, boasting 110 active volcanoes as well as frequent earthquakes each year.
Japan is famously unique when it comes to culture. They often avoid using the number four as it sounds similar to “death”, evident by how buildings rarely feature a fourth floor and cutlery is sold in sets of three; even invitations for tea ceremonies don’t include more than three people!
Japan stands out among other countries by measuring earthquakes differently to most countries. Instead of employing the Richter scale, they use the Shindo scale which measures how strong an earthquake was at its epicentre rather than overall strength; this gives people in Japan an idea of just how dangerous an earthquake may be.
3. Japan has the world’s largest suicide forest
Aokigahara Forest in Japan’s Mount Fuji region is famous for its dense woods and mysterious aura. Each year dozens of people attempt to commit suicide there, some never being found again. Aokigahara has gained an international reputation as a dangerous suicide forest due to this phenomenon and this has lead to several measures designed to safeguard its visitors: Police patrol the area while volunteers trained in suicide awareness talk to visitors; signs are placed throughout the forest with messages such as: Your life is precious from your parents” or “Please consult the police before making such decisions!”.
Though Aokigahara may have an eerie aura, it remains a popular hiking and nature tourism spot in Japan. Japanese culture holds an enormous appreciation for nature due to the spiritual beliefs held within Shintoism; all aspects of nature contain spirits.
Japan is famed for its vast forests, but also boasts Tokyo – the world’s most populous city with 13.4 million people – which serves as its capital city and technological leader, housing major companies like Toyota, Sony and Nintendo with headquarters there. Furthermore, Tokyo will host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games; their mascot for these Games was chosen by schoolchildren which highlights animation’s role within Japanese culture; an estimated 60% of global animation creation is produced there!
4. Japan has the world’s largest number of islands
One of the more fascinating facts about Japan is that they boast over 6,800 islands! Most people only think of four main islands when discussing Japan; it also means there are plenty of beautiful beaches to discover!
Many islands in Japan are inhabited, but some islands remain unpopulated – Okunoshima for instance is home to an unusual population of wild rabbits which roam freely on its terrain without natural predators as an added attraction for tourists who like cuddling rabbits! Cuddling-bunny tourism has become popular there!
Japan is famous for its abundance of volcanoes, many of which erupt frequently – Kagoshima in particular must deal with the fallout from Sakurajima Island’s volcano eruptions; thus they even offer special bags and designated days for collecting its ash!
Japan is known for having plenty of reclaimed land; about 0.5% of its total area consists of artificial islands! This is mostly due to the large number of ports and airports built on reclaimed land; there are also artificial islands scattered among lakes, rivers, and sea!
5. Japan has the world’s most expensive watermelon
An auction in northern Japan held in 2008 saw the sale of an unprecedented black jumbo watermelon for $6,100, making it the world’s most expensive ever watermelons. Known as Densuke variety from Hokkaido and famous for its unusual appearance and taste. Although watermelons aren’t part of everyday Japanese meals, special occasions often call for special gifts of watermelon as special presents from Japan’s luxurious producer region.
Japanese farmers have begun cultivating square melons because they are easier to store, as well as experimenting with human-faced varieties and weirdly-shaped melons in Japanese supermarkets – all because the Japanese love food presentation and adding playfulness into their cuisine.
Other interesting facts about Japan:
1. Japan boasts the world’s second-longest life expectancy rate. On average, men live to an age of 81 while women tend to live up to 87. 2. Samurais were a powerful warrior class that ruled Japan from 12th century until its end during 19th century; these warriors were widely revered but could be forced into ritual suicide (seppuku) if their actions brought dishonor to their master.
3. There are more pets than children in Japan and its trains are among the world’s most punctual. 4. Japanese people often eat tuna and salmon for meals; additionally, many enjoy sweets made of mochi as snacks.
6. Japan has the world’s largest dune
Tottori Sand Dunes are one of Japan’s most impressive natural landmarks, slowly formed over 100,000 years. Every year they attract thousands of tourists for sand boarding and other desert activities; an ideal destination for thrill-seekers!
Dunes feature large dips that resemble craters, while their movement keeps them shifting constantly. When it rains heavily, pools form within these dunes which collect the collected rainwater to form an oasis-like area within them – an idyllic dune paradise!
Sand dunes can be breathtaking to look at, yet they can also pose serious danger if they collapse on someone. As such, the government has installed concrete barriers around sand dunes in order to stop erosion from damaging properties or people nearby.
If you plan to explore the dunes, be sure to wear appropriate footwear and check weather conditions prior to going. In addition, bring along plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
Japan offers many fascinating facts, from its distinct language and cuisine to its peculiar traditions. Did you know that its trains are among the world’s most punctual? Or that there are Maid Cafes where women dressed as maids serve customers? Or that in Japan you can leave your wallet on a train station floor and come back later an hour later? All these fun facts contribute to what makes Japan such an intriguing country!