Interesting Facts About Japan
If you’re visiting Japan, you should get acquainted with its culture before arriving there. From why they cultivate square watermelons to why they don’t celebrate Christmas – here are some fun facts about Japan that might come in handy!
Japan boasts more than 6,800 islands to explore! That’s an enormous body of water to discover!
1. The Japanese Flag is 2:3 instead of 4:3
Japan boasts a diverse culture that encompasses sushi and noodles to paper folding. Furthermore, Japan boasts stunning artworks like Hokusai’s The Great Wave Off Kanagawa that celebrate its heritage.
Japan’s national flag features a red circle on a white background – an image associated with the sun that dates back centuries and which many see as representing rising sun imagery found throughout Japanese art.
The Japanese flag first made an appearance in 701, and later came to be known as the “flag of the rising sun” due to an imperial letter sent to China’s Emperor. In 1870, its current design was determined and specifications became extremely stringent–the disc must be precisely centered and three-fifths the height of flag should comprise its diameter.
2. Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual
Japan’s railway system is widely acclaimed for its unflappability. Trains travel at incredible speeds while still arriving on time at each station! Additionally, very few accidents occur despite its sheer volume.
Railway systems in Japan remain one of the primary modes of passenger transportation, particularly commuter trains and Shinkansen between major cities. Even as automobile ownership has grown more prevalent over time, Japan’s railways remain popular means of passenger transport.
If a train is running late, its company usually displays it on monitors around the station and employees apologize over public announcement system before giving out official delay certificates to passengers! This practice is really impressive; not many other countries do this and proves how ahead-of-the-game Japan truly is.
3. Square watermelons are grown by Japanese farmers
Japan has long been at the forefront of selling bizarre-shaped fruits and vegetables – from grapes the size of ping pong balls to strawberries that look like tennis balls – for over 200 years! Their vendors have sold such produce.
Zentsuji in Kawaga Prefecture began cultivating square watermelons over 45 years ago as luxury novelty gifts to be given as presents, usually without an indication that these food-grade watermelons were edible.
Melons were originally intended to be consumed, but their challenging shape made cutting them difficult and spoilage usually occurred within days. Now they are grown solely as decorative items; packed in specially sized boxes for them and delivered directly to supermarkets or department stores for sale with unique stickers attached and instructions from farmers on how to decorate with ribbon.
4. There are more pets than children
Japan is notable for being home to more pets than children – something many might find surprising at first. This trend stems from Japanese culture valuing animal rights and treating all pets with care and consideration.
Japan comprises 67% forest land, so it isn’t unusual to come across warnings about black bears along hiking trails. Furthermore, thousands of tame sika deer wander the streets in Nara and bowing at tourists for crackers sold there.
Japan is well known for having one of the highest life expectancies, which can be attributed to their healthy diets, ikigai (an idea or purpose for living), and high standards of personal hygiene.
5. Adult diapers are sold more than baby diapers
Japan is rapidly aging, which explains why adult diaper sales have now outshone those intended for infants – something which many were taken aback by. This unprecedented event is quite shocking for many people and many remain stunned.
Japan-based manufacturers such as Unicharm and Daio Paper have increased their emphasis on adult diapers to take advantage of an emerging market. Japan’s rapidly aging population provides a target customer base with disposable income and strong desires to remain independent, which are ideal conditions for adult diaper sales growth.
Due to an aging global population, adult incontinence products are projected to experience rapid global expansion. Companies are taking steps to normalize conversations about these products by making them less stigmatizing and placing them alongside deodorants instead of baby diapers in store aisles – these efforts have paid dividends.
6. Japan is the most populous country in the world
Japan is both one of the world’s largest and safest nations. Crime levels remain very low in Tokyo; and, because immigration into Japan is limited, all residents there are Japanese nationals.
Japan, home of over 100 active volcanoes and boasting the world’s highest population density, boasts an average life expectancy of 83.6 years – many attribute this longevity to their diet of fish, vegetables and minimal red meat intake.
Japan is an advanced technological nation with a rich cultural tradition, making it no surprise it is considered one of the leading nations worldwide. There is so much more to discover about this fascinating land! Check out these other interesting facts about Japan which may surprise you! There is even a video available showing you how to tie a perfect bow! Have fun learning!
7. Japan is home to over 100 active volcanoes
Japan lies across several active tectonic plates on the Pacific Ring of Fire and boasts more volcanoes than almost any other nation, which can be found throughout its island nation.
Mount Fuji (Fujisan), Japan’s most iconic mountain, has become an emblematic image for Japanese culture as featured on Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and modern tourism posters. However, its active volcano status with an eruption occurring most recently in 1707 poses potential health threats to nearby residents.
Sakurajima on Kyushu Island is another renowned volcanic site, famed as “The Volcano That Never Sleeps”. Since 1955 it has erupted more than 35 times due to being near a subduction zone where tectonic plates beneath it are shifting. Its volcanic activity is responsible for creating hot springs throughout Japan.
8. Christmas isn’t a big holiday
As Japan was rebuilding post World War 2, Christmas slowly made an appearance without religious connotations. Now enjoyed by many Japanese people, Christmas trees, presents, markets, decorations and decorations are widely enjoyed; even KFC’s special slogan ‘Kentucky for Christmas’ became an institution.
Every year on the first Sunday in April in Okayama there is an extraordinary festival called Hadaka Matsuri where thousands of men strip naked publicly – an unusual but lucrative tradition thought to bring good luck for the upcoming year and more business for restaurants and shops in Okayama than any other event! This festival is considered one of the strangest in Japan.
9. Japan has cuddle cafes
Due to an increasing trend of single person households in Japan, it has become more and more prevalent for individuals to request tables for themselves at restaurants – be it lunch, dinner or breakfast! You won’t find any shortage of solo dining opportunities here among all that delicious sushi and gorgeous cherry blossoms!
Japan has witnessed the introduction of a unique cafe where men pay to cuddle with women – Soineya, known as a co-sleeping specialty shop, offers customers 20 minutes or an hour to cuddle, with 10-hour sleep sessions available for 50,000 yen each. While some might find this disturbing, Soineya caters specifically to this need and allows customers to choose either 20 minutes of snuggling time with women or even an entire night!
Akihabara – Tokyo’s hub of anime and manga fandom – boasts an intriguing Maid Cafe that allows visitors to choose a maid from a menu while they dine.
10. Tattoos are considered ugly
One of the more fascinating facts about Japan is that tattoos are considered ugly; so much so, that there’s even an official law against them!
Country is well-known for its eccentric festivals such as Hadaka Matsuri, a celebration of male reproductive organs. Men strip naked publicly during this event that features penis lollipops and other decorations designed to represent male reproductive health.
Japan is also an incredibly safe country, boasting low crime rates and almost no immigration or diversity. Tokyo stands out as a secure city compared to others around the world; locals do not lock their homes, bicycles or umbrellas when leaving trains or metro stations as this displays the country’s respect and politeness towards others.
Japanese life expectancies rank among the highest globally; yet this fascinating country holds many other fascinating facts!
Slurping noodles is considered an indication of good taste in Japan. Furthermore, it might surprise you to learn that Tokyo boasts over 300 islands!
1. Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world
Japan stands out as one of the few nations with an excellent life expectancy record, due in large part to low mortality rates from ischemic heart disease, breast and prostate cancer as well as cerebrovascular disease (including intracerebral hemorrhage).
According to a recent G7 countries’ study, Japan has witnessed its average lifespan increase since 2000 by almost five years for women and four for men due to their health conscious lifestyle and focus on preventative healthcare.
Japan boasts an enviable low smoking rate and was an early adopter of non-smoking areas in restaurants – both factors are positive contributors to Japan’s high life expectancy.
Japan stands out in this respect due to the quality of education it offers its people; second only to Australia with regard to tertiary enrollment rates, more than half of adults receive some form of post-secondary training. This exceeds OECD average of just 18 years, which contributes significantly towards increasing adult literacy and skills levels.
Japan is well known for its strict morals, evidenced by their propensity to leave wallets alone or turn them in rather than steal them when found on the street. Furthermore, their low crime rate makes Japan an excellent travel destination.
Shinjuku Station in Tokyo sees over 3.5 million passengers daily – making it the world’s busiest train station! Yet even with such a dense population, Tokyo residents are known for keeping the city clean and etiquette-oriented.
Japan is widely recognized for its distinct architectural style and “kawaii” phenomenon, which is characterized by cuteness. From Hello Kitty and Pikachu characters to Lolita fashion and food packaging to transport. Additionally, you may notice this aesthetic throughout Japan! Additionally, another cultural quirk of Japanese society includes not wearing shoes indoors; rather they remove their slippers at the door as a gesture of politeness to anyone entering.
2. Japan has the oldest hotel in the world
Japan is a fascinating and historic nation. Due to low immigration rates, Japanese people feel strongly connected to their culture and traditions and work tirelessly to preserve these aspects of life. Japan’s commitment to cultural homogeneity makes for fascinating reading; this helps foster unity within its population.
Japan is home to one of the oldest hotels in the world, established over 1,300 years ago! Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture holds this distinction and was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2011. Owned and run by one family for 52 generations – welcoming guests from across the globe today!
Japan stands out as an intriguing country due to its three distinct writing systems! Japanese citizens use Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana script to write words; sometimes even combining the styles together to form new ones! This diverse system plays an essential part of Japanese culture while adding depth and diversity to its language.
Japan boasts some unique food and drink traditions. One such tradition involves pouring drinks for others when in a group; this gesture shows your care while strengthening bonds among members of the group.
Japanese love to eat fish! Their nation boasts many species of delectable seafood, while Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the world’s largest. Open from 3:00 am every morning until 4:00 am daily, Tsukiji attracts millions of visitors annually.
Japan is also home to snow monkeys, an aquatic primate species which lives in colder environments and enjoys bathing in hot springs during winter. Revered by Japanese citizens alike, these snow monkeys serve as symbols of good luck.
Japan is well known for having some of the world’s most punctual trains! One railway company had to apologize after one train left 25 seconds early! Japan also boasts “Maid Cafes,” restaurants where customers are served by waitresses in maid costumes.
3. Japan has the largest stock exchange in the world
Japan is one of the most captivating countries on Earth, boasting towering mountains, idyllic beaches, and vibrant cities. While most are familiar with its rich history and culture, you might be amazed to discover all there is to know about Japan! Read on and uncover even more amazing facts!
Did you know that Japan boasts the world’s largest stock exchange? Japan’s market is one of the most liquid in existence and many Japanese companies are highly profitable, selling many products overseas which helps offset slow economic growth in Japan and provide a solid and secure economic foundation for the nation.
Japan boasts one of the largest stock exchanges worldwide and boasts some of the world’s most innovative companies – from robotics to medical devices – from robotics to medical devices – Japanese firms lead many industries and are trusted by consumers around the world for their quality and reliability.
One of the most noteworthy characteristics of Japanese society is their high degree of politeness. There is an overwhelming emphasis placed on being considerate toward others in public places – conversations on trains and buses take place in whispered tones, announcements are issued to remind people to turn off cell phones etc. This exemplifies Japan’s cultural values and emphasizes just how essential respect is.
Another interesting fact about Japan is that its people are fiercely protective of their traditions and way of life, likely as a result of its limited immigration which has helped foster an atmosphere of unity within its population. Japanese residents also take great pride in maintaining natural beauty by protecting ecosystems and limiting pollution.
Japan is also renowned for being an extremely spiritual country, with most residents practicing Shinto religion based around the belief that all aspects of nature contain spirits. Thus, Japanese have developed an immense respect for nature which manifests through sustainable tourism initiatives as well as stringent regulations against animal cruelty and littering.
4. Japan has the oldest emperor
Emperor Showa was the longest serving Emperor in Japan’s history, being born in 1901 and taking the throne in 1926. As first-ever heir to visit Korea as well as being responsible for some of the more controversial decisions like allowing troops into Manchuria which led directly into Second Sino-Japanese War, Showa held power through some controversial times in Japan’s history.
Before Showa, the Japanese Emperors were seen as almost godlike figures. While their position was symbolic, they also held some power to legislate legislation as well as pardon criminals or approve marriages and control taxation. With more effective management in Japan however, their role diminished as real power was increasingly concentrated among Fujiwara clan and later Taira clan members.
Even during these difficult periods of power struggle, the Japanese people continued to revere the Imperial Family and hold a high regard for them today. Their members are seen as important symbols of national unity; many emperors have been held in high esteem as leaders who devoted themselves to fulfilling their roles faithfully.
Emperor Jimmu was said to have been born from the blood of a dragonfly (Jimmu-no-suki). When surveying the Seto Inland Sea from a mountaintop, he observed it looked like rings of mating dragonflies (, akitsumikami). A mosquito attempted to steal his royal blood but was quickly killed by one. As such, Akitsushima Islands (Akitsumima ) were named in memory of this event.
There are many fascinating facts about Japan, but these should get your started! Japan is an incredibly unique nation that has an impressive history of maintaining their cultural identities and traditions in spite of outside influences, giving its people a strong sense of community amongst themselves and creating an extremely safe living environment. Additionally, Japan stands out as one of the few countries with strict immigration policies and values their culture as such; creating an impressive sense of pride among Japanese citizens that makes this nation such a fascinating one to study!